How Much Weight Can A Truck’s Tailgate Hold?

Not exceeding the weight limit set by the manufacturer is critical to your safety and for the sake of the vehicle. Loading too much weight onto or into it can cause an accident or permanently damage your truck. Should you have a pickup truck and are wondering how much weight you can place on the tailgate, we can help you. We researched the topic so that you'll be able to know for sure how much weight they can safely hold.

A truck's tailgate can hold between 300 and 2,000 pounds depending on the truck model and condition of the tailgate.

Now that we know that there is a wide range of weight that truck tailgates can support, we'll take a closer look at the factors that determine what their weight capacity is. You might also be wondering how much weight a Chevy Silverado tailgate can support or how much you can expect a Jeep Gladiator to safely hold. For the answers to these questions and more, read ahead.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 display - How Much Weight Can A Truck's Tailgate Hold

Factors That Determine The Weight A Tailgate Can Hold

The last thing you want to do when loading your pickup truck is overload it. While this is usually thought of as not exceeding the payload capacity, it's important to also consider the amount of weight that you might need to set on the tailgate itself while maneuvering things in and out of the bed.

You also want to avoid having too much resting weight on the tailgate, as this can damage this part, the shocks, tires, and other components.

Here we'll take a look at some of the most important factors that determine how much your own pickup truck's tailgate can safely hold. 

The Model Of Pickup Truck

The model of pickup you are driving is the single most important factor in determining how much weight the tailgate can hold. Some models, like the Chevy Silverado, are rated as low as 300 pounds. Others, like the Ram 1500, can safely hold an impressive 2,000 pounds. 

Here are several popular pickup truck models and the amount of weight each of their tailgates can hold:

  • Honda Ridgeline: 500 pounds
  • Ford F-150: 600 pounds
  • Ford Ranger: 650 pounds
  • Ford F-250: 1,400 pounds
  • Toyota Tundra: 1,500 pounds
  • Chevy Colorado: 1,500 pounds
  • GM Canyon: 1,500 pounds

The Condition Of The Tailgate

A damaged tailgate could mean the end of hauling until you repair or replace it. Ones that are dented or have significant amounts of rust on them are especially prone to failing, even when an amount of weight they are approved to carry is placed on them.

It's a great idea to routinely inspect your tailgate to make certain that it is in proper condition.

Taillights and tailgate of a pickup truck dirty.

Condition Of The Cables

Brand new cables that have been untested by heavy loads can have a long lifespan if they are properly cared for. The condition of these cables is critical in how much weight you will be able to place on the tailgate itself. Should the cables snap, it will make the tailgate drop and can cause some pretty serious injury.

Make a point of routinely inspecting the tailgate cables. Be sure that they are both taut when the tailgate is lowered. Inspect where these cables are secured to the tailgate and the frame of the pickup truck so that you can be assured that they are in proper working order.

Before you load anything into your pickup truck, consult with the owner's manual to see what the manufacturer has set as the weight limit your truck's tailgate can safely hold. Should you not see a limit listed, assume that it is under 500 pounds.

How Much Weight Can A Silverado Tailgate Support?

The weight limit of the Chevy Silverado tailgate was covered earlier in this post. This tailgate is lighter in weight than most of the others and only has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. Be mindful of what you are loading and how you load it when using a Silverado.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 display

How Much Weight Can A 2500 Tailgate Hold?

The amount of weight a 2500 pickup truck's tailgate can hold will depend on the model of truck. The "2500" designation signifies that the pickup truck belongs in the class of three-quarter-ton pickup trucks.

This means that the overall payload capacity will be at least 1,500 pounds, though most models are rated to easily exceed that weight limit. 

As we pointed out earlier in this post, the Ram 2500 truck has a tailgate that can hold up to 2,000 pounds safely. But the reality is that many manufacturers don't list the maximum capacity for their tailgates out of liability concerns. 

In multiple pickup truck owner forums, the consensus is that if the weight limit is not listed by the manufacturer, you should keep the weight on the tailgate under 500 pounds.

While there are truck tailgates that can certainly hold more than this, testing the limits without any guideline is risky business and can lead to serious injury.

New 2011 Silver Chevrolet Heavy Duty truck shot during press release.

How Much Weight Can A Ford Ranger Tailgate Hold?

Surprisingly enough, lighter duty trucks can have tailgates that support more weight than you might think. In the case of the Ford Ranger, you should be able to safely place up to 650 pounds on it without incident.

However, older model Rangers might have different weight capacities. Always consult your owner's manual before loading anything into a truck. This will ensure that you do not exceed its payload capacity or overload the tailgate.

 A 2020 Ford Ranger Pickup Truck at a Ford dealership

How Much Weight Can A Toyota Tundra Tailgate Support?

The Toyota Tundra can carry a lot of weight on its tailgate. While not as sturdy as the Ram 1500 or 2500, the Tundra is constructed to be able to hold up to 1,500 pounds of weight on the tailgate. 

Use care when loading and unloading into any pickup truck bed. Make certain that the weight of your cargo is as well distributed as possible before driving away. This will not only yield a smoother ride but will keep the heaviest of items from putting too much downward force out of proportion to the rest of the bed. 

How Much Does A Toyota Tundra Tailgate Weigh?

The tailgate of any pickup truck is sure to carry a lot more weight than meets the eye. The Toyota Tundra is an excellent example of how this lighter-weight part can handle more than 15 times its weight. 

The Tundra tailgate weighs 55 pounds. As we pointed out earlier in this post, it can hold up to 1,500 pounds. This is due in part to the durability of the tailgate itself and the strength of the tailgate cables.

How Much Weight Can A Jeep Gladiator Tailgate Support?

A Jeep Gladiator can have a decent amount of weight placed on its tailgate without any issues. Multiple owner forums discuss using this vehicle to haul dirt bikes and ATVs, using ramps on the tailgate to load them into the bed. The Gladiator tailgate will be able to have up to 600 pounds of weight on it.

Jeep Gladiator on a road. The Gladiator is the longest vehicle in Jeep offer.

In Closing

Tailgate weight limits are important to abide by, as failing to do so can cause serious injuries or severe damage to your truck. The weight limit of this part varies widely by model vehicle.

Should your owner's manual not have a set weight limit that your tailgate can hold, you can safely assume that it should be less than 500 pounds. Drive safe!

If you found this post on tailgates and their weight limits to be helpful, take a look at these others:

What does Payload Capacity actually mean in a Pickup Truck?

Towing Capacity and Trailer Weight – What RV Owners Need to Know

Loud Popping Noise From Rear Of Car—What Could Be Wrong?

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