Hi,

Has there ever been any incidents of the tailgate failuring when loading things on to the truck or when there are loads on the tail gate?

I have a 97 standard bed and I plan on having two sport bikes (900 lbs total) for a few trackdays this summer. Looking at about 400 mile round trips. I don't think the bikes can fit in with the tailgate closed.

Any issues you guys forsee if I do this about 3 times a month? I done it in the past with other trucks, but don't like the idea of the tailgate cables failing or whatnot and having motorcycles flying off on to the road.

Thanks

 

Chevy's had a problem with this and they had to issue a recall. The cables are very strong and the only problem I would see is if rust got started in them.

 

I would check you cables for rust and if they look ok,,,go for it.
It's not like the total weight of the bikes will all be on the gate.

 

The cables are good for about 600 lbs combined.
The RVs rear weight would be about 1/2 the total depending on the weight distrubution of them front to rear.
If you feel your total weight is 900 lbs, the gate should see about 450 +/-, well within rateing assuming the cables are sound.
After all you will run them up in the bed over the gate to get them in.
New cables are not that much in $ and very easy to replace if in doubt.
Good luck.

 

Also if they are tied in properly, they shouldnt go anywhere even if the cables break and the gate falls off.

 

cant be any heavier then 4 ppl sitting on the gate.

 

For your SAKE of safety

I would use small trailer over that. It hard to get up and down on ramp.

I don't trust that tailgate hold up 600 they start dent middle of tailgate.

 

Your gate will be fine barring any obvious rust. We drive ATV's in the back of truck s all the time using ramps on the gate, that is easily 900-1Klbs with both me and the ATV, I've also seen plenty of 1 ton pallets sit right on the back hanging out the gate before the forklift can reset and get the pallet in the rest of the way. The back tires of 900lbs worth of bikes will be nothing for it.

 

Think about the shock load that will be placed on the tailgate when you hit a pothole.
The G load can increase as much a 3 or 4 times the static load weight.
A 300# load can become 1200# instantly.
Think about placing a length of C channel in the bed so that both wheels of the bike ride in it.
That way the weight of the rear wheel is supported by the bed instead of the tailgate.
A simple transport rack can be easily fabricated by welding two channels to crosspieces.
Add some rings to the rack allowing for bike tie downs and to secure the rack to the bed tie down points.