Rigid bars to increase 485lb weight rating of open tailgate for heavy loads (motorcycles) etc

[unsavory]

Hi folks, got these DG support bars for my 25RR. Was concerned about loading my 500+lb moto when open weight rating is 485lb (according to online manual)

Google search says most trucks tailgates rating maxes out about 500lb for evenly distributed loads specifically when ramping it up using throttle and engine, have to hit tailgate with some, but not too much momentum and the instantaneous force will definitely exceed the tailgate rating

I havent had a problem so far with this and heavier bikes on this and other trucks
I never charged at the tailgate hard with be bike
DG website only lists ones for the 25 maverick so i ordered but they turned out to be too long, 27 iirc

After some back and forth and measuring with friendly owner he suggested the ones for a 2015 chevy colorado, they are about 25" center to center
(I don't have any links handy)

Well, I tried them and they engage the weight before the cables do, so if anyone else is interested. I was the guinea pig

I don't know what weight rating of the new setup is, but it has to me more than a crimped cable and cables are still there as secondary

I haven't had a chance to use them, but I will next time I truck the 2020 ktm 1290 super adventure r (I like bike, currently in shop for punctured radiator, rock got wedged in between engines somehow)

I'm storing then under the rear seat in the heavy plastic sleeve they came in and it seems to close ok

I have multiple trailers and moto carrier too and don't always put the heavy bike in bed
People do harleys and other heavier bikes too and I haven't read (or searched for) horror stories of failures from going over tailgate ratings, but I have more piece of mind for about $112 otd

Side story: I actually broke most of the tack welds on the aluminum ramps and bent the sheet metal even though they are rated for 750 each (others suggested bend sheet back, drill and screw fix, also on the endless project list). Ramps themselves feel pretty flimsy, suggest others get the ladder style (non sheet), There are higher wt rated ramps avail, mine were pretty cheap $130 when I got them 6 years ago

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[unsavory]

more pics

 

[superj]

they sure look solid. didn't someone use to also make folding versions of those so you could replace your cable but still fold the tailgate up without removing them?

 

[unsavory]

they sure look solid. didn't someone use to also make folding versions of those so you could replace your cable but still fold the tailgate up without removing them?

I did a bunch of googling before I bought these and it was the only thing I could find but what you write sounds interesting too

 

[superj]

hmm, on the 70s f150/f100s, it appears they came stock with "scissor" bars instead of cables. since our trucks are the same size as the old full size fords, i wonder if those folding stock support bars would be adaptable to ours so you just open and close like normal.

that will be for someone else to investigate though since you already have those sturdy solid bars

 

[Harlequin_Forest]

That squat has got to be intense

 

[unsavory]

hmm, on the 70s f150/f100s, it appears they came stock with "scissor" bars instead of cables. since our trucks are the same size as the old full size fords, i wonder if those folding stock support bars would be adaptable to ours so you just open and close like normal.

that will be for someone else to investigate though since you already have those sturdy solid bars

It's not ideal for sure w two bikes,
"The 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor has a payload capacity of 1,375 to 1,411 pounds. This is lower than other Ranger models, which can have a maximum payload of over 1,800 pounds, due to the Raptor's off-road-focused suspension and equipment. The exact capacity depends on the specific vehicle's configuration and any accessories added."
This past summer trip I double dutied my truck as an expensive moto trailer. For DD and wheeling I took the bikes out.
Anything else you'd like to nitpick?

 

[Onceaneagle]

How much weight can the tailgate surface withstand before it dents or cracks? Doesn't the tailgate have cavities to reduce weight?

 

[unsavory]

That's not really a concern for my usage. Do you think it is and if so please help us understand how?

 

[nhdataguy]

I had the same bars for my 21 and 22 f150's
I use to load a rzr 900 in the bed and let it sit on the tailgate no problem.
only used do drive 1-15 hours but never saw any issues ...

 

[Onceaneagle]

I have no idea. That is why I asked. I have never put much weight on any tailgate, nor have I had a medium-sized truck since 2010. I recall that at one time Ford recommended no more than 450lbs of static load on a full size tailgate interior panel due to potential flexing but that information is probably as dated as I am old.

 

[unsavory]

have another read through the text earlier in the thread, i put the specs of the tailgate there, i googled before posting so believe it to be current

 

[some_guy]

It's not ideal for sure w two bikes,
"The 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor has a payload capacity of 1,375 to 1,411 pounds. This is lower than other Ranger models, which can have a maximum payload of over 1,800 pounds, due to the Raptor's off-road-focused suspension and equipment. The exact capacity depends on the specific vehicle's configuration and any accessories added."
This past summer trip I double dutied my truck as an expensive moto trailer. For DD and wheeling I took the bikes out.
Anything else you'd like to nitpick?

You have a KTM 1290 Adventure? The bike length is about the same length as the bed with the tailgate open. Did you have to shimmy it to get it to fit, or just turned the front wheel, or did you use something else?

I am curious because my bike is about the same wheelbase but it is in storage about 10 hour drive from me. Any tips/tricks you used?

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