Warped tailgate issue after hauling load

[Crissa]

Probably could have balanced it with weight in the front, if you still had load capacity, so the beams would carry their own weight.

Still, it looks like it's just out of alignment, not actually bent, from the photos. We've seen a couple come from the factory like this, so maybe something wasn't torqued down properly.

-Crissa

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[lowtek]

Hmm, I can't imagine an ICE truck tail gate bending like that. Maybe Tesla Tough isn't as strong as Ford Tough? Maybe they should have skipped the stainless-steel body and put a little more strength into the tail gate.

FUD post. Of course an "ICE" truck's tailgate would bend if you exceeded it's capability, been there, done that, more than once.

 

[HaulingAss]

I had an 2010 F-150 with the steel bed. Yes, I took care of it, but I over-loded it a few times with gravel and wine grapes.. You are right, I didn’t over-load the tailgate. I never worried much about breaking my F-150. I do worry about breaking my CT and that is prolly why I said what I said. You have to believe Elon did not make the perfect truck the first time. Ford has been improving their ICE truck for many years. I have to believe the F-150 is less prone to load damage than the CT. No fact, just my belief. MTC

The bed of my 2010 F-150 begs to differ. I bought it new and it is trashed (dented) to hell and back just from normal use, loading/unloading appliances, furniture, lumber, rocks, bricks and firewood. The wheel wells are dented, the tailgate has a flimsy sheet metal panel on the inside and the edge of this stamped steel panel catches on loads when sliding them in, curling the panel unwards and making everything catch on it. I've removed it twice and hammered it flat but things keep catching on it. The ribbed bed is so dented it looks like it's been hammered by a hail of rocks. Paint is missing in a lot of places. The metal is so soft I can hardly believe they have the nerve to call it "Ford tough". It's not much better than a soda can.

In comparison, the composite bed of the Cybertruck is tougher than I have found out yet, not a significant dent or scratch to be seen. I've over-loaded the open tailgate with rounds of firewood and driven down rugged mountain roads without damage.

 

[Ward L]

I hope you are right about the CT tail gate.

 

[Spacenoddle]

They do support the weight but only at the middle of the tailgate. I don't think you would have any issue with a full stack of 4x8's. I think the OP created a boundary condition Tesla engineers didn't design for. The 4x12's created a very large force at the end of the tailgate. Been 30 years since I took statics so I cheated and found an online calculator. According to it, 3/4ths of the total weight of the stack was put on the edge of the tailgate. So definitely not something we should do on any truck.

For 42 12 feet composite board, the total weight is close to 1200 lb, so 3/4 of it is 900 lb, i guess the tailgate load capacity is definitely lower than 900 lb.

 

[CTInProcess]

The bed of my 2010 F-150 begs to differ. I bought it new and it is trashed (dented) to hell and back just from normal use, loading/unloading appliances, furniture, lumber, rocks, bricks and firewood. The wheel wells are dented, the tailgate has a flimsy sheet metal panel on the inside and the edge of this stamped steel panel catches on loads when sliding them in, curling the panel unwards and making everything catch on it. I've removed it twice and hammered it flat but things keep catching on it. The ribbed bed is so dented it looks like it's been hammered by a hail of rocks. Paint is missing in a lot of places. The metal is so soft I can hardly believe they have the nerve to call it "Ford tough". It's not much better than a soda can.

In comparison, the composite bed of the Cybertruck is tougher than I have found out yet, not a significant dent or scratch to be seen. I've over-loaded the open tailgate with rounds of firewood and driven down rugged mountain roads without damage.

That’s because it is a soda can.

Amazing how your CT has gone through everything your 2010 F-150 has gone through and not a single dent!! Elon truly made an amazing truck that will never dent!

 

[CT_AZ_4x4]

Hmm, I can't imagine an ICE truck tail gate bending like that. Maybe Tesla Tough isn't as strong as Ford Tough? Maybe they should have skipped the stainless-steel body and put a little more strength into the tail gate.

