What is the load rating of my Dodge Ram's tailgate? Seems to me that a 500+ pound ATV with a guy geared up to 300 pounds and maybe a 150 pound deer rolling up ramps could cause the retention cables to snap. I know I've seen it done plenty of times, but if the cables did snap, that would really trash the tailgate! I had the drivers side cable break already (this truck is a 2001 and had NOT been loaded heavily), the outer jacket had cracked and the cable broke right there where corrosion occured. And the cable brokeI replaced both to be safe. Talking about 1,000 pounds here. My owners manual doesn't give a weight limit. Do any of you other truck owners have a capacity listed in your manuals?

I was thinking at a minimum I would run some ratcheting tie-down straps from the tailgate up to the stake pockets in the back to take up some of the load.

Any input?

Uncle Matt (in IL)

Uncle Matt I have a GMC pickup that both cables broke as I was riding the 4 wheeler in to load it, and you are right it has a way of messing up the tail gate, I had the safety chains attached and if it was'nt for them I would have taken a real bad backwards flip. I know that GM has a recall on about all the newer trucks to relace the original ones with stainless steel cables, Both of mine broke right where they bend and the rubber coating was cracked and allowed some rust and corrosion to set in, needless to say I load my 4 wheeler now from standing on the ground beside it instead of on it.

I know of a fellow who had both cables break on his Ford doing the same thing riding his, ATV up so I just pull a trailer for hauling mine around.

I found out about the recall on my GMC one day too late. I had loaded my atv in my truck and had it strapped in. When I took off from the stopsign at the end of my road, one of the cables broke. Luckily only one broke and didn't do any damage to my tailgate. When I got the mail the next day, there was the recall to replace the cables. From now on, I'll not be taking the chance. I'll take the time to hook up my trailer. Live and learn they say.

Uncle Matt


Check these out. www.vrstraps.com

I have them on my avalanche and they give me piece of mind. My GM cables were recalled.

I think this guy only makes them for GM, but last I hear he was designing them for other trucks as well. He can't be the only one making them! Look for something along these lines.

jay