Tailgate Load Rating?

[Griff04]

Does anyone know the tailgate load rating on an 88. Googled and searched around but can’t find anything. Been pulling my 4wheeler on a 14’ trailer which is a little big for it. Thinking about just getting some ramps and hauling it in the bed. Dry weight on 4wheeler is approx 725#, just don’t want to snatch the hinges off by overloading it. 

 

Thanks,

Griff04

[dvitha]

Since it is just going over it, and part of weight is sitting during ride, I think your be fine. I have put two 1500 gold wings at the same time side by side, and had no issues.

[Griff04]

2 hours ago, dvitha said:

Since it is just going over it, and part of weight is sitting during ride, I think your be fine. I have put two 1500 gold wings at the same time side by side, and had no issues.

 

Thanks for the reply....I’m amazed at the mileage on your trucks....WOW!!!!

[dvitha]

oil changes, fluid changes and keeping everything clean makes a big difference. here in our shop we go through the whole truck at least every other month, to makes sure it best condition. Even the BA10-5's last a very long time if you makes to take care of them.

[rokinn]

Why not just take the tail gate off when you're loading it and then put it back on?

[Strokermjcomanche]

38 minutes ago, rokinn said:

Why not just take the tail gate off when you're loading it and then put it back on?

X2 

My atv was 600# . 

[HOrnbrod]

On 9/28/2018 at 4:27 PM, Griff04 said:

Does anyone know the tailgate load rating on an 88.

 

I do know truck manufacturers don't publish tailgate cable ratings for insurance liability reasons. But since the MJ tailgate uses levers, I think it's load rating would be higher than those with a cable. I've scanned through my MJ FSM specs and found nothing about tailgate load rating in there either.

 

That said, agree with the above - just take it off when loading.

[Griff04]

4 hours ago, rokinn said:

Why not just take the tail gate off when you're loading it and then put it back on?

Honestly hadn’t even thought about that, I’m assuming that it somehow just pops on and off?  I do like the idea of having it on and up from a safety standpoint but understand that “you can’t have your cake and eat it too”. 

 

Thx,

Griff04

 

 

[gogmorgo]

The two straps use a slotted hole as a fastener to hold them to the bed sides. Lift the tailgate slightly and slide them to the big part of the slot to pop them off the bed. Then with the tailgate about half-way closed, you should be able to lift the right end of it off the hinge. With the right side off, pull the gate back far enough to clear the bedside, then pull it to the right to pull it out of the left hinge. You'll want to be standing towards the middle when you do this so you can grab it with both hands. It's not particukarky heavy, but it's an awkward carry. 

 

I'd be inclined to believe steel cable will support a higher load than the stamped sheet-metal straps on the MJ, but I could always be wrong. That tiny bit around where they attach bends really easily, and I doubt it's going to be too sturdy of its been bent back and forth a few times. 

I've known too many people who've lost their tailgates after driving with it open to risk it myself, unless there's enough weight sitting on it to stop it from bouncing up into a position where the hinge could come apart. I'd rather leave plywood or lumber or something sitting on the top edge of the closed tailgate. 

[cruiser54]

I'd be more worried about bending the tailgate than the strap/cable/lever strength. 

 

What's a 55 gallon drum of motor oil weigh? 

[HOrnbrod]

On 9/28/2018 at 4:27 PM, Griff04 said:

Does anyone know the tailgate load rating on an 88. Googled and searched around but can’t find anything. Been pulling my 4wheeler on a 14’ trailer which is a little big for it. Thinking about just getting some ramps and hauling it in the bed. Dry weight on 4wheeler is approx 725#, just don’t want to snatch the hinges off by overloading it.

 

Obviously no one (including myself) can definitively answer your tailgate question with valid supporting facts.  So try loading your 4wheeler using ramps w. or w/o the tailgate on your thirty year old truck- your choice. Personally, I'd err on the side of caution.

[Jeep Driver]

I've put a lot of weight on a tailgate, from motorcycles to materials, never have a gate fail. 

 

Use a little common sense. 

[Minuit]

As some of the others have said I'd be more worried about the tailgate itself bending if too much weight is put on it rather than the straps breaking. I think it's probably stronger than most people give it credit for, but if there was any doubt I'd just take the tailgate off. Don't want to risk messing up a tailgate for no reason. Easy enough to do, and gives you a chance to hit the hinges with some lube.

[Griff04]

A lot of different points to consider. May just stick to using my trailer. 

 

Thanks for all the input. 

 

[rokinn]

The tail gate literally takes about 30 seconds to remove and another 30 to put back on.  I take mine off on a semi regular basis because it makes some things easier to load and I don't have to crawl over it.  Try it, you'll like it

[dvitha]

We at the shop use the tail gate all the time. Have use it a working bench as well as extra space when loading items longer than 7 feet. I have had 2 gold wings rear tires sit on the gate for a 600 mile trip. I would never worry about hinges. The gate it self is the weak point. If you need the extra length you can always get a piece of 3/4 - 8 x 3.5  ply wood if worried about the gate it's self. Some people remove them, which works great for loading and not tall enough to step directly on to tail gate. As above said about 55 gallon drum, I have had them sit on the gate with no problem ( not that I would drive with them in that location). Drum weights 20 lbs. and 55 gallons of oil is 360 lbs. 7.2 pounds per gallon is oil. So 380 and no bends after all these years delivering and picking up parts. like anything, heavier to the front and lighter to the back when hauling. So I think you have all sides in the info here, from be very conservative take it off, to what people have used and not hurt it.