How much weight on an open tailgate?

[fordgt]

I have to pick up some mulch tomorrow, how much weight can I safely put on the open tailgate? Picking up 2 cubic foot pine bark bags.

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[superj]

If i remember right, tailgates used to have a 250 pound weight limit. Maybe google it or search the manual?


I know i can sit on it and i am 215. And my son can sit and he is 165 so it will easily hold 380 but i think their is an actual limit

 

[Satex]

If i remember right, tailgates used to have a 250 pound weight limit. Maybe google it or search the manual?


I know i can sit on it and i am 215. And my son can sit and he is 165 so it will easily hold 380 but i think their is an actual limit

I don't know the answer, but I do want to offer some context. Two guys sitting on the tailgate of a parked truck is "static" weight. The op is asking about weight limit for hauling, which means "active" weight.

Whatever the absolute weight limits are, it's a safe bet that the active limit is lower than the static limit.

 

[sweeks888]

Google AI says (and I've noticed the Google AI to be mostly right)...

The maximum permissible load for the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor's tailgate is 485 pounds. This is a static load rating, meaning it's the weight the tailgate can support when stationary. If you're loading or unloading, or if the truck is moving with a load on the tailgate, the actual weight the tailgate experiences can be higher due to dynamic forces like bumps and vibrations.

 

[Satex]

So I have to do math to convert the static capacity to the active capacity?

And I was so confident when I told my calculus teacher that I'd never need to use this!

 

[sweeks888]

LOL, it would seem so, use this formula...

 

[stemplar]

LOL, it would seem so, use this formula...

This is the formula that the forklift operator at Lowe's said he used before loading me up yesterday

 

[superj]

Yes, i didnt realize there was driving with weight on the tailgate. I thought they were putting lots of bags and then moving into the bed.

I would not have a load on the tailgate while driving. I have seen to many engines and transmissions in the intersection and tailgates broken laying next to them

 

[Satex]

https://images.app.goo.gl/wtEwpyyGbZHeUv8B6

You're suggesting that motorcycles get hauled like that?

 

[fordgt]

Yes, i didnt realize there was driving with weight on the tailgate. I thought they were putting lots of bags and then moving into the bed.

I would not have a load on the tailgate while driving. I have seen to many engines and transmissions in the intersection and tailgates broken laying next to them

Sorry, I thought I mentioned I would be driving about 1.5 miles. I used to do it regularly with my 2010 F150. Love my Ranger but it ain’t no 150.

 

[pablo94sc]

I wouldn't risk over 100lbs on it while driving unless you find an official dynamic rating from Ford. It'll probably support more, and do it many times, at the expense significantly greater fatigue and shortened life expectancy. If you can, keep it as close to the bed as possible; levers and torque.

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