Quote:
Originally Posted by wildbill23c
I just got my first ATV, and I bought a trailer. Either buy a trailer for your ATV's or take the tailgate off when you load your ATV. Even my new Yamaha Grizzly 450 weights 624 pounds. I've just never liked driving anything up into the back of a truck like that, the trailer sits much lower, has a tilt bed, and plenty of tiedown space, plus I still have my truck bed for the rest of my gear. Even when I loaded my Craftsman riding mower into the back of my F250 pickup I removed the tailgate first. Its just easier and less of a chance on damage that way.
Although I see the point though, you would think a truck would have a strong enough tailgate to withstand weight, but since the owner's manuals don't have a weight limit I would say that you guys would be entitled to a replacement tailgate. And I've never seen any weight ratings on any tailgate on any vehicle.
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I don't believe it could be said any better than that. I just got my '07 Tundra yesterday, and I've noticed the tailgate does seem a bit light. That said, I just take it for granted that tailgates are for restraining loads, not bearing them. Put a ramp at the edge of the gate, run 700+lbs of man and machine up that ramp, and the leverage stress on the tailgate would be incredible. Ramps should rest on the rear of the bed. Loads that extend past the bed should rest on a bed extension. I'm not talking lumber hanging over the edge, but an ATV does bounce some, even under ratchet ties, which btw, could have increased the loading. The plywood sounds like a great idea, and much less expensive than a bed extension.
Myself, I've got a Leer cover on order. It just fits
my needs for my truck bed to be a secure, weatherproof cargo space. For my ATV and all other big loads, I use my trailer. For the reasons quoted above. Carries more than the truck, too. The tubular frame 5.5' x 10',
560 lb trailer that I have, has a 3k lb axle, and will haul almost a metric ton, 2160 lb.