Can I spray a bedliner over the tailgate? what is max load weight on the tailgate?

[Interleukin6]

My 2022 LTD was sprayed with a bedliner from the dealer except for the tailgate (not multipro). Now, I want to spray the plastic cover panel of the tailgate by myself but I also read spraying tailgate is not recommended without clear explanation (Is that why it came with the bed liner on the bed only?). If this is not true, can I just unscrew all the screws to take out the plastic cover panel so that I can spray it then put it back? I am a little worried some screws are holding another parts inside of the tailgate and unscrewing them may cause any headache. Another question is what is the max weight we can put on our fancy(?) aluminum tailgate. I googled it but there is no clear answer. Some say 375 lbs but seem to be old posts. Also read some tailgates were damaged after loading snowmobiles or ATVs. Thanks.

Edited October 24, 2022 by Interleukin6

[Dirk13]

6 hours ago, Interleukin6 said:

My 2022 LTD was sprayed with a bedliner from the dealer except for the tailgate (not multipro). Now, I want to spray the plastic cover panel of the tailgate by myself but I also read spraying tailgate is not recommended without clear explanation (Is that why it came with the bed liner on the bed only?). If this is not true, can I just unscrew all the screws to take out the plastic cover panel so that I can spray it then put it back? I am a little worried some screws are holding another parts inside of the tailgate and unscrewing them may cause any headache. Another question is what is the max weight we can put on our fancy(?) aluminum tailgate. I googled it but there is no clear answer. Some say 375 lbs but seem to be old posts. Also read some tailgates were damaged after loading snowmobiles or ATVs. Thanks.

It probably just may not stick that well the the plastic piece. The screws don’t hole anything but the plastic, you’re safe to take it off.

I think the tailgate rating is in the owners manual, you could check there. It is somewhere around 375 though.

Edited October 24, 2022 by Dirk13

[redwngr]

My understanding is usual practice is not not spray the tailgates that have the plastic facing.

 

I've had tailgates that pre-dated the use of the plastic facing and were sprayed with bed-liner.

 

Screw heads needed to be dealt with so they were still removable.

 

Only issue I recall when both bed and gate were sprayed was if the sprayed material was too thick and caused binding between rear edge(s) of bed and edge(s) of tailgate. 

 

If plastic one gets damaged, bolt in a new piece. 

I agree with those that suggest not spraying. 

 

I don't know the tailgate load rating -- but have had a lot more confidence in the folding straps method that was used before the days of the cables with the crimped on ends.

Over the years I've seen trucks that the cable system failed.

Edited October 24, 2022 by redwngr

[SilveradoRST]

40 minutes ago, redwngr said:

Only issue I recall when both bed and gate were sprayed was if the sprayed material was too thick and caused binding between rear edge(s) of bed and edge(s) of tailgate. 

I was told something similar when I had my sprayed by my local Line-X shop, along with the comment above about the lack of adhesion if they sprayed it.  I guess the way it’s molded, it is the same thickness as if it was already sprayed. 
 

Don’t mind that it’s plastic, easy to swap if damaged and lightens the tailgate for the Mrs.   

Edited October 24, 2022 by SilveradoRST

[newdude]

14 hours ago, Interleukin6 said:

My 2022 LTD was sprayed with a bedliner from the dealer except for the tailgate (not multipro). Now, I want to spray the plastic cover panel of the tailgate by myself but I also read spraying tailgate is not recommended without clear explanation (Is that why it came with the bed liner on the bed only?). If this is not true, can I just unscrew all the screws to take out the plastic cover panel so that I can spray it then put it back? I am a little worried some screws are holding another parts inside of the tailgate and unscrewing them may cause any headache. Another question is what is the max weight we can put on our fancy(?) aluminum tailgate. I googled it but there is no clear answer. Some say 375 lbs but seem to be old posts. Also read some tailgates were damaged after loading snowmobiles or ATVs. Thanks.

 

 

Can't spray the plastic.  Underneath its all open/holes.  

 

The 14-19 old body the tailgate was rated for 1000lbs evenly displaced on the entire gate.  Can't speak on the new trucks as I haven't seen an official rating from GM.  HD trucks are still a steel gate so I would think that those are still rated for 1000lbs.  

[BlancoSilverado]

Regarding the weight rating, i placed over 1500lbs on the tailgate(concrete bags) and ended up cracking the adhesion  on the driver side, took it to the dealer and they ended up replacing the tailgate. I believe that If the truck is rated for 2k-lbs, the tailgate should be able to support that amount (not driving) but i do understand why they dont also. 

 

This weekend i did another concrete pour and have roughly 1000lbs on the tailgate while unloading. zero issues.