Tailgate durability / sled loading options
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New User
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: NW Ontario
Tailgate durability / sled loading options
Got my truck a week or so ago and enjoying it so far.
Looking for opinions on a snowmachine loading option and how strong the tailgate is on this 2017. Currently have an aluminum trifold ramp that is approximately 76" long. When the truck is on flat ground the ramp is at a pretty steep angle (these girls are a lot taller than my previous trucks). I have a wide track skidoo with a considerable amount of weight on it and am worried about the stress on the tailgate. My friend recently showed me the tailgate damage on his steel body F150 from loading a similar machine over time. the outer skin on tailgate seperated from rest of the gate on the outer edges and his gate now bottoms out on his bumper. It will still close but looks terrible.
Was thinking about buying a longer ramp since I'm back into a 8' bed to improve the loading angle but still concerned about the tailgate holding up.
Does anyone remove their tailgate for loading atv's or sleds?
Don't really want to purchase a sled deck.
Couple of photos of new truck attached as per case law....
Looking for opinions on a snowmachine loading option and how strong the tailgate is on this 2017. Currently have an aluminum trifold ramp that is approximately 76" long. When the truck is on flat ground the ramp is at a pretty steep angle (these girls are a lot taller than my previous trucks). I have a wide track skidoo with a considerable amount of weight on it and am worried about the stress on the tailgate. My friend recently showed me the tailgate damage on his steel body F150 from loading a similar machine over time. the outer skin on tailgate seperated from rest of the gate on the outer edges and his gate now bottoms out on his bumper. It will still close but looks terrible.
Was thinking about buying a longer ramp since I'm back into a 8' bed to improve the loading angle but still concerned about the tailgate holding up.
Does anyone remove their tailgate for loading atv's or sleds?
Don't really want to purchase a sled deck.
Couple of photos of new truck attached as per case law....
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 12
From: BC Canada
There is a stock ramp kit with a bracket that bolts to the tailgate. I would look to see what that is rated at. I would also consider a longer ramp. Trifold ramps at a local beep vendor here are 86" long which would help the abngle issue. I believe they are rated at 1000 lbs. if the stock ramps are enraged at 800 lb you might be ok. But I would watch very closely.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,339
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From: NJ
I am curious of the tailgate strength also, in my 04 I had a tool box and when I loaded my atv (about 800 lbs) the rear wheels would be on the tailgate, I then strapped the unit down and drove it to my destination many times without an issue, I wonder if the same can be done on the aluminum trucks?
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
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From: BC Canada
Well, I won't have the occasion to really test mine for a bit, so far most I have loaded is a snowblower. I would think you want to try it a time or two, do you have the extra tailgate step and pole, cause mine does and it doesn't look like it will handle the ramps banging into the plastic end cap of the tailgate well. Also, your ramp has to be strapped to the hitch, so that it spdoesnt slide up, but the downside is it will also pull hard on the tailgate when you load if the straps are too tight. It comes down to t he weight of your sled and specs.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 286
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From: Bothell Wa
Saikk, the tailgate itself will be fine as I have plenty of friends that load theirs in the back of various truck brands without issue. What I would be more concerned with is the carbide digging into the bed or tailgate. I would also shoot for a longer ramp that's specifically designed for sleds. I have a sled deck and a trailer for mine.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 872
Likes: 4
From: Greene, NY
Couple options if you're worried about the tailgate taking the load while coming up the ramps.
https://www.appalachianrampcompany.com/page-1 <--- I think this could be made to work with a sled...
https://madramps.com/ <----this might be a bit trickier to make work.
https://www.appalachianrampcompany.com/page-1 <--- I think this could be made to work with a sled...
https://madramps.com/ <----this might be a bit trickier to make work.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: NW Ontario
Thanks for the suggestions guys.
I do have a spray in liner and the tailgate step. I cut some strips off an old bed liner and threw the tailgate liner portion down as a temporary measure to protect the truck from carbide damage. In hind site, I should have likely got a drop in liner instead of the spray in for my sled use.
Was thinking of going with the Caliber Pro ramp, it's 90" long so it should help with the loading angle. I'm hoping with a shallower angle there will be less stress on the tailgate.
Caliber Snowmobile Trailer Ramp Pro
I did see something similar to XWild's first link on a snowmobile forum (pics below). The author attached his ramp to a T bar with locking hitch pins that is affixed to his hitch. If the longer ramp doesn't seem to be enough, I think I'll check into that.
I drove down a gravel road to a walleye lake with my rig yesterday. I sure heard a lot of rock hits on the undercarriage. When loaded in my truck with the tailgate down, the rear of the sled is just hanging over the rear of the tailgate. I did not notice any stone chips on the tailgate. Part of me thinks I should find an option to close the tailgate (sled deck) or take it off to protect it. Funny how I never really noticed any rock hits on my old trucks
.
Still researching.
I do have a spray in liner and the tailgate step. I cut some strips off an old bed liner and threw the tailgate liner portion down as a temporary measure to protect the truck from carbide damage. In hind site, I should have likely got a drop in liner instead of the spray in for my sled use.
Was thinking of going with the Caliber Pro ramp, it's 90" long so it should help with the loading angle. I'm hoping with a shallower angle there will be less stress on the tailgate.
Caliber Snowmobile Trailer Ramp Pro
I did see something similar to XWild's first link on a snowmobile forum (pics below). The author attached his ramp to a T bar with locking hitch pins that is affixed to his hitch. If the longer ramp doesn't seem to be enough, I think I'll check into that.
I drove down a gravel road to a walleye lake with my rig yesterday. I sure heard a lot of rock hits on the undercarriage. When loaded in my truck with the tailgate down, the rear of the sled is just hanging over the rear of the tailgate. I did not notice any stone chips on the tailgate. Part of me thinks I should find an option to close the tailgate (sled deck) or take it off to protect it. Funny how I never really noticed any rock hits on my old trucks
.Still researching.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2015
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From: Hatfield's side of river
Just a suggestion. Rather than chance tearing up your tailgate that is worth a bunch of money, why not buy a small trailer to pull the sled with? It would be lower to the ground and much easier to load the sled onto.
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