Tailgate Strength

[schnid21]

So I bought a 2002 Z71. This is my first Full Size p/u. Just wondering what everyones thoughts were on how strong the tailgates are? I snowmobile all winter and plan on using the truck to move the sled around. Has anyone had any problems with the tailgates bending or anything like that? I plan on loading the sled using ramps and just want to make sure I am not going to bend anything. If so I can always take the tailgate off.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Jason

[silverad03]

I've ridden my sportbike up/down a 6' ramp in & out of the back of my truck several times. That's about 575 lbs total. So far so good. I had the original tailgate cables replaced on the recall. I do say a little prayer everytime I load/unload the bike anymore, though, just for good measure.

[Razor1616]

I havent had a problem loading or unloading my Kawasaki Prarie so far.

[VMax2007]

As long as you didn't buy a Tundra or Tacoma, you're good to go.

[asilverblazer]

I'd really like to see some actual numbers of what they are rated at. I've rolled round bales out off the end of mine. Some of them might weigh in between 750-1000 pounds. Not that I can really weigh them or anything.

[Norseman]

As long as you didn't buy a Tundra or Tacoma, you're good to go.

 

 

I must agree!

[foghorn23]

As long as you didn't buy a Tundra or Tacoma, you're good to go.

 

 

Hey VMax, I resemble that remark. Toyota sure got that wrong, huh?

 

No tailgate issues on either of my 3 previous GM trucks, however, you might want to take a look at the cables and make sure they are in good shape. I know there was a recall before, but better safe than sorry. I remember the good old days when the tailgate was suspended by metal straps....they rattled, but you didn't have to worry about one of those letting go. Other than that you shouldn't have a problem. BTW good luck with the new truck.

 

vroten

[ws6_guy]

As long as you didn't buy a Tundra or Tacoma, you're good to go.

 

 

I must agree!

 

 

 

x3

[Ranger]

I remember the good old days when the tailgate was suspended by metal straps....they rattled, but you didn't have to worry about one of those letting go.

 

They're quite good for catching the tailgate if the mounts rust through...My '80 K-10's tailgate mounts are very rusty and if the truck hits a good bump it'll fall off the mounts and the straps were the only thing that kept it from crashing into the ground.

[Zembonez]

I live in South Texas so I can't speak for snowmobiles but I've used my trucks to haul many motorcycles and my 4 wheeler and never had any problems. Keep an eye on the tailgate straps.

[Ranger]

I've had quite a bit of weight on my newer vehicles as well...Even had a 4 wheeler on my Colorado's tailgate and it held up fine.

[Tylerz71]

I load my 2003 Honda Rincon onto my tailgate a good bit and it hasnt had any negative effects.

Even though my mounts are rusted and that 620+ lbs is not good for it.

 

I trust them.

[Bobslob]

750lb. sportsman/w me on it, and no problems.

[Grip72]

I've ridden my sportbike up/down a 6' ramp in & out of the back of my truck several times. That's about 575 lbs total. So far so good. I had the original tailgate cables replaced on the recall. I do say a little prayer everytime I load/unload the bike anymore, though, just for good measure.

what kind of bike do u ride?

[pm26]

As long as you didn't buy a Tundra or Tacoma, you're good to go.

 

 

I must agree!

 

 

 

x3

 

 

Are you insinuating that Toyota tailgates are weak?