Multipro Tailgate Use With Forklift?

[Haoleguy]

At some point this year I plan to purchase a GMC Sierra HD for farm use. Frequently I have to load bulky items into the truck bed with a forklift. My gut feeling is that I should stay with the standard tailgate vs the multipro tailgate. Anyone using a multipro tailgate with a forklift? Any thoughts?.....Thank you, Gary

[Pryme]

39 minutes ago, Haoleguy said:

At some point this year I plan to purchase a GMC Sierra HD for farm use. Frequently I have to load bulky items into the truck bed with a forklift. My gut feeling is that I should stay with the standard tailgate vs the multipro tailgate. Anyone using a multipro tailgate with a forklift? Any thoughts?.....Thank you, Gary

With long forks I don’t see the need to put any load on the tailgate. Could set the pallet mainly in the bed and push forward with the tips by just lifting the back of the pallet to slide forward. Probably wouldn’t matter. 

[newdude]

When loading heavy objects, especially say a drive on object (lawn mower, snowmobile, ATV) GM says to lower the middle gate and put ramps on the main portion of the gate, or to remove the gate all together.

 

So I would say when loading in something like a pallet of whatever with a forklift, lower the center gate so that if any weight touches, it hits the main gate.  

[Another JR]

On past trucks when I  have picked up loads on pallets, I have taken the tailgate off. Unless the load is actually on a pallet and the loader has long forks, the driver always wants to set the load down partially in and slide the forks out to relift the load and place it all the way in. That can damage the tailgate. 
 

If the OP has to leave the tailgate on, a standard tailgate likely will tolerate the abuse better, and is at least a little cheaper to replace. 

Edited April 3, 2023 by Another JR

[Haoleguy]

Thank you for the replies. My gut feeling is that the solid standard tailgate will serve the transport of materials better with in and out loading with tractor forks or forklift. The only interest I have with the multipro tailgate is that as I get older, and the trucks get taller, any assistance is welcome to get up into the bed.

[Another JR]

2 minutes ago, Haoleguy said:

Thank you for the replies. …The only interest I have with the multipro tailgate is that as I get older, and the trucks get taller, any assistance is welcome to get up into the bed.

The multipro is nice for entry because the bed floor is so high. When you get the point where you are really struggling to climb up, it would be a big help. I’m 59, and I find I don’t bother to use it much - yet at least. For me, I find the steps built into the bumper corners and into the forward sides of the bed to be more useful because they are always available.  

[XY74]

When I think of the words farm and forklift, I don't think I would want a $2000+ tailgate.  

[Dr1ft3r]

On 4/3/2023 at 8:28 AM, Haoleguy said:

At some point this year I plan to purchase a GMC Sierra HD for farm use. Frequently I have to load bulky items into the truck bed with a forklift. My gut feeling is that I should stay with the standard tailgate vs the multipro tailgate. Anyone using a multipro tailgate with a forklift? Any thoughts?.....Thank you, Gary

If loading a pallet into your truck then it's likely not going to be an issue if the weight on the pallet is evenly distributed or the total weight on the pallet is in excess of 3,000#. That is, if the pallet is placed entirely inside your truck and only the last board on the bottom of the pallet is on the edge of your tailgate.

Also, pallets are generally 48" wide and the small portion of the tailgate is barely wider than that. So, unless the pallet is perfectly centered then most likely one corner of the pallet will be on the main portion of the tailgate.

Also, nobody knows exactly how much weight the small tailgate supports. The owners manual says 300#, but only when using the step on the tailgate while it is open. It does not specify what weight the gate will support when closed.

However, unless you are using aftermarket supports to support your tailgate I would not put a lot of weight on any portion of any tailgate, multi-pro or not. I have seen stock tailgate cables fail while someone was loading something as light as a 700# ATV, which means some of that 700# weight was also on the ground at the time. I personally use some steel brackets that latch between my tailgate latch and on the rod that the tailgate latch locks onto when the tailgate is closed to support my tailgate when I was loading my ATV into my truck. I also lowered the small tailgate and (barely) drove between the main tailgate as my ATV is 48"-49" wide at the tires. I actually rub the main tailgate a little. But now I have a Diamondback cover over my bed and I load directly onto that and don't have to worry about my tailgate when loading my ATV anymore.

[Haoleguy]

Thanks Dr1ft3r. The forks, with loader arms, on my John Deere tractor reach pretty far into the bed so that won't be an issue. Currently the forklifts I use would put ~20% of the load weight onto the tailgate going in and possibly 40% when pulling out.  Typically my loads are 1500-2000lbs evenly distributed on a palate or IBC tank. I'm pretty much convinced the standard tailgate is best for my application.

[gemarsh]

I just drop the midgate when loading unloading pallets of seed corn, 55gal drums of oil or chem totes. Never has been an issue. Never gave it a thought, but to think with a portion of the tailgate gone, I can get closer to put all weight on the bed. Most forklifts fit in. My skidsteer doesn't even come close. Never used forks/loader bucket on a tractor, so I have no idea how close the grill of tractor is.

 

I love to drop the midgate to reach in the back of the bed for items. Be it fence posts or loading a calf.

[Dr1ft3r]

18 hours ago, Haoleguy said:

Thanks Dr1ft3r. The forks, with loader arms, on my John Deere tractor reach pretty far into the bed so that won't be an issue. Currently the forklifts I use would put ~20% of the load weight onto the tailgate going in and possibly 40% when pulling out.  Typically my loads are 1500-2000lbs evenly distributed on a palate or IBC tank. I'm pretty much convinced the standard tailgate is best for my application.

There are certainly pros and cons to either choice. If I were in your situation I would probably choose the normal tailgate as well. The multi-pro tailgate has certainly come in handy for me, but there have been times I would have preferred the regular tailgate.

If I were ever really worried about the load on the inner tailgate I would put something over it, like a piece of plate steel or maybe even a 2x6.

[JoselynPorter]

Loading bulky items into the truck bed with a forklift sounds like a serious farm workout!   As for the multipro tailgate dilemma, I'm no expert, but sticking with the standard might be the safe bet for forklift compatibility. Anyone out there using a multipro with a forklift? Let's hear those thoughts, folks!   And Gary, just in case you haven't already, you might see here for some insights or experiences shared by fellow truck enthusiasts.

Edited November 30, 2023 by JoselynPorter