How tough is the Tailgate on my '07?

I just got this truck and am impressed by the little strut lowering action. But I have a
CanAm 800 and to be honest I'm kinda wondering how well the tailgate will take the
loading and unloading. Any other people load ATV's have any input?
What are your methods of tying down?

 

Check out this thread. https://www.tundras.com/threads/2021-toyota-limited-tail-gate-loading.75926/#post-1937086 I'm not sure if any internals on the tailgate changed, but it's worth checking.

 

I do recall the earlier versions having issues with the tail gate coming apart at the welds... I don't remember the exact details on the issues, but just be advised

 

Sheesh, one biggest reason I bought this 'TRUCK' was to load and carry ATV & ATV trailer up north. If the tailgate is made of
soft cheese then I've got to think this out. Glad I asked. That thread was very informative. I didn't get the Ford guy who parked
on tailgate with more than enough room to bring the bike forward. Anyways.
Has anyone attached a face plate to the entire tailgate and then secured it around the perimeter. That will be my first look, with
1/2" plywood / 1/4" aluminum to spread the load. Ironically, here in BC building supplies have more than doubled since pandemic took hold and quite frankly aluminum is not much more expensive than good plywood.
I've got an good nutsert tool, so I'll post up what I finally do when I get to it.

 

That might help, but you are still keeping the load solely on your tailgate. Using a removeable piece that spans the gap between the tailgate and the bed will help share the load with the bed and reduce the risk of any damage to the tailgate. Also, as previously stated, your older tailgate might have better reinforcement in the bottom.

 

I stumbling across this the other day.
Look up the rizerback rack. Its a pretty cool idea for longer ATV’s

Just saw the long bed note. Is your atv on the tailgate just for loading or while driving?

 

Just for loading. I got a long box as short box pick ups just irritate me. I need to get 8’-12’ lumber etc.
I had a 2004 F150 short bed. Pain in the ass. The ATV trailer will sit on the tailgate when I take it, but I would lay a 3/4” plywood extension from the bed, with the ATV inside on the bed. That would spread the load of a really light aluminum trailer.
So basically I’m just worried the tailgate will deform as I load the bike, it’s heavy with me riding it up to about 850-900 lbs. especially with all the extra off-road gear bolted and strapped on.

 

If you can close the tailgate with the ATV in it, then you should be fine. The bent tailgate the other guy experienced was because the ATV road there and the bounces and jolts of the road caused the dents. Just rolling into the bed you should be fine.

If you are truly worried about it would it be possible to just take the tailgate off, use your ramps to load directly into the bed, and then put the tailgate back on?

 

I will fab up a cover plate for the entire tailgate I think. I’ll have to look more closely
at it, but I’ll post up whatever I do. I did something similar to my Land Cruiser tailgate,
So I’ve got a working template.

 

The first time I removed the cover for the tail gate, I found all of the stiffners broke loose from the outer skin. Looks like toyota used bubble gum to attach those stiffners. Welding was not an option so I used JB weld. Looks Like a hack job but it is still better than it was.

Anytime I load my King Quad 750 I remove the tailgate just in case. It barely fits on the bed.

 

The only time I've bent a tailgate it was on my 1st gen Tundra. I had a bucket for my backhoe (about 500lbs) in the bed and the ratchet strap broke. It slid on the bedliner into the tailgate and gave it a slight bend, kind of an aerodynamic look. When I put the brakes on it slid into the front of the bed and bent that as well. I left it alone and I wouldn't do a thing as far as loading an ATV goes.

Even if it was a side by side that weights 1200 lbs it's only 300 lbs per wheel and that's spread out over the entire contact point of the wheel. Go stand on your tailgate. Try a few spots where the tires might roll across. Stand on one foot on your toes. That's going to put more pressure on the tailgate than a SxS would. If you are talking an ATV you're talking half that weight. Did you buy a garage queen or a truck?

 

Went to open the tail gate on my 2008 the other day and the latch snapped off.

 

We pay around $140 CAD for 4x8”, 1/8” utility grade aluminun. Public price would probably add at least 30%. So ya, its likely $350+ CAD for 1/4” alum sheet

 

I've done that twice now

 

I used to have a can am DS450 and no issues loading/unloading.

 

I got my new latch on today. Checked the interior and it looks like the attachments are all
intact. It’s a bit confidence inspiring. BTW, does anyone know of a aftermarket replacement
piece for the factory plastic tailgate cap? Even adding an aluminum cap to the whole upper
cap or rail would really assist spreading the load of ATV ramp. I won’t be travelling with tailgate down with an ATV on it. Maybe a light aluminum cargo box, but that would be a spread out load.

 

My sons did that. Did you have to get one at the dealer? Do you happen to have a part number? Thanks, trying to save some time, a lot going on.

 

Easy type it into Amazon, there are about 6 companies making them. You’ll have it ordered before 1/2 cup of coffee gets cold.

 

Thanks man. They aren’t junk? Saw those for like 20$. Spose for that price no big deal. Appreciate it.

 

I got a cheap one. I think pay a bit more and get a better one. But certainly not more than $40.