How much weight can our tailgate handle?

Odd question I know, but I'd rather ask before damaging...

I've got some crates to transport soon and they're going to be in the 500+ lbs range. Seen as it'll probably be just me and maybe the wife trying to load them, I'm going to be having to tip the crate onto the tailgate, then deadlift it up and slide it into the bed.

It shouldn't be an issue having 500+ lbs pivoting on the edge of the tailgate eh? I could see the tailgate skin getting dinged up, but I may just put a piece of plywood down to protect it.

 

plywood, or maybe some 2x6s under the crates would be a good idea..., I wouldnt put 500 pounds on the edge of the tailgate without support.. people have bent them by loading motorcycles that weigh less.

 

my tailgate made a cracking noise when my 180 pound body stepped from the edge of the bed down to the tailgate. The plastic got all kinds of chewed up when I was unloading washing machines.... So I'd use caution.

 

Usually a tailgate is max rated in the 300 to 500lb range from what I've seen in the past. I would not put 500lbs on my tailgate, I can damn sure tell you that!

 

That's what the PO of my truck did.

 

there's some vendors out here that sell both a top tail cover and a whole plate the replaces the inner composite side of the tail gate. Even the Top tail cover will make your tail gate alot more rigid.

 

I'm more concerned with the stress placed on that little "safety cable" and the hinges. When you place all of that mass on the edge of the tailgate, it will exert a lot of force on those components.

 

https://www.relentlessfabrication.c.../products/2016-tacoma-tail-gate-reinforcement
@RelentlessFab

 

I have seen other vendors with other solutions.

 

I would rent a trailer from your local U-Haul to put the crates in.

 

Good call, don't know why that hadn't crossed my mind.

duly noted. Probably taking the tailgate off and using atv ramps would probably be appreciated by my lower back anyways

Thx guys

 

any links/details?

nm... I should have reloaded the page before that comment lol not used to quick responses like this! ha

 

Last time I checked our tailgates only have one little wire cable to help load share. The photo there shows two cables which may bump up the max load bearing capacity of the tailgate (that truck looks like a full size). The support panel is good for protecting the tailgate from getting dented or taco'd -in from impact or pressure but it still does not add the amount of weight that the tailgate can bear.

 

I'd remove it for safer/easier loading

 

That's a Tacoma.

 

I've done 500ish pounds multiple times on this truck. we unload machines pivoting them off the tailgate on two metal rails. It has left marks, but no damage. Feels very sketchy compared to Silverados we used to have. Last time I heard some odd noises and haven't tried it again since. We've bent two Tundra tailgates doing the same thing. I'd say once or twice should be fine. Just not built heavy enough...

 

Now that I recall, I loaded a used washer and dryer in my bed and I did load them on most of the tailgate, then I (250lbs) stepped onto the tailgate and then moved it well into the bed.

 

A washer and dryer weighs 500lbs? Most of them I've ever moved probably aren't even pushing 150lbs.

 

I never said they weighed 500lbs. Why are you putting words in my mouth?

 

I recently had three adults sitting across my tailgate (~500 lbs) for maybe 45 mins. No deformation or other issues that I'm aware of.