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weight limit on tailgate?

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22K views 32 replies 25 participants last post by  paulj  
#1 ·
Didn't see it in the manual but what is the weight limit on putting an object on the tailgate when lowered...lots of times im a little vigilant when trying to climb in the back from the trunk area when loading larger items so curious to see if I shouldn't be standing or sitting on it...
 
#4 ·
If you can lift the cargo onto the tailgate, you can safely get up there with it. If you have to use a forklift, it would wiser to stay off.

Come to think of it, the spare tire cover probably is weaker than the tailgate. Really heavy loads need to be loaded from the side, and placed over the rear seat mounting brackets. Not only is the floor strongest here, but the load will be centered, keeping handling at its best.

paulj
 
#7 ·
Tailgate - how much weight does it support?

I looked through the owner's manual, and I can find this anywhere. How much weight does the tailgate support? I mean, is it okay to sit on when it is down? I can't seem to find this anywhere, and I really don't want to find out the hard way that it's not for sitting.
 
#8 ·
Sit

robertlewisca said:
I looked through the owner's manual, and I can find this anywhere. How much weight does the tailgate support? I mean, is it okay to sit on when it is down? I can't seem to find this anywhere, and I really don't want to find out the hard way that it's not for sitting.
Yes. You can sit on it. :cool: Not sure how much weight total?:rolleyes:
 
#11 ·
400

paulj said:
The limit is something like two big guys (400 lb ish). However the same weight in concentrated form, such as a large potted plant might bend part of the tailgate.
paulj
Wow...400lbs??? I have had close to 600lbs on it and no issue that I see or know of...:sad: No jumping I guess?:cool:
 
#13 ·
yoda13 said:
I weigh close to 270 and I have parked my fat butt on it many times with no troubles...:D
Yeah, same boat here. I'm no feather and after two hesitant sits on the tailgate, I fear no longer. One interesting post I read in the similar threads read that the spare cover/table top is actually a little weaker than the tailgate, and the author recommended loading from the doors when possible. I haven't hauled anything of substance yet, but I won't be throwing anything onto that cover any more.
 
#20 ·
That kind of weight should be spread out - as on 2 or 3 buttocks.

One EOC poster reported damaging the tailgate while rolling a large potted plant on it. I believe the concentrated weight around one of the hinges bent the sheet metal.

paulj
 
#24 ·
spdrcr5 said:
So you're saying if you want to have 2 or 3 buddies on your tailgate safely you should kill them first?:razz:
Either your E or your buddies. Take your pick. Sometimes you can't have both. :D

As for me, let's just say my buddies are jealous of my E. :wink:
 
#26 ·
Tailgate Weight Capacity

I just bought an 08 Element LX and love the car. Does anyone know how much weight the hatch/tailgate can handle? I want to put 60-120 pounds of weight on it; mostly when i need to stand on it to wipe down the back side of the roof while washing my E, and also when loading heavy objects into the trunk.