Tailgate Weight Rating?

I'm looking at going to pick up a new ATV in a few weeks and debating if I want to drag my empty trailer for 5 hours one way to go pick it up. I usually always trailer my ATV since I had a Tacoma prior to this, but that little 5x8 trailer bounces around like crazy when empty.

I know on the Tacoma, they were notorious for weak tailgates, mainly from people having motorcycle tires resting on the center when driving and ultimately bending, but I never saw much about issues with ATVs. My previous ATV was about 775lbs dry weight and I managed to squeeze it in the bed of my Tacoma, didnt have any issues on the 3 hour drive home, but I only did it once. I had the long bed version (6') and the tires didnt rest on the tailgate at all.

My new Tundra is the CrewMax with the short bed since the long bed wouldn't really fit in my garage or parking lot at work, I think actual bed dimensions are just under 5.5'. I'm thinking the new ATV will either rest right at the edge of the bed, or near the bottom of the tailgate. I'm going to be picking up a Can Am Renegade 850 XXC, which is about 100lbs lighter (about 670) than the Polaris was. Thinking I could just use a sheet of 3/4" plywood to be on the safe side and to keep the tailgate from bouncing around if the wheels dont actually make any contact.

Anyone have experience hauling an ATV in the back of the 2022 Tundra?

I also saw this article that claims Toyota engineers went with a one piece tailgate for strength reasons instead of a fancy multi function tailgate, it also claims it can apparently handle a SXS at double the weight I'm looking at hauling. https://www.utvdriver.com/story/utv-news/2022-toyota-tundra-tailgate-can-support-utv-weight/

 

I want to say I saw somewhere they post a 200lb limit. Likely to avoid liability. I think real world tests have proven it can hold much more

 

I am also curious about this, as I have not yet transported my ATV with the Tundra. I can confirm though, if you leave your tailgate down while driving in the rain it will absolutely FILL with water

 

I don't have any experience hauling an atv in the bed with the tailgate down, but I do haul 600-1200lbs pallets regularly. Each time I have to lower about half the pallet onto the tailgate (forklift forks won't reach all the way in) and then slide the pallet into the bed. Same process when offloading, tailgate will need to hold about half the weight of the pallet briefly. Tailgates on the '22 and '14 tudnras have never had any issues with this.

 

I loaded my street bike in the back of the truck and it weighs 575 lbs as well as a couple 250 lbs dirt bikes and never had an issue.

 

I know a guy with a 2.5 gen bent his tailgate hauling his quad. If you just cut a piece of plywood to span the gap with tabs that hold it in the bed you should be good. It'll distribute the weight enough to avoid damage, and save you the hassle of the trailer.

 

Good to know, I havent loaded mine in the truck yet because ramps are sketchy with the street bike, but im thinking this thing should be safe with an ATV, might just toss a piece of plywood in to be safe . I should post a pic of my Tacoma hauling my 850 sportsman in the bed, that thing was a bit comical

 

Oof thats no good, I know it was an issue with the tacos, back when I had mine that was a huge complaint but I was hoping the Tundra was a bit stronger. It looks like the back tires should land right on the edge of the bed or maybe slightly on the tailgate, figure a piece of plywood will help distribute the load a bit and keep the tailgate from bouncing while I drive home

 

Ill probably be testing it out here in the next week or so when I go to pick up my new ATV. Not something I plan to make a habit of, but hauling an empty utility trailer any bit of distance is an awful experience

 

Here's the thread on it. https://www.tundras.com/threads/2021-toyota-limited-tail-gate-loading.75926/#post-1933514 @Mad Max might have more info, as it was his truck.

 

Oh dang, yea that would not be good at all. I have a piece of 3/4 plywood laying around, I think I will just toss that on there to be on the safe side and help distribute the load a bit more. It will probably be the only time the bed sees that ATV

 

Ummmmm I better stop standing on my tailgate I guess.

 

Just had 350lbs on it without any issues.

 

The tie down points are rated for 200-250 each I think, but I've never seen a tailgate weight rating.

 

I've only seen posts of people claiming this..I have also seen posts claiming they don't actually list a rating at all. Which seems dumb

 

I know this is a 3rd gen post but just thought I would add my input with my 2017, similar bed size. Like you, was curious how my 700 king quad would fit. After loading, took it for a little drive and it handled very well with no issues on tailgate. I only ever did it once since I normally trailer it. It's a 2005. You should be able to look up wheelbase for comparison. I had a set of chocks in front of the front wheels to keep it from bumping the front of the bed as well.

 

From the parts site/dealership, the cleats in the rail are rated for 220 lbs




And from a Toyota response, the bed anchors/d-rings are rated for 440.