My Ford’s tailgate crumpled like aluminum foil when standing on it and lifting an engine into the bed.

 

[CTInProcess]

My Ford’s tailgate crumpled like aluminum foil when standing on it and lifting an engine into the bed.

Lesson learned, stick to a reliable and quality company like Tesla from now on.

 

[HaulingAss]

That’s because it is a soda can.

Amazing how your CT has gone through everything your 2010 F-150 has gone through and not a single dent!! Elon truly made an amazing truck that will never dent!

The Cybertruck has only seen 1/3 year of use while the F-150 has seen 14 years. But it's not amazing that the Cybertruck bed is tougher and more dent resistant than the steel bed of my F-150, it's just what you can expect from the kind of high-quality composite bed that Tesla equips the Cybertruck with. It doesn't dent in normal use while the steel bed dents surprisingly easily. That's why common pickup truck wisdom is you need a bedliner to protect the bed. And guess what bed liners are made out of? Yep, plastic. But all the plastic bedliners I've seen cost hundreds of dollars and are softer and less durable than the one that Tesla incorporated into the Cybertruck.

If there is anything amazing here it's that legacy truck makers, with over 100 years of experience, got passed up by Tesla's first truck because they still provide painted metal beds that beg for expensive additional protection.

 

[CTInProcess]

The Cybertruck has only seen 1/3 year of use while the F-150 has seen 14 years. But it's not amazing that the Cybertruck bed is tougher and more dent resistant than the steel bed of my F-150, it's just what you can expect from the kind of high-quality composite bed that Tesla equips the Cybertruck with. It doesn't dent in normal use while the steel bed dents surprisingly easily. That's why common pickup truck wisdom is you need a bedliner to protect the bed. And guess what bed liners are made out of? Yep, plastic. But all the plastic bedliners I've seen cost hundreds of dollars and are softer and less durable than the one that Tesla incorporated into the Cybertruck.

If there is anything amazing here it's that legacy truck makers, with over 100 years of experience, got passed up by Tesla's first truck because they still provide painted metal beds that beg for expensive additional protection.

Exactly! It’s like Elon is from the future and came back to have this built. Over 100 years of legacies surveying their customers and they still couldn’t figure out the customers wanted what the CT has. Elon didn’t do any surveys, he just built it, knowing his followers would just buy it because he built it! Amazing!

 

[firsttruck]

For 42 12 feet composite board, the total weight is close to 1200 lb, so 3/4 of it is 900 lb, i guess the tailgate load capacity is definitely lower than 900 lb.

The 900lbs you stated is only static weight.

Normal movements causes dynamic weight forces which can be many times higher and these higher load forces could happen frequently during a trip.

------------------------------------------

Driving with tailgate down
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/driving-tailgate-down-455026/index4/

2019-08-24 #31
convergent Location: Apex, NC
Anyone know what the weight capacity is on the tailgate itself?

My brother in law tried hauling some pressure treated lumber for a deck and loaded it with the tailgate down in his 2005 F150. He pulled out of Lowes Hardware parking lot into the street and the
** tailgate bent like a hotdog roll and dumped the whole load into the middle of the street. **

2019-08-25 #36 Ricktwuhk Location: SE Michigan

Capacity of tailgate is less than a load of PT lumber... Any load has have the weight centered IN the bed. So, a 6.5 foot bed should have wood that is no longer than 12 feet. 14 foot wood would put the center on the tailgate. Smart people use one of these, removing weight from the tailgate - Hitch extender and allowing you to haul say 14 foot pieces, provided you don't exceed 500 pounds of hitch weight including the extender. Ford does not say 150 or 800 pounds for the tailgate. The step has a 350 pound limit for those that have it. Buy a DG tailgate support, shown here in a set of 3, which allows the stress to be removed from the cables, and 3 different positions.

