how many pounds lbs can the tailgate support?

[AutobahnSHO]

They don't. It's always been the 400lbs all the down and 500lbs when inline with the wheel wells. I would guess the wheel wells are supporting some of the weight in that scenario, hence the higher weight rating.

That's not what the manual says though.
"The maximum load capacity for the middle position is 500 lb (226 kg) evenly distributed to the 2 pickup box wheelhouse locations and the tailgate."

To me that says 500 lbs total, 250 on the wheel wells and 250 on the tailgate.

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[Timothyd]

Is it safe to stand or put heavy stuff on the tailgate?

I know it can support the rear of my bike

 

[Automan21]

I think it can support one Chris Farley

Didn’t he fall off the wagon? So I guess not

 

[The Real Maverick]

I think it can support one Chris Farley

I think more.
Sorry. I couldn't resist.

(Look, I said I was sorry....)

 

[Ven]

I know it can support the rear of my bike

Absolutely, the major weight stands on the bed.

 

[OneAlienBoi]

I think it can support one Chris Farley

Ford's CEO wanted to make sure he could haul the ghost of his cousin around with him .

 

[cyberdog]

Ford's website & video clearing indicate 400 LBS in the fully down position, and 500 LBS in the midway position. - They then show a pile of plywood sitting on the tailgate at the midway position.

There is also a warning not to lower the tailgate with a hitch ball/receiver installed, and to securely hold the tailgate when opening. As some have found out, opening with a ball mount attached result in damage if the ball extends into the tailgate travel position. - Knew there was a reason I installed that tailgate assist dampener.

I've climbed in and out of the bed, along with some cargo without an issue, and I'm 230-240 lbs at the moment. Two big guys were sitting on the tailgate of the Maverick at the Philly auto show last year (Jan-Feb '23), and it seemed fine when the tailgate was shut. I'd venture the weak point is most likely the cables, they could stretch or even pull from their crimps would be my guess. (Yes, I'm speculating here, however stranded cables may stretch). I'd also venture to speculate the weight limit 'static' or non-moving may be higher, and the stated numbers are worse case scenario with the truck in motion, adding forces of ride motion.

 

[surfstar]

Those steel cables can be quite strong.
Also, who knows, the 400-500 lbs could likely be rated as a WLL with a 3x+ breaking strength (hopefully!).

Some get started on a break test and report the results

 

[generalmgr]

Yes, though TBH I’m getting old enough to want a step stool of some kind to save my knees getting back down.

Not sure how the people with full size trucks do it.

This rides along with me in my truck: https://www.harborfreight.com/one-s...OmFEJ-skdEo-F-_CJc4Y4xr29VW0FbPoaAlqGEALw_wcB

 

[Scot LX]

It held up the back end of my bike as well, but I was careful not to add my weight to it while climbing down. Better to be extra careful, than to wish I had been after I screw up.

 

[NewcMaverick]

I routinely push my dirtbike/ramp on the tailgate without issues. I also stand on it and sit on often and I weight 200lbs. No issues so far. Dirtbike and myself together weigh over 400lbs and I haven't had any problems.

 

[Oscarcat]

Yes, though TBH I’m getting old enough to want a step stool of some kind to save my knees getting back down.

Not sure how the people with full size trucks do it.

The only really innovative feature in my former 2016 GMC Canyon [and the later Chevy and GMC trucks] is the step bumper. I looked everywhere for a side step but nobody made one at the time. Now some of the full-size GM products, but not Colorado or Canyon have side steps standard.
I would love to have built-in left and right steps in my Mav bumper. But the Mav flexbed is far more useful than my GMC bed ever was even after I added hog ring tie downs.

 

[Tim d]

This page says don't load more than 500lb evenly distributed on wheel wells and tailgate in the middle position. So I'd say don't do more than about 250lbs on tailgate, because it's just the 2 cables holding it up. (it doesn't rest on the bumper)

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/...A&div=f&vFilteringEnabled=False&buildtype=web

My wife and I sit on our tailgate all the time,and we are close to 350 lbs together.no issues.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

so you just climb in/out the bed over the tailgate?

No you can climb in or out of the bed while in contact with the tailgate if you weigh up to 400lbs with tailgate down or 500lbs with tailgate in the partially raised position. You can weigh more with the tailgate in the partially raised position because the extra 100lbs will be carried by the hinge and not by the cables. Of interest is that some have ridden their skinny 46" mower or a four wheeler up ramps into the bed without reporting a problem. If you are concerned about the cable load limits you can purchase or make metal hinge straps to replace the cables which have larger weight capacities.

 

[Ponyprez]

Is it safe to stand or put heavy stuff on the tailgate?

I found online from Ford that it should not exceed 400 LBS spread evenly across the Tailgate and for some reason it's 500 LBS with the tailgate in the halfway up point. I just moved a 368 LB Gun safe and had no issues and that included tipping the safe upright on the edge of the tailgate.

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