Have you ever held a pickup truck tailgate in your hands? Those things are not light at all and sometimes need two people to carry them. Most of us are unaware of their heaviness due to either tailgate assists or the fact that they are hinged to the truck.
Whether it’s knowing for storage purposes, shipping purposes or just because, some people just need to know how much their specific pickup truck tailgate weighs.
Various Tailgate Weights
Depending on the specific truck tailgate, they generally weigh between 50 to 150 pounds. Several key factors play a huge role in weight such as additional handrails, steps, or light fixtures.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 tailgate weighs 75 pounds with an added 46 pounds for a spring-loaded step ladder; providing high durability with even distribution for extra weight. It also includes easy access via the integrated rear power door locks.
Ford F-250
The Ford F-250 tailgate weighs 60 pounds with an added 20 pounds if it is made of chrome.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma tailgate weighs 60 pounds.
Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra tailgate weighs between 45 and 60 pounds with an added 20 to 30 pounds for the torsion rod.
Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline tailgate weighs 75 pounds with an additional 46 pounds for a step ladder.
Dodge Ram
The Dodge Ram tailgate weighs in at 60 pounds total and exceeds OEM specifications.
Chevy Silverado
The Chevy Silverado aluminum power tailgate weighs 75 pounds plus an additional 20 to 30 pounds for the torsion rod.
Chevy Colorado
The Chevy Colorado steel tailgate weighs 54 pounds with an added 20 to 30 pounds for the torsion rod.
Nissan Titan
The Nissan Titan steel tailgate weighs in at 60 pounds total with an additional 20 to 30 pounds for the torsion rod.
GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon EZ-Lift & Lower Tailgate weighs between 65 and 70 pounds total.
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger tailgate weighs 60 pounds with an extra 46 pounds if it includes a step ladder.
Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier locking tailgate weighs in at a total of 60 pounds.
Tailgate Weight Capacities
A tailgates weight capacity varies according to the make and model. Some are equipped to handle hundreds of pounds whereas others can withstand over thousand-pound pressures.
- Ford F150 Tailgate — 600LBS
- Ford F250 Tailgate — 1400LBS
- Toyota Tacoma Tailgate — 1000LBS
- Toyota Tundra Tailgate — 1500LBS
- Honda Ridgeline Tailgate — 500LBS
- Dodge Ram Tailgate — 2000LBS
- Chevy Silverado Tailgate — 1500LBS
- Chevy Colorado Tailgate — 2500LBS
- Nissan Titan Tailgate — 1000LBS
- GMC Canyon Tailgate — 1400LBS
- Ford Ranger Tailgate — 650LBS
- Nissan Frontier Tailgate — 1000LBS
Can A Tailgate’s Weight Capacity Be Increased?
It is possible to increase the weight capacity of a tailgate. For example, using auxiliary airbags and/or light truck tires can both boost the weight capacity. However, the one way to ensure safe transport and hauling is with even weight distribution.
Place heavier cargo toward the rear of the pickup truck bed to relieve the back axle of excess weight. Stack large household items like sofas, bed mattresses, and dressers on their sides. Make sure to place them toward the outer area of the truck bed away from its center point.
Upgrading the truck’s rear leaf/coil springs is always another option. This helps by increasing its max payload and to relieve weight stress. Using a coil-over-shock absorption system will provide vehicle control during heavy hauls. It also takes some strain off of the springs on tough terrain making it another worthwhile option to use.
As a last resort for those who can afford it, a truck bed extension allows even weight distribution. This gives allows for more storage space and maximizes your truck’s payload capacity.
Will Removing A Tailgate Improve Fuel Efficiency?
Removing a tailgate WILL improve your fuel economy. Whether you measure the wind drag or if your drive with your tailgate down, it doesn’t matter because making your truck lighter will always save you on gas. Watch this short video on MythBusters and you’ll see that the best fuel saver is driving with a meshed tailgate AKA no tailgate.
What Are The Signs Of An Overloaded Tailgate?
When loading a pickup truck bed, it is of the utmost importance not to exceed the payload limit. While the dangers of a truck bed overload are ever-present, very few people can identify the signs. Some things to look for include:
An Overpacked Truck Bed
Packing doesn’t involve rocket science as long as it’s done in a responsible way. Never fill it up higher than the bed itself and make several trips if necessary.
Exceeds Weight Load Capacity
Weighing a pickup truck is one sure-fire way of telling if it exceeds the payload limit. In the event of an overload, proceed to remove several items until deemed safe.
Truck Is Slow & Sluggish
If a truck is struggling to get from Point A to Point B and is slower than usual, that’s a sign of overload. This, in turn, creates a potential hazard for both the driver and other innocent bystanders.
Droopy Tail End
When a truck is overloaded, the rear end of the vehicle will slouch. This is quite noticeable and places stress upon the suspension system. At the first sign of weight imbalance, remove some cargo and lighten up the load.
Unusual Noise Emitted From Truck
Another sign that a pickup truck has way too much weight is odd sounds. Leaf springs tend to become squeaky when supporting an overload of weight. If this should occur, lighten the load ASAP and prevent an unforeseen dilemma.
Difficulty When Steering
A truck is hard to handle when the bed is overloaded with excess cargo. This affects the ability to steer, becoming almost impossible to drive.
Line Of Vision
One guaranteed way to know if a truck bed has too much weight is with the naked eye. In other words, check it out and make a clear judgment. If there seems to be an overabundance of cargo, then chances are the load should be lightened before transport.
Low Rear Bumper
Nobody knows a truck better than the owner. This includes how it handles potholes and speed bumps. When there is too much weight inside of bed, the rear end will drag and scrape across the pavement. This is a clear sign the truck has excessive cargo and needs to be immediately assessed.
Weakened Suspension System
Pickup trucks have a natural bounce due to their suspension system. This is less noticeable in the event of an overload and if left unattended, can lead to more serious issues.
Hesitant Braking
One serious indicator of a truck bed overload is hesitation when coming to a complete stop. If it takes a little more effort to push down on that brake pedal to slow down, you may have an overloading issue.
Truck Overload End Results
Although easy to prevent, accidental truck overloads take their toll throughout the years, wreaking havoc on suspension systems and tires. In some severe cases, it can even lead to blow-outs or problems with the transmission. There are also reports of damage to the center pins which can put a strain upon truck axles. Damage to the center pins can make driving somewhat shaky and eventually requiring a realignment.
In Conclusion
Be aware that the weights of the various tailgates have been collected from various resources such as vehicle manufactures and retailers. It may not be 100% accurate and could be off by a few pounds. The most accurate way to figure out the weight of a tailgate is to remove it and weigh it yourself.
If you’re thinking of different ways to accessorize your truck or make it more functional, consider checking out my recommended accessories page. I spent a good amount of time picking out mods that can be useful for most pickup trucks.