Tailgate Load Capacity and Heavy Duty Cables

[chl]

The problem with these calculations is that they are based on static conditions, loading a quad or side by side are dynamic loading since they are driven on.

I have seen sagging tailgates, but not broken cables. Just drive it in.

Hopefully driven slowly, which would almost be the same as a static condition.

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[WXman]

I remember when this topic came up on the Jeep Gladiator forum once. The Jeep Rep on that forum asked the engineering team, and they said the tailgate was rated for 1,500 lbs. evenly dispersed or somewhere in that ballpark. I can't remember the exact number, but I do remember that the rating was higher than the actual payload of the truck. So it was clear that they had built a buffer into the design to prevent failure.

Those tailgates are aluminum/magnesium alloy. So if a F-150 tailgate has a lower rating, that would be shocking to me.

Edit: I went and found the thread. Here was the spec:

Sorry for the delay in response, per the Jeep team:

1. Up to 500 lbs payload can be carried in the bed with the tailgate in the mid position. This payload rating is dependent on the sheet cargo being properly supported with 2x4s positioned in the bed as specified by the owner's manual.
2. Ramp load at end of down tailgate
   • Single ramp = 600lbs
   • Dual Ramp = 425lbs/ramp or 850lbs total
3. Distributed load across down tailgate: 1850lbs

Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

Lamar
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[Adventureboy]

You could just jump the tailgate like this guy.



Seriously though, if your ATV sits on the tailgate, the bars that @Athrun88 linked are probably a good idea. The factory cables will most likely be fine, but solid bars carry a bit more confidence for me.

 

[Robert1380]

You could just jump the tailgate like this guy.



Seriously though, if your ATV sits on the tailgate, the bars that @Athrun88 linked are probably a good idea. The factory cables will most likely be fine, but solid bars carry a bit more confidence for me.

lol yeah that’s what I don’t wanna do.

 

[El Duderino]

So are the DG support bars direct replacements for the cables?

No, it's in addition to.

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