Tailgate load limits

[Opie366]

Anyone know how much weight the tailgate on a '03 2500 4WD can take? I am about to buy a motorcycle loading ramp that attaches to edge of the tailgate. The ramp itself will weigh around 100 lbs, and will be loading about 1000 lbs worth of bike and rider. I don't relish the idea of getting half way up the ramp only to have the tailgate give way or bend.

 

[llotton]

I have a 2003 Ram 4x4 and as a matter of routine load a Sportsman 500 quad which is pretty heavey pluss I weigh 250 so I guess I'm close to 1000 lbs or perhaps slightly over. I use two ramps. No problems. Larry

 

[robertyoke]

there was a post awhile back about a guy that bent his ford tailgate and ford told him that it was only rated for 100 lbs :-laf and would not warrantee it.

I have loaded my yamaha grizzly 660 (+700 lbs) with me on it(195 lbs) not a problem.

-robert

 

[Dual EE]

I've had 1500# on mine. Stretched out my support cables, but did not hurt the tailgate. This was a 22' inflatable slide that 5 of us were loading in my truck for my kids birthday. The tailgate supported the entire weight of the slide while we rolled in (and out).



I would make sure your cables are in good shape so you don't have any suprises.

 

[PKnoerzer]

One difference between loading a quad and loading a motorcycle is there is only one ramp in the middle. You might want to lay something crosswise on the edge of the tailgate to keep it from bending in the middle.

$0. 02

 

[scootergmc]

I've loaded sportbikes without a problem with a ramp in the middle. Don't know about the heavier cruisers, but you should be OK. I've also roll my quad (Kawi Prairie 700) in and out all the time. I also had my gun safe on there, 800+ pounds and used the tailgate as a pivot for laying it in the bed. That one scared me, but no problems whatsoever.



You won't get the entire weight on the tailgate either. By the time the front wheel is in the bed the rear wheel will just be getting to the tailgate.

 

[MBurtch]

I can tell you for a fact my tailgate on my 2003 4x4 will not support my fifthwheel.

 

[Cryppie]

:{ :-laf ROTFLMAO... I luckily haven't had the chance to op-test that feature with my 5er. Bummer

 

[CLAYTON]

I can tell you for a fact my tailgate on my 2003 4x4 will not support my fifthwheel.

LOL :-laf :-laf

 

[hasselbach]

I can tell you for a fact my tailgate on my 2003 4x4 will not support my fifthwheel.

Nor will it support my ex-wife :-laf

 

[Horsepuller]

That Ford story reminds of a sign over at the feed store where I pick up my hay. It states: "Not responsible for damage to Ford tailgates" Apparently, you can't even drop a bale of hay on them w/out them deforming. Hmmm, is that what "built Ford tough" means?

 

[MickeyMiller]

One thing to watch when using a bike ramp... the top of the tailgate is thin and soft. Loaded my Buell S-1 using a light aluminimum ramp and dented the heck out of the top of the tailgate (edge, while loading). I now use a heavy rubber mat between the ramp and the tailgate when loading.

 

[MegaRocks]

One trip across the tailgate with any Harley heavier than a Sportster will bow/dent the tailgate on a 3rd gen. in a heartbeat; did it to mine first month of ownership.



The tailgate just can't handle the concentrated load of 600 lbs. or more in one spot!!! :{

 

[Cattletrkr]

I can tell you for a fact my tailgate on my 2003 4x4 will not support my fifthwheel.

Do you have any idea how much beer burns when it comes shooting out your nose???? Thanks a lot. Next time a little warning maybe huh??

 

[JPauley]

My 2005 Ram 2500 has developed a nice deep dent where my Harley Street Glide rolls on the tailgate when I load and unload it. I would not have guessed that would have happened. My 1998 Ram 2500, loaded over a hundred times, and never a single dent or ding from it. Guess they are making everything CHEAPER these days. Maybe the tailgate is made in China or something. Any suggestions for stiffening the tailgate to save it from totally deforming (i. e. , a proper gauge steel plate to lay across and maybe attach to the tailgate permanently.

 

[rscurtis]

Why not just remove the tailgate while loading, and re-install it when done? It takes all of a minute, and you also don't have to worry about breaking a weak/rusted support cable.

 

[JPauley]

Support cables are cheap insurance, and I replace them if ever even slightly in question. And the tail gate is a two person job for my back, and I don't alway have the extra hands, so it stays on. I have a 2006 truck now, and it came with a stainless steel plate tailgate cover on it, which may stregthen it just enough. I'll find out after I load my bike a couple of times. One thing for sure, the tailgate is even heaver now, and I am even less likely to take if off now.

 

[S.Morris]

I load my Concours... . about 700lbs with gear. I use a 9' back arched ramp setup consisting of 3ramps hooked together side by side. Center one about 18" wide and outside ones about 10" wide. This allows you to put feet down... . not really needed for going up but definetly for going down.

I have a setup whereby I can if necessary winch bike on or off(useful for bike recovery if issues ever come up).

I use safety straps that I latch into tailgate latches and around latch pins on box for that Just in case moment on the factory cables..... The thought of the outcome of a broken cable not worth risk of skipping that little step.

The bike in the 8' box with tailgate closed(ramps etc in box also) and TT hooked up works very well.

 

[bighammer]

The tailgates are nowhere near as sturdy as they used to be. Also I don't trust the cables nearly as much as the straps of the '60s and '70s models. Never saw those break, but I've seen a couple broken cables and heard stories of a few more.

The removal of the tailgate is a pretty simple task that only takes a few minutes. If it were me and I HAD to use a ramp, I'd pull it off and not worry about its capacity to handle weight without damage.

I have loaded my bike a few times just by backing up to a hill or retained wall. A dry ditch with a decent V shape works well too. The "ramp" if any, is just a scrap of plywood to span the small gap and make the transition smoother. That much weight balanced up high on a ramp is just inviting trouble in my opinion.

 

[rashwor]

One difference between loading a quad and loading a motorcycle is there is only one ramp in the middle. You might want to lay something crosswise on the edge of the tailgate to keep it from bending in the middle.

$0. 02

This is good advise. If the weight is concentrated in a small area, you can bend or sag the tailgate. I know as I haul 200# cattle tubs in mine and if the loading personnel set a 200# tub in the middle of the tailgate, it will swag / bend on my '05. Mine swags to prove it. On the other hand, I like several others here, often load my Honda 300 ATV in the back with me on it. This weight is spread out and has never caused an issue.