Will this cause damage to the tailgate - buckling ?

Thanks in advance for the help!

I am trying to hall 2 kayaks each 10 feet long. 40 lbs each. I have a 2017 tako access sport. I found a picture of a guy hauling 2 kayaks like I want to do. Please see attached pic.

My bed is 6 feet long with tailgate up. i also have a rubber mat in the bed to prevent slippage of the kayaks. I dont want the pressure of the kayaks buckling my tailgate. I searched but couldnt find any weight limit for the tailgate while in the UP POSITION with the kayaks resting on it. I would rather not use an extender or build a rack. I just want to throw kayaks in, strap them in and go.

Any help would be appreciated. Please see attached pic.
Thanks

 

80 pound is nothing I wouldn't worry about it, Toyota builds a tough truck

 

My friend and I both sit on the tailgate to eat lunch since no more dine in and I can say that we weigh more than 80 lbs. I’ve transported 12 ft treated wood and leaned it on the tailgate down and it was maybe total 900 lbs and no problem.

 

If you’re really worried, several vendors make metal caps for ~$100 I believe.

Okay, so I couldn’t find the 3rd gen, but you get the idea.
https://mobtownoffroad.com/product/2005-2015-toyota-tacoma-tailgate-reinforcement-cap/

They also make a full skin which might serve the same purpose.

 

Shouldn’t be an issue. Just don’t leave them strapped down hard in the heat for too long. Molded my tailgate a little bit by doing that with my kayak.

 

lol you'll be good

 

I’ve hauled plenty of stuff on my tailgate when it’s been down. It still works fine with zero issues.

 

I’d put a moving blanket or something down Too. You can also make a crease in the kayak hull. I have a mountain bike tailgate pad, so I use that.

 

I would be more concerned with the tailgate damaging the kayaks (if you tighten the straps too tight it might deform the hull). I haul mine tailgate down and just strap them to the bed. Both mine are 10 foot kayaks for fishing, weigh about 60-70lbs each.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I know and Have transported both kayaks with tailgate DOWN, no issues. I would like to transport both kayaks with tailgate UP, with both kayaks resting on tailgat in the up position. (see pic i attached) If any one does this on a regular basis i would appreciate the feedback! RUSHT Thanks for the link, i will check it out. Tailgate needs to be UP!! Thanks

 

Tailgate is down here - as we are unloading - we use Thule or NRS kayak straps (as opposed to ratchet - better for kayaks) if we are going a long way. We usually have the tailgate up and strapped in....never a problem - our farm is on a river and we transport kayaks a LOT! Have fun and enjoy.

 

My son does the same with his 1st gen Tacoma...

 

In that setup 90% of the weight is being concentrated on the bow end resting down in the truck bed. There's maybe 5lbs worth of weight bearing on the top of the tailgate.

As others have said you'll deform the hull before you ever make a dent in the tailgate.

 

I'd be worried if I owned a Sport...

 

Thank you! Exactly what I was looking for! Looks like I can transport with tailgate up and rest / tie down 2 kayaks without tailgate buckeling.

 

Yep - we do it all the time (can't fit them all in my truck...but with my son's truck we manage...canoe is a tailgate down boat (LOL) - again the biggest concern is the straps you use to secure your kayaks - NRS 20' is my favorite.

 

It may cause bucking on the kayak, but it won't do anything to the tailgate

 

Thanks 2 all.

GSDLVR - Thats a great pic -

 

If you’re worried about the amount of force on your tailgate, maybe a high mount hitch extender might work for you?

Not any worries in the world....

 

Thanks, I will give it a shot with the tailgate UP with both kayaks partially in the bed and on the top of the tailgate.