Tail gates are not designed to carry load, and strapping down the bike will add even more pressure to the tail gate. A couple of 2x10's is cheap and easy. Also adds height so you can slide something under the bike for storage.

 

Tundra is a full size truck wouldn't think the wood would need to be cut


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you are correct sir, I was thinking Tacoma for some reason.

 

i have a guard dog and use straps on the front to keep the front from bouncing around on long rides. i usually pull the rear down a little too, to take some slack out of the suspension, and it takes the wiggle out of the hitch (i have the earlier version). i haven't been brave enough to tow a trailer with it yet though. but after seeing that video, maybe i'll try it. i like the fact that you can lock it. usually doesn't set up quite as fast as he does in the video though. i have a max so my machine still sits right up to the front of the bed and towards the front of the tailgate, so there isn't hardly any weight straining the tailgate straps.

 

Just cut a piece of plywood down so it slides into the bed and extends all the way to the end of the tailgate. It will distribute the weight better. Problem solved.

 

In order for the whole weight distribution theory to work, the object has to be rigid enough to be able to support the machine on it's own. A sheet of plate steel for instance is rigid and would support the weight of an ATV many times over. Won't bow or flex under the weight either. Now imagine a sheet of plywood. Would you trust your ATV on a sheet of plywood? If it was thick enough it may support it, or not...either way it is going to bow immensely under the weight. What would happen if the tailgate strap(s) broke, would you trust your machine hanging out over the rear of your truck with only a sheet of plywood between it and the freeway at 70mph? Chances are it's going to be doing cartwheels down the road or worse yet land in someone's windshield.
I mean no offense to anyone in my disagreement, just don't want to see anyone losing their machine on the road or worse yet hurting someone else...

 

3/4 inch plywood will easily handle it, and it's easy to slide in and out. Not looking for 100% distribution here, just to take a little strain off the tailgate. I did it for a little while, but once you can get a trailer, get it. We got a little 4x8 tilt trailer and it's so much better. Pull the pin, drive off. Drive on, put the pin in. No ramps or anything.

 

I say just buy a trailer...If you spend 10000 to 15000 on a top level machine, I say spend a few hundred more on a trailer. I've had a friend loose a Honda Rincon out the back of his truck and it wouldn't have happened if he had used a trailer.......

 

Or rent one from Uhaul.

 

I got a set of the DG tail gate supports and am really pleased with them. Before when I loaded my 1000xt I was always a little concerned with the weight on the tailgate when loading or unloading, but when loaded, I could shut the tail gate, so it was only a concern for a short period of time, but now that I have the 6x6, the rear tires stay on the tailgate while transporting, and there is additional weight when loading. To counter these two issues, I got the DG tail gate support and have no concerns now at all.

 

I use DG, too.

 

"Best way to take weight off tailgate"

I can't believe it took 4 pages before someone said use a trailer! lol

Old thread, but I found that little fact funny. (Just keeping myself entertained)

 

Here's what I built out of 2x2 bar, brackets I made out of 1/8th metal, and 9/16 bolts/nylocks. Fits into the tailgate accessory thing and I can still tow my small camper

 

Nice idea. Woulda been a lot quicker to install than my setup. Does it flex tho?
Had I made a support again I would have gone a similar route, but with a tube along the whole tailgate edge. I could see those bolts busting out of tailgate top too easily.
I'd build same setup i have now but longer to fit under and past tailgate so I wouldnt have to remove tailgate every time I use it.

My current setup is tube steel with two runners to end tube where tires go and rubber bump supports underneath that fit snugly on top of my bumper with aluminum diamond plate on top extending into bed. I've had just over 2700lb of 4x8 sheets of plywood in bed sticking past with no problems and doesn't flex a mm when loading my quad. A setup somewhere between mine and above would be ideal.
I have a small city lot with no place to store a trailer. I load quad in my truck so I don't have to take as many trips with my buddys and their trailers if I don't go wheeling alone.

 

Folding trailer. $299

Utility Trailer 4'x8' - Heavy Duty Folding Utility Trailer

 

I had one of these and didn't like it. Plus I couldn't haul my pop up trailer too. Not a bad deal though

 

Yikes. That's a lot of weight behind the back tires. I bet steering can get sketchy with the quad and a trailer behind.

I have no room for a trailer. No matter how small. I didn't have room for anything til I sold my supra. Once I did I bought a moped and a renegade. Anytime I want to use a trailer I can borrow a one from family or friends, but that takes 10 min of driving or more just to get it, go back home, load it up and in winter I cant have it loaded up ready to go with a trailer, no on street winter parking overnight and a dribeway thats too short for truck and trailer.
Bed extender tailgate replacement just seemed like the way to go. Takes up very little space in backyard, and I can tailgate off, installed and quad loaded up in under 10 min. Like I said, only thing that would make it better would be to be able to leave tailgate on and have support past it. I was thinking of doing it that way at design phase but was afraid that would be too much weight that far out when loading. Live and learn. It prolly woulda been fine. My next truck will have a longer bed that's for sure.

