How much weight can a closed tailgate support across it

[harringtondav]

My SWAG (Scientific Wild A*s Guess) is the above stated 485# is a point load dead center on the outer edge of the tailgate. I'm guessing the cable is at least 3/16". Over 4K# breaking strength...X2 cables.

Cable anchor stud pull out or bucking of the tailgate are the likely failure modes.
I lived in the engineering world. Design safety factors include high tailgate loads bouncing over backwoods goat trails.

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[5thranger]

Per

My physics learning opinion is the damper doesn't much of anything to take load. Its too close to the hinge to take any load. ....likely there to keep the tailgate from banging down. If the cables fail these dampers will follow the carnage without blinking.

The only purpose is to slow the descending movement of the tailgate, so you don't sound like an idiot swearing at it when it drops like a rock

 

[Msfitoy]

How much weight can you add to this with the extra support of an installed Damper? ?

OP...take that tailgate strap and loop it around and over the the latch...do it on both sides and the gate will be held open half way...now the lumber won't sit directly on top of the gate and they won't slide out while driving...

 

[5thranger]

Groovy

 

[Doc]

 

[Dereku]

I have done 10 sheets of drywall. It didn’t break yet

 

[5thranger]

His sister

 

[Grandaccess]

So I found this post where it says 485lbs.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/tailgate-ramps.26648/post-617360

I can say I have had 500 Lbs on mine and was not worried ....

 

[harringtondav]

After a few replies myself, and reading several others, I think many of us misread, misunderstood the OP's original question: "How much weight can a CLOSED tailgate support across it?"

My correct answer: Beats me, but I think a lot as long as its evenly distributed. ...if the a*s end of the truck starts to sink, back off.

 

[Dereku]

A little bit less than this.

 

[TechEditor]

My solution:

 

[harringtondav]

My solution:

Good idea. I always carry a few ratchet straps for load securing.

 

[Doc]

Ten Cases of Tacos ……

 

[Motorpsychology]

A little bit less than this.

Actually it's incredible that the latches held.

 

[harringtondav]

Actually it's incredible that the latches held.

The problem with my Ranger, and other PUs I guess, is the box is plenty wide for a 4' sheet of anything. But the space between the wheel wells is less than 44".
I've thought about a hitch receiver bed extender that is the same height as the wheel wells, but can't justify. I've wrapped all of my major DIY projects.
The few times I've hauled sheets I had to remove the GatorX folding box cover and lay the sheets at an angle in the box. Tie down was iffy and a real PITA.

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