I’ve always loaded up my Sportsman 400 in my 2016 Silverado short bed without a second thought for years. Now I’m looking at a new 2020 Silverado and I’m wondering if their new weight saving aluminum tailgate is up to the task. I can’t seem to find any information on weight capacity anywhere. I know it’s the cables that take the brunt of the stress. I v found that the new GMC multi gate has a limit of around 400#. Anyone have any experience wit the new Chevy? Thanks
From what I recall the tailgates are in the neighborhood of 300-500 pounds. If you do the math loading a wheeler onto the tailgate is within that range, so no worries. So talking new truck I wouldn't give it a second thought and load it without reservation.
The point is that I don’t know what the Chevy is rated for. GMC tailgate is all split up with its multi functioning stuff so they limit it to 400 I think. Can’t find a number for the aluminum Chevy ones.
Gotcha well like I said the max weight the tailgate will see from loading a wheeler and operator is within the load limit of the tailgate. It's all dependent on the ramp length, height of the tailgate, position of the machine at any given moment riding up the ramp. But at no time will the tailgate see more then 50% of the weight of the machine and operator. So if the tailgate is rated for 400lbs+ it's good to go.
That is my question. I can’t find the ratings for any Chevy tailgate. GMC limits theirs because of the fact that the tailgate is all cut up to do all the various fold ups and fold down configurations. I can see that one being weaker because of that. Not trying to cause a problem. I guess just give it a go and see what happen. ?
I'd consider a new/used trailer. Include the trailer with the new truck financing. If its enclosed, keep all of the ATV equipment in the trailer. Had ramps for my old F250, pain it the butt at the end of the day. I would never consider loading my 800 lb ATV in my new F150 that does have a aluminum body. Matter I fact the F250 rotted away and I'd swear I'd never buy another Ford product until the aluminum body F150.came to be. Sorry getting off topic... however, that's what I do, consider financing the trailer with the 2020 truck. .Whats a few K's on top of a 2020 Silverado price (30 or 40K)? The trailer are just candles on the Silverado cake. Simple and no risk..
or get a diamond back tonneau cover and have lockable waterproof storage, and the ability to load 2 ATV onto the bed rails and never worry about the tail gate. Love my Diamond back.
I used to drive a snowmobile into the back of a truck using the aluminum ramps. Something with wheels would be a breeze compared to that. Young and dumb at the time but it was all I had.
Are you sure they all come with that tailgate with the fold out stairs that people walk for miles with their old tailgate in hand to see? ? I think you can get one without all those functions.
Fords are all aluminum, including tailgate. Current commercial shows Sportsman 570 climbing up ramp and in. The weight is never just on tailgate, even when both wheels are on ramp at least half the weight is on ramp bottom touching ground.
As F-Series trucks drive through mud, dirt and rain, Ford encourages you to drive its vehicles like a beast and believes you should drive like a leader in a truck that has best-in-class towing and payload.
I've got a 2019 GMC w/ Multi-Pro Tailgate. I load my Sportsman 450HO using arched aluminum ramps; GM says drop center portion down and place ramps on actual tailgate, not step sections. I tip scales at around 280#. ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEM! Love both the Jimmy and Polaris!
I looked at the GMC and my ramps being 48” apart would be right on top of the fold down section. It didn’t seem strong enough for that latch to hold all that weight. Could put something across the span I guess.
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