How much weight can a Dodge Ram tailgate hold?
The amount of weight a Ram tailgate can support varies by model and tailgate type. On the Ram 1500 with the optional Multi-Function Tailgate, the rating is typically about 2,000 pounds, while standard tailgates are lower. Always confirm the exact figure in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the placard located on the tailgate or inside the cabin.
Tailgate design and load ratings
Ram’s tailgate options differ by year and trim. The flagship Multi-Function Tailgate introduced on recent Ram 1500 models allows two modes of operation and is marketed for higher load handling, whereas traditional tailgates carry a more modest rating. The numbers below reflect common benchmarks, but the precise value for any given truck can vary.
Multi-Function Tailgate explained
In Ram's lineup, the Multi-Function Tailgate provides alternative ways to access the bed and support heavier cargo, including a swing-open action and integrated steps in some configurations. This design is intended to expand loading versatility while maintaining tailgate integrity.
- Multi-Function Tailgate (Ram 1500 and compatible trims): commonly advertised around 2,000 pounds of load capacity when the tailgate is used as a surface or assistance for loading.
- Standard tailgate on most Ram 1500s (without the multi-function feature): typically around 1,000 to 1,500 pounds, depending on year and configuration.
- Heavy‑Duty Ram models (Ram 2500/3500): tailgate ratings vary by configuration but generally fall within a broad range that can be similar to or slightly exceed the light-duty figures, with the official placard providing the exact number.
These ranges serve as general guidelines. For safety and accuracy, check the exact tailgate rating listed in the owner’s manual or on the tailgate/door placard for your specific vehicle.
How to verify the exact rating for your Ram
To ensure you stay within safe limits, confirm the tailgate weight rating directly from official sources and your vehicle’s documentation. Use the following steps to verify:
- Consult the owner's manual for the payload and tailgate load ratings specific to your model year and trim.
- Look for a placard on the inside edge of the tailgate or in the door jamb that lists the tailgate rating and payload numbers.
- Check Ram's official spec sheets or your dealer’s build sheet for your exact configuration and recommended limits.
Having the precise number on hand helps prevent overloading and reduces the risk of damage to the tailgate or bed structure.
Safety tips for using the tailgate as a loading surface
Even within rated limits, using the tailgate safely matters. Consider these practices when loading heavy items onto a Ram tailgate:
- Never exceed the listed tailgate load rating.
- Distribute weight evenly and avoid placing heavy loads near the edge of the tailgate.
- Whenever possible, use a loading ramp or assistive equipment to minimize manual lifting on the tailgate surface.
- Avoid sitting or standing on the tailgate unless the manufacturer explicitly permits it; improper use can cause damage or failure.
The tailgate is a loading aid, not a substitute for proper lifting technique or equipment.
Summary
In short, a Ram tailgate’s load capacity depends on the model and tailgate type. For Ram 1500s with the Multi-Function Tailgate, the practical ceiling is often cited around 2,000 pounds; standard tailgates tend to be lower, generally around 1,000–1,500 pounds. Always verify the exact rating for your specific vehicle from the owner’s manual or the tailgate placard, and never exceed the rated limit to maintain safety and vehicle integrity.
How much weight can a Ram 1500 hold in the back?
How much weight can a Ram 1500 carry in the bed? The 2025 Ram 1500 can carry up to 2,370 pounds2 of cargo in the bed when equipped with the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. It can haul a maximum of 1,980 pounds2 with the 3.0-liter I-6 and 1,520 pounds2 with the High-Output 3.0-liter I-6.
How much weight can you put on a truck tailgate?
A truck's tailgate can hold anywhere from 300 to over 2,000 pounds, depending on the make, model, and type of tailgate. Modern, standard tailgates are often rated for around 500 pounds, while some multifunctional tailgates have significantly higher capacities. The strength depends on factors like construction materials and design, and the weight limit should not be confused with payload capacity.
Factors influencing tailgate weight capacity
- Make and model: Different trucks have different designs and materials, which affect the weight limit.
- Construction: Modern tailgates are often made from lightweight aluminum alloys, while older ones may be steel.
- Type of load: The weight capacity is for a static load that is evenly distributed. Dynamic loads (like a person jumping on it) or point loads (like a heavy object on one spot) can cause damage even at lower weights.
- Special features: Multifunctional tailgates may have higher capacities due to reinforcements. For example, the GMC Multi-Pro Tailgate can hold about 830 pounds, while the Ram 1500 Multi-Function Tailgate can handle up to 2,000 pounds when used as a traditional tailgate.
Important considerations
- Manufacturer ratings: Always check your vehicle's owner's manual for the official weight rating.
- Dynamic forces: A tailgate's cables are often the weak point, and they are not designed to support the weight of ATVs or motorcycles, especially when the load is not evenly distributed.
- Point loads: Avoid putting heavy objects on a single spot on the tailgate, as this can cause it to buckle, even if the total weight is within limits.
- Safety: If you are concerned about overloading the tailgate, it is safer to remove it or use a trailer for loading heavy items like ATVs.
How much weight can a Ram 1500 tailgate hold?
The weight limit for a Ram 1500's Multifunction Tailgate is 2,000 pounds when the tailgate is down and closed. For a traditional tailgate, the capacity is significantly less, often around 1,000 pounds. However, always check your specific model's owner's manual for exact specifications and ensure weight is properly distributed for safety, especially when distributing heavy loads.
Tailgate weight limits
- Ram Multifunction Tailgate: Up to 2,000 pounds when in the traditional, open position.
- Traditional Tailgate: Approximately 1,000 pounds, but can vary by model year.
Important considerations
- Weight distribution: When loading the truck bed, ensure the weight is not concentrated solely on the tailgate, especially with heavier items like a dirt bike or quad.
- Model year: Always consult your specific model's owner's manual for the most accurate weight limit, as this can vary by year and configuration.
- Dynamic weight: The 2,000-pound limit for the Multifunction Tailgate is for static weight. The weight limit for dynamic loads, such as driving a heavy object over the tailgate, is different and should be handled with caution.
Is it okay to sit on the tailgate of a truck?
You can sit on a truck's tailgate when the truck is parked, but doing so while it is moving is often illegal and dangerous, and it depends on state laws. Tailgates are designed for hauling cargo, not people, and they can pose a safety risk by potentially buckling or breaking.
Safety risks
- Falls: You can easily fall off the tailgate due to abrupt stops, uneven terrain, or turns.
- Injury: Even with a low-speed stop, a fall can lead to serious injury.
- Equipment failure: Tailgates are not engineered to support the weight of people, which can cause them to buckle or break.
Legality
- Varies by state: There is no federal law, so legality depends on your state.
- Often illegal: Many states have laws that make it illegal to ride in the back of a pickup truck unless you are properly restrained with a seatbelt or the area is specifically designed for passengers.
- Specific restrictions: Some states have specific age restrictions, speed limits, or exceptions for agricultural or emergency use.
If you must sit on a tailgate
- Only do so when the truck is parked and stationary.
- Be aware of the weight rating of the specific tailgate model.
- Avoid doing so with children, as the risk is even greater.
