How to load a bike with 200lbs max on tailgate

[rvandam]

I want to load my motorcycle in the bed. I have some ramps I'm planning to buy, rated at 1000lbs. That would be enough to support me walking the bike up the ramps. But then I checked out the tailgate and noticed that the maximum load on the tailgate is 200lbs!

My bike weighs more than that. Hell, I weigh more than that! So, how do I load a bike (or have a tailgate party) without breaking the tailgate?

Rino

[Bayou Titan]

Look at this thingy:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/...Id=-1&TID=1544

[hawkeye680]

Originally Posted by rvandam

I want to load my motorcycle in the bed. I have some ramps I'm planning to buy, rated at 1000lbs. That would be enough to support me walking the bike up the ramps. But then I checked out the tailgate and noticed that the maximum load on the tailgate is 200lbs!

My bike weighs more than that. Hell, I weigh more than that! So, how do I load a bike (or have a tailgate party) without breaking the tailgate?

Rino

So we can't sit on the tailgate? Is it made out of the same stuff as the hood? Now where are we going to eat lunch when we are hunting?

[pistonpete]

I read that too about the 200lb tailgate capacity. I am sure that while it is not good to have over that capacity for long periods of time, that it is not bad for someone sitting on it or loading a motorcycle.

I have loaded my motorcycle several times already. I think that it is more of a CYA move by Nissan in case there is a problem with people overloading when using the bed extender.

[TerryTitan]

I have loaded my ATV many times with me driving it up the ramp, and thats around 550lbs total, but Ive never had any problems with the tailgate

[Optimist]

I started loading my 530lbs motorcycle & just as I was going for it the “what if” hit me. Imagine your on top of the tailgate working for that last little push & it did happened to give? Here you are trying to manage 500+ lbs suddenly your facing a 3ft drop & perhaps a peg tearing into your leg or worse. Call me chicken but I’m waiting until I have a proper bridge between ramp & bed, better yet I’ll just stick to the trailer.

[PA Titan]

Take the tail gate off. Load your bike . Then put it back on. Simple-unless your bike is too long for that.

[pciley]

I also have loaded my ATVs while riding them up ramps on the TG. I think I have put over 600 lbs at a time and NEVER had even a hint of a problem.

The 200 lb probably refers to how much weight you would want on the tail gate WHILE DRIVING (ie. going over bumps with too much weight could then snap the cable supports).

As was stated, the temporary working load is much higher. That is what those steel-braided wire rope is for on both sides, to hold the weight. You can always remove the tailgate, load, and then replace the tail gate if you aren't comfortable with this.

Come to think of it, I have had 3 or 4 grown men (total of 600 - 800 lbs) sitting or standing on the tailgate and one of them jumping up and down while yelling obscenities, so I think its more than safe.

[tikigod]

Id ask nissan customer service, it seems obscene that the tailgate would have that limit on it. Regular use of a truck's tailgate (especally sense they advertised it being a workers truck) would definatley be under more stress then that.

[Foo]

Guess they made it extra sturdy for nothing.. It Weights a ton. They should split the weight with the hood, and we'd be set

[chieflikalotapus]

Originally Posted by rvandam

I want to load my motorcycle in the bed. I have some ramps I'm planning to buy, rated at 1000lbs. That would be enough to support me walking the bike up the ramps. But then I checked out the tailgate and noticed that the maximum load on the tailgate is 200lbs!

My bike weighs more than that. Hell, I weigh more than that! So, how do I load a bike (or have a tailgate party) without breaking the tailgate?

Rino

you should be fine as long as you dont leave it on your tailgate for a long time.but if its just to load and unload you shoould be fine

[BudmanHemi]

I think this is a CYA that the manufacturer does incase someone gets hurt. I have loaded Polaris ATV plus a Yamaha Banshee sideways sitting on tailgate. I hauled it 200 miles too PA with no problems Bed extenders also utilize the tailgate. I wouldn't worry about it. If you do see a problem remove the tailgate for loading, and unloading.

[SoldOnNissan]

I agree with Pciley, I think that limit is for a safe working load. Driving with 200 lbs. on the tailgate will exert for more load than the 200 lbs. Tailgates have not always been designed for load carrying (everyone has seen the bowed tailgates on the older trucks). Kinda necessary due to the short beds these days. JMO.

[Half Shovel]

Originally Posted by pciley

Come to think of it, I have had 3 or 4 grown men (total of 600 - 800 lbs) sitting or standing on the tailgate and one of them jumping up and down while yelling obscenities, so I think its more than safe.

awesome! ROFLMFAO!

[tikigod]

I just solved your problem with loading your motorcycle, try this:

http://videos.cosportbikeclub.org/Loading_a_bike.mpeg