If I really cared about possible bending the tailgate during a bounce from pothole or washboard I would make a 2x2 angle iron Fram to reinforce it . In spite of Fords beer can thin metal on the tail gate I have been inside the tailgate trying to p[ushoiut dents from backing into stuff and Ford...
Mavericks have a good payload rating and tail gate can take it , only weak link are the tailgate cables as they will stretch and you will find your tailgate tilting down some. I have a winch mounted on a drop in unit made to fit the 2x6 board slot that I use to drag ATV's , Excavator dig buckets...
I have electric winch in my Maverick Hybrid and that in bed 2x6 slot was perfect for dropping in a 2x6 steel thin wall tube with a winch mounted on top and battery box mounted on the end of the tube -have a cut off switch to power it down so remote receiver does not draw down the battery . .I...