loading atv with tailgate down

Larr · October 19, 2003

I have a 03 2500HD shortbed and I am using a bifold loading ramp to load and unload my kawi kfx-700,about 550 lbs,plus me riding it,I'm about 180 lbs.I am wondering if the tailgate will become "deformed?" does anybody else load and unload there atv's often? thx.

Wingnut · October 19, 2003

I do, but I'm only riding a Kawazuki Z400.....about 100 lbs less than what you are talking...I ride at least three times a week however, about half the time, I put it up there without ramps.

I woundn't worry about the tailgate "deforming" nearly as much as the cables breaking.

It happens quite a bit on these trucks, and it would really suck to be heading up the ramp and have it drop out (They both can go at the same time.....That would be a wild ride to say the least.

HendyPhoto · October 19, 2003

I loaded just as much weight on my dakota tailgate with my wheelers for 6 years, and never a problem. These trucks can handle WAY more than the Dakota, so you are fine. Just as Wingnut said, I would worry about the cables before the gate itself or mounting hardware.

CMNTMXR81 · October 19, 2003

I ride my tractor up frequently. It may not weigh quite as much. but remember when you get it up, part of the weight is distributed down the ramps and some on the tailgate. Then once the fronts are into the bed, the rears will run onto the tailgate. SO you probably only really only have half the weight on it, half the time.

Larr · October 19, 2003

hank you for the repl's,I wonder if I should just take the tailgate off?I noticed today the tailgate is not closing has tight as it used to.also I will have to watch the cables. Thank you again

HendyPhoto · October 19, 2003

It may have come out of adjustment from the weight, thats why it doesnt close as tight.

Mr Mojo · October 19, 2003

I've never had a problem yet. With my '78 Chevy, the tailgate always fell off anyway, so I never worried about it, I would just lift the front end up and then lift th erear and push. This was a Honda 250R.

With my '91 GMC I used 2 x 6's and rode my Honda TRX300 up it dozens of times with no problems at all.

bigdogs · October 19, 2003

I was putting my Polaris Sportsman 700 in the back of our 2000 Silverado and it snapped one of the tailgate cables and bend the hinge on the opposite side. From now on I use the trailer instead...

Roofer · October 19, 2003

I was putting my Polaris Sportsman 700 in the back of our 2000 Silverado and it snapped one of the tailgate cables and bend the hinge on the opposite side. From now on I use the trailer instead...

That's close to 1000 lbs with a rider. The tailgate is only rated for 600 lbs. if I remember correctly. I wrecked the cables loading my wheeler in my 2000 Z71. The gate itself was fine and the 2500HD tailgate is twice if not three times what my Z71 tailgate was. Although the cables are probably the same.

bigdogs · October 19, 2003

I'm sure....it's like 750lbs dry. I didn't know the tailgate on the 2500HD is different from the 1500s

JRZ2500HD · October 24, 2003

An easy solution would be to lay 2x6's in the bed out over the tailgate and put the ramps on them so that you equal out the weight some.

bigdogs · October 24, 2003

I ended up getting one of those Snowbear Utility trailers from Home Depot for it. Easier to get in with that and don't have to worry about it damaging the truck. The Sportsman 700 needs an 8ft bed to close the tailgate anyway, as with a shortbed it sits on the tailgate

HendyPhoto · October 24, 2003

How much are those Home Depot trailers? Are they good ones? And what sizes do they have? I saw some there, but didnt have time to check them out.

Thanks

bigdogs · October 25, 2003

IT was like $550 if I remember right. The dimensions of it are 54x92 altho you can fold down the front and rear ends to extend it (or remove them along with the sides totally for a flatbed). They say with the front and rear ends folded down it is like 12' long. Here is the link for the one I got.

http://www.snowbear.com/html/8000.html