 

I have an extra leaf in the rear, and a 3-4 " lift in the front that makes the rake look MUCH worse then it is. I was considering backing the bike in but i didnt really decide yet. Been occupied thinking about other things like the plow and stuff first.
Next year I am putting some air bags on the truck though because that will stop the swaying while turning

 

maxpower that's a good idea I got a Colorado crew cab with a 5 ft box and my xt rides on the tailgate when I don't use my trailer I think ill build myself a hitch like yours

 

Very entertaining post on a very important subject. I'm lucky enough that I have a 8ft. box. I still secure tell gate with tie straps, one on each side. I have had tell gate straps brake and its not fun. I'm from Ontario so before I put a ATV in my pick up box I went on line to the local Minister of Transportation. I would recommend to people to do the same in their own area to find out what the law wants. You might be just surprised to learn, what laws are on securing loads. Then you will fill more secured hauling that ATV.

 

My tailgate and home made bed extension fits underneath my small workbench in front of garage with enough room for my wifes van. Its a nice trailer but I'd lose my workbench and storage cuboards above if I had a trailer there. The other side barely fits my moped, lawn mower, snowblower and atv with pretty much no room to spare or walk. I wish my garage was bigger but its too close to lot line to make it wider and would cost more than its worth making deeper tearing out part of driveway and redoing my roof rafters. If I pull my truck into the garage with front bumper against the wall I have to remove my ball and receiver or the garage door will hit it on way down so I don't bother and park in driveway. Someday ill have room for a trailer and lots of toys, but that's not the priority for a couple years. I wanted a quad my whole life and planned on waiting till my kids were old enough to ride it too. Friend of mine up and bought a new outy max after I told him it was my dream to own one someday. I couldn't wait after seeing his and broke down and bought a used 800 gade. Glad I did, had no way to transport it myself until I made the extension and got some good ramps. Barely have room for those.

 

Been using "tailgate ex support" for most of year and have been happy with them. I remove the supports and close tailgate after unloading and roll down my Truxedo bed cover that way my ramp is hidden from view. I feel better leaving it over night at parking area if I need to. Have a max and a 6.5' bed.

 

I have a 6.5 ft box and a 2013 Outlander 650 XMR, and I am able to close the tailgate! To make this happen I had to get the front tires to go all the way in to touch the back of the box, and not smash out the back window of my truck. So I picked up an 8ft piece of 6x6 post (Used for building a deck, under $20), I cut it into 4 pcs at 2ft long each. I then screwed 2 pieces together side by side to form a platform that measures 6inch high, 12inch wide and 2ft long, one platform under each front tire. I put a 45deg cut on the one end of each platform so the atv rolled up easier.
Once the atvs front tires touch the back of the box and there is room between the front bumper and back window, I strap down the atv throught the rims, NOT the frame because as the suspension moves up and down the straps can come loose or fall off!!!
Once the atv is loaded I then hook up to a 25ft camper, full loaded. Oh and I stuff fire wood under the atv.

 

Seen similar and works well.
I'd strap through wheels too if I could without buying new ones but I have the stockers with small round holes. Pita to get a big strap through a tiny hole and have to take apart strap every time. Instead I got safety straps with clips on the s hooks so they can't fall off if they wanted too. I use 3 straps. One through front bumper and two criss crossed over back frame. I always forget to take front one off lol. Had tires spinning in my bed the first time till I figured out I forgot the strap. Bugger really held, surprised I didn't break the bumper or my tie down points. Definitely not gonna fall out of my bed.

 

interesting

 

Best way to go.

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If the welds or caulking that holds tailgate together holds. Or the sheet metal or studs don't strip or bend. Bars are a good idea to stop tailgate from bouncing while down and driving but wouldn't trust 1k lbs on a tailgate rated for 300lb from mfg

 

i use whats called an atv riser , its held in place by turn bucles and chain that hook right into the trucks cargo hook , only weights about 15 pounds , about 5 6 hundred , im in canada so nothing is cheap , i take the tailgate off , easier and safer loading the atv . i have a 28ft travel trailer , so i need the tailgate all up or gone , the 650 max , fits inside the box fully , i strap her down good 4 big ratchets , it dont move .

 

Get yourself a LaGuardDog.com and be done with it. Photos of mine in a 2007 Tundra Doublecab 4x4.
I have used this setup for years on several different trucks and would not use anything else.

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The bulldog has its place. But if your towing ? And you still have it on the gate

 

I typically use mine when I am hauling just my ATV. It does have a receiver which allows you to haul a small ATV trailer but you would never haul a travel trailer or an enclosed trailer etc.
Regarding the ATV sitting on the tailgate, mine is positioned where the back wheel is partly in the bed and partly on the tailgate.
I will say though that with this setup, most of the weight is being supported by the receiver hitch and not the tailgate, especially with up and down movement during transit.

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