Is it capable?

I need to transport a riding mower. Don't have a trailer for it. My question is can my base model tacoma and the tailgate support the lawn mower when using ramps to drive the mower onto the truck bed. The weight of the mower is 415lbs and I'm about 135lbs.
Will the tailgate support this action?

 

Probably a few times... Look at some tailgate reinforcement parts. @KB Voodoo

 

I had the back wheels of a John Deere rider sitting right on the tailgate of my 2013......btu I also had our tailgate cap installed at the time.

http://www.kbvoodoo.com/shop/powder-coated-tailgate-cap-system

 

Might be dumb, but could you go to home depot and get some cheap piece of wood to lay over the tailgate to give it some reinforcement and have it underneath the wheels? Im sure with the weight of the mower the piece of wood likely wouldn't shift much.

Coot

 

I think the 08 and up tailgates are stronger from the factory. anything earlier and it will taco under the weight.

 

This is a good idea, and cheap insurance.

I have an '09 and did internal repair to my tailgate. Worst my gate ever saw was me standing on it.

 

Hopefully you can get a piece of wood long enough for it to extend from the tailgate while its down to atleast a third of the bed that way the weight distribution can alleviate some of the load. Depending on how you plan to load the mower, you should be able to easily remove it from the bed if it starts to give although I would think you have some time to get it off if needed. Def will be interesting to hear how it goes either way.

Coot

 

I looked at the tailgate-cap-system @KB Voodoo, nice, but I dont have the bucks(price is ok), nor time for it to get to me. I like and agree with @Coot83 on the board covering the tail gate. Will the cables hold up ok do you think?

I'll be making the trip on the 9th of Dec and back on the 12th, so I may do a test load with my younger but bigger brother standing by before the trip and will let ya'll know.

 

It's fine
I had a 2000 Standard cab 4cyl.
I had a Yamaha banshee in the back of my truck going out riding all the time never had any problems..

It was about 400Lbs pluss all my gear

 

Damn that's another good question. Do you have any way to measure the mower from the front center of it to the edge of the back tires? Knowing how much distance on the rear tires might stick out might help in getting some idea of what the tailgate would have to support. Also if you have a shorter rear end you could also back it in to the bed as the closer you can get the wheels into the bed area will obviously help out the tailgate.

Coot

 

Buy a 3/4" piece of plywood. cut out for the wheel wells. Ratchet strap the front and back down to the tiedown points... @Coot83 has a pretty economical plan here.

 

Well I think you took my plan and made it a reality. Im thinking OP you got some possibilities here.

Coot

 

You can rent a trailer for cheap, if it's a one-time thing...

 

Keep in mind weight closer to the tail gate support cables is not nearly as hard on the tailgate than weight right in the center.

 

Ah good point!

Coot

 

Very true. The tailgate itself is strong around the edges, I found it's double sheet wall in some places there, it's the center that is weak.

Edit: some pics over here

 

It's a rear engine snapper,,so I'm planning on backing it on so the the main weight during the trip won't be past the rear tires on the bed. I've got some wood, just will need to cut it to fit. Thanks for all the help,,I've never yet had a question here that has gone unanswered. Thanks again guys.

old dad (not so old as just worn out)

 

welcome

 

Take the tail gate off and use these:

 

@old dad You may need to consider AAL, or air bag assist if you plan to carry this mower a lot!