I have a 2009 Dodge Ram, Crew Cab, and the bed is just short enough that the ATV rear wheels sit on the front portion of the tailgate. The owner's manual states that one should not drive with over 150 lbs on the open tailgate.

My question: Does anyone make an extension to replace the tailgate that will handle additional weight? Maybe something that attaches to the trailer hitch for support?

Any other suggestions to this problem would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

I have seen people drive Polaris Sportsman's into 09's without a issue and that is a 800+ lbs quad. I have driven a 04 600 Sportsman and my Grizz into my 04 Ram without fail. I think you will be ok with yours. If it is a major issue to you buy a sheet of 3/4 plywood and stick it into the bed to cover up both the bed and the tailgate and that should solve any worries you have!

 

If you are really worried about it, I would make a subfloor similar to what DODGE57HEMI suggests. Otherwise just don't floor it over the railroad tracks and such and you should be fine.

 

And a third vote for the 3/4" plywood. My brother recently went from TN to WI with an AC TRV in the back of his short bed CC Chevy. While the TRV will fit (best backwards) the front wheels sit solidly in the middle of the tailgate. It probably would have been OK to do nothing, but just to be safe we cut a 3/4" plywood base the same size as the total of the bed and tailgate. He had no problems.

Just make sure that the plywood doesn't extend past the end of the tailgate of the wood will flip while loading.

 

I think these are the best solution.
TriWorks Industries Our Products

 

Get a Ford, I Put alot more then 150lb on the trail gate all the time. Must be a manual misprint I hope.

My friend has a 2005 Dodge Ram short box and he carries his 660 Grizzly on the back of the gate for years and miles.

 

I doubt it's a misprint but it seems like it should be. I just checked the manual for my 95 F-150 and it says not to exceed 500 lbs on the tailgate.

 

I think every major brand of truck has had a tail gate recall of some sort at one point therefore the manual is probably just playing it safe with the weight limit!