66 Tailgate Load?
 

Does anyone know what the load rating would be on the tailgate of a 66 F-250. I want to load an antique garden tractor into my bed and want to be sure the tailgate can handle the load if I set the ramps off the end of the tailgate. My best guess is that the tractor weights around 600-700 lbs

Why risk damaging the tailgate?

Open the tailgate, take the R/L "scissors" (tailgate supports), pull them up (fold them backwards), then disconnect them from the tailgate.

Tailgate then can be laid down at an angle (will rest on the bumper), ramps placed on the rear bed sill.

Pic ~ Scissors: 44400 / Rear bed sill: 10608

Thanks Number Dummy - I had already thought of that option. Was just wondering if I could load without doing that.

wish i could tell you....
ive picked the bed up and flipped it over and done all kinds of stuff while working on it.

my grandpa used it for a work truck for almost 50 years, though he was never the type to abuse anything; i cant imagine it didnt end up holding a load like you mention....house shingles, etc. etc.

id be really surprised if it didnt handle it just fine and ask for more....

Not disagreeing with Bill's suggestion, but I have loaded several riders across my tailgate, and will again. :)



John :-X06

In this post, the brochure claims the tailgate could withstand a 1-ton load. It would also depend on the current condition of your tailgate.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-brochure.html

Thanks Mark - that is a really cool brochure. Not seeing the reference to tailgate holding 1 ton but that sounds a bit unbelievable given its only a 3/4 ton to begin with. Its is excellent condition and I'm not so worried anymore that it can handle the load.

Post #4, towards the bottom of the ad

Got it! Did not migrate to other posts in the thread. Very nice! Don't think my garden tractor is anywhere close to 1 ton so I should be good to go :)

OOOOO, I would SO love to have that Parklane 2 door wagon in that brochure

66, the 3/4 ton and 1/2 ton are old military truck related terms than don't have any real value to our trucks. I have used pickup trucks all my life, have had some real heavy weight in the bed and on the tailgate over the years.

Tailgates are made pretty stout. Usually when you see one bent it is a result of an accident or something being dropped on it.


John :-X06

They don't make em like this anymore, from my observations, the '64 thru '66 (shown) or '67 thru '72 tailgates were the strongest ever made.http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/...psaed1f701.jpg

Boy, you can say that again! They may get less than 10 mpg, but they are built like tanks :D