2019-08-26 #41 Flamingtaco Senior Member Location: Kentucky

Default Do NOT put a load of 12ft boards in your 6.5' bed, or 10ft in your 5.5' bed.
** Boards will bow when not supported at the ends and place pressure on your tailgate that exceeds it's rating. **
When hauling a significant load of wood, even if the load stops at the end of the tailgate, there can be a heavy load on the gate. Get the DG supports or a hitch extender if you are going to load a lot of material over the gate.

------------------------------------------

Maximum weight on 2015 F-150 Tailgate
2016- 04-26
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1432671-maximum-weight-on-2015-f-150-tailgate.html

.....
2016-04-27 dmags Hauling with tailgate down

I recall hauling Maybe a snowmobile or something with the tailgate down and I'm not sure what happened The cables stretched or something but the black plastic on the step bumper made contact with the tailgate Needless to say I was not a happy camper It did a nice number on it so be careful that it doesn't bounce too much Maybe put a piece of 3/4 plywood in the bed to support it and keep it from putting stress on the tailgate?


.....
#6 04-27-2016 tvsjr

Would the rear wheels be riding on the tailgate?

Loading and unloading is basically a static load.
Having something heavy on the edge of the tailgate and hitting a good bounce in the road. Doesn't matter how well you strap it down, you're going to get a substantial dynamic load.

------------------------------------------

Centurion Canopy - Heavy Duty Construction

Static vs dynamic load capacity
Posted on 17 February 2023
by Utemaster ( SYDNEY, AU )
https://www.utemaster.com.au/more/learning-centre/static-vs-dynamic-load-capacity/

How is Static Load Capacity calculated? Static load capacity testing involves subjecting a structure to the maximum weight it can bear when stationary. The objective is to assess the Canopy or Hard Lids load-bearing capability by determining the weight limit before there is any visible damage to the product or supporting tub.

What is Dynamic Load Capacity? A dynamic load capacity refers to the maximum weight that can be supported by a structure when it is subjected to movement, such as when a vehicle is driving. This rating will normally be lower than a static load capacity because the amount of force applied when doing so is far greater than when the vehicle is stationary.

How is Dynamic Load Rating calculated? Dynamic load rating is calculated by putting the product in a simulated environment and subjecting it to a series of formulated tests that represent real life examples. Utemaster have a special rig that replicates the vibrations of traveling on rugged roads, this means it has been tested past the warranty period of the vehicle. The result is a whole new level of performance and driver comfort.

Although a certain canopy may be able to handle a heavy weight to transport something down the road, this doesn't represent a load rating. Typically the Dynamic rating will test the product until failure, and then determine the weight rating from there, using a factor of up to 4x. Unlike a static rating, this means that you can have complete confidence that your goods will be safe on the roads.

------------------------------------------

What's the difference between dynamic and static weight?
This is because, in a static load, the force of the load on the platform remains constant ( On Earth, 1 Earth gravity).
In a dynamic load, it might change abruptly during acceleration or deceleration, or weight may shift from one area to another.
26 may 2020
Static Load Vs. Dynamic Load: Demystifying Pallet Load Ratings
iGPS Logistics
https://igps.net › static-load-vs-dynamic-load-demystifyi.

https://igps.net/static-load-vs-dynamic-load-demystifying-pallet-load-ratings/

------------------------------------------

 

[mongo]

The 900lbs you stated is only static weight.

Normal movements causes dynamic weight forces which can be many times higher and these higher load forces could happen frequently during a trip.

------------------------------------------

Driving with tailgate down
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/driving-tailgate-down-455026/index4/

2019-08-24 #31
convergent Location: Apex, NC
Anyone know what the weight capacity is on the tailgate itself?

