Max weight on the tailgate

How much weight can my 2002 tailgate hold?

Here is my scenario. I need to transport an 850 lbs Winchester gun safe in the bed. I know the bed can handle it. My question is because to load the safe, I have to tip it towards the tailgate then lift the bottom with a jack (pivoting on the tailgate) until it is horizontal. Then slide it into the bed. I did transport this safe with a 1993 Dakota with no issue. ALSO since the bed on the ST is 10" shorter than the safe, this trip will be done with the ST tailgate down & the safe strapped to the bed with the cage in place. The tailgate will not really be supporting the safe during the trip but I need to know if the tailgate will hold the wight when loading.



I did load a Honda CB750 on it using ramps on the tailgate once so I'm kind of confident but I want to get second opinions.



Thanks guys. I appreciate the help.

Was the bed and tailgate of the Dakota metal? The ST is not.



If it were me, I'd spend $30 on a good quality sheet of 3/4" plywood and place it in the bed to distribute the load.

^ Perfect solution. Use it for a workbench top after you're done. :supercool:

Thanks a hell of alot of weight to have on the tailgate. I know its just for a short period of time to tip it into the bed but if something lets go you are in for a world of damage and 850lbs crashing down, possible injury. Maybe build a little frame out of 2x4's to stand in front of the tailgate to take some of the load.

The Bed & tailgate of the dakota was metal. I know the ST is reinforced fiberglass & that's my concern. I know the bed is rated at a 1500 lbs payload and the safe's weight on it's back would be equally distributed. My concern is the tailgate. would it hold the tipping process. I did load my 800 Lbs Honda Motorcycle using ramps attached to the tail gate once with out issue. Maybe JohnnyB suggestion would be a prudent safety.

The simple solution is to simply remove the tailgate before you load the gun safe...then you can just tip the safe directly into the bed.



...Rich

Rich, the bed is 50" and the safe is 60" so 10" of the safe will rest on the tailgate once it is loaded. Wouldn't this make re-installation of the gate impossible?

I have driven my LTZ400 quad into the bed of my 01 ST multiple times when I had it. That weighed 400lbs plus me (another 160lbs), never a problem.

Well I just called Winchester and although they did not have the Specs on my specific safe, based on the Serial Number the said that this 24 gun safe weighs no more than 500 Lbs. This gives me a more warm & fuzzy to fulcrum this in since I know I handled my CB750 on the tailgate

The tailgate weight restriction is for weight on the tailgate while driving. Loading a safe like you are describing is perfectly fine. And moving it like that isn't going to be a problem, either.

James, between Winchester confirming the Safe is only 500 Lbs & your comment I feel a lot better. The only reason I questioned it is because the Tailgate isn't all steel like my Dakota was. All in all it should be a fun trip. I'm hauling the safe in the bed while pulling a 15' trailer with my 2 motorcycles on it 440 miles to my new home

:driving:

Just be aware of the five holes in the tailgate that are not reinforced. I'm STILL looking for a tailgate trim panel. LOL

Steve, have you considered using a plastic welder? I picked one up from harbor freight to repair the plastic faring on my Yamaha Venture which was all busted up by the previous owner. There are a lot of you tube how to videos. The repair is rock solid. They also carry the welding rods.

Andy, didn't realize the OP was you with a changed member name from cabrera. Good idea with the plastic welder, although

can't see using it that much. Thanks for posting this, it was a reminder and I may have found a cheap panel locally from CL.

cabreco,

I thought it would be obvious that you would not re-install the tailgate until after you unloaded the gun safe at it's destination???



It really does not matter if the safe is 10" longer than the truck bed... as long as the safe is tied down securely and cannot slide out....and you would still need to do that even if the tailgate was in place.



If you need me to draw pictures, let me know? :grin:



...Rich

The simple solution is to simply remove the tailgate before you load the gun safe...then you can just tip the safe directly into the bed

Click to expand...

you would not re-install the tailgate until after you unloaded the gun safe at it's destination???

Click to expand...

Exactly!

Get three of your biggest buddies to sit on the tailgate. Bet it holds them just fine.



Remember, we have Fords, not Chevys or Dodges. :driving:

The tailgate panel is some thin plastic (polyethylene, maybe) and not very strong, particularly when hot.



I agree with swshawaii and Richard - make a workbench out of the plywood when done, if you use it, and remove the tailgate during the haul.

Hmm maybe taking the tailgate off my be prudent since I will also be towing my trailer with my 2 motorcycles on board and the open tailgate does come close to the trailer spare tire. I can also put the tailgate in the trailer with the bed cover.



Is there a write up on removing the tailgate? Any concerns I should be aware of? Or does it come off like the F-150?

Cabreco,



There's a write-up on how to re-align your tailgate in the projects section, but it has the pictures you need and the instructions. I have attached it.