My brother in law tried hauling some pressure treated lumber for a deck and loaded it with the tailgate down in his 2005 F150. He pulled out of Lowes Hardware parking lot into the street and the
** tailgate bent like a hotdog roll and dumped the whole load into the middle of the street. **

2019-08-25 #36 Ricktwuhk Location: SE Michigan

Capacity of tailgate is less than a load of PT lumber... Any load has have the weight centered IN the bed. So, a 6.5 foot bed should have wood that is no longer than 12 feet. 14 foot wood would put the center on the tailgate. Smart people use one of these, removing weight from the tailgate - Hitch extender and allowing you to haul say 14 foot pieces, provided you don't exceed 500 pounds of hitch weight including the extender. Ford does not say 150 or 800 pounds for the tailgate. The step has a 350 pound limit for those that have it. Buy a DG tailgate support, shown here in a set of 3, which allows the stress to be removed from the cables, and 3 different positions.

2019-08-26 #41 Flamingtaco Senior Member Location: Kentucky

Default Do NOT put a load of 12ft boards in your 6.5' bed, or 10ft in your 5.5' bed.
** Boards will bow when not supported at the ends and place pressure on your tailgate that exceeds it's rating. **
When hauling a significant load of wood, even if the load stops at the end of the tailgate, there can be a heavy load on the gate. Get the DG supports or a hitch extender if you are going to load a lot of material over the gate.

------------------------------------------

Maximum weight on 2015 F-150 Tailgate
2016- 04-26
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1432671-maximum-weight-on-2015-f-150-tailgate.html

.....
#6 04-27-2016 tvsjr

Would the rear wheels be riding on the tailgate?

Loading and unloading is basically a static load.
Having something heavy on the edge of the tailgate and hitting a good bounce in the road. Doesn't matter how well you strap it down, you're going to get a substantial dynamic load.

------------------------------------------

Static vs dynamic load capacity
Posted on 17 February 2023
by Utemaster
https://www.utemaster.com.au/more/learning-centre/static-vs-dynamic-load-capacity/

How is Static Load Capacity calculated? Static load capacity testing involves subjecting a structure to the maximum weight it can bear when stationary. The objective is to assess the Canopy or Hard Lids load-bearing capability by determining the weight limit before there is any visible damage to the product or supporting tub.

What is Dynamic Load Capacity? A dynamic load capacity refers to the maximum weight that can be supported by a structure when it is subjected to movement, such as when a vehicle is driving. This rating will normally be lower than a static load capacity because the amount of force applied when doing so is far greater than when the vehicle is stationary. How is Dynamic Load Rating calculated? Dynamic load rating is calculated by putting the product in a simulated environment and subjecting it to a series of formulated tests that represent real life examples. Utemaster have a special rig that replicates the vibrations of traveling on rugged roads, this means it has been tested past the warranty period of the vehicle. The result is a whole new level of performance and driver comfort. Although a certain canopy may be able to handle a heavy weight to transport something down the road, this doesn't represent a load rating. Typically the Dynamic rating will test the product until failure, and then determine the weight rating from there, using a factor of up to 4x. Unlike a static rating, this means that you can have complete confidence that your goods will be safe on the roads.

------------------------------------------

What's the difference between dynamic and static weight?
This is because, in a static load, the force of the load on the platform remains constant ( On Earth, 1 Earth gravity).
In a dynamic load, it might change abruptly during acceleration or deceleration, or weight may shift from one area to another.
26 may 2020
Static Load Vs. Dynamic Load: Demystifying Pallet Load Ratings
iGPS Logistics
https://igps.net › static-load-vs-dynamic-load-demystifyi.

https://igps.net/static-load-vs-dynamic-load-demystifying-pallet-load-ratings/

------------------------------------------

Regarding hitch based lumber supports: Cybertruck hitch is rated for 160 pounds and they don't specify distance from pin, but longer lever arm is going to impart higher loads.
https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/cybertruck/en_us/GUID-EBDD7BD9-8942-45CA-8E0D-26B48185DEB9.html

 

[HaulingAss]

For 42 12 feet composite board, the total weight is close to 1200 lb, so 3/4 of it is 900 lb, i guess the tailgate load capacity is definitely lower than 900 lb.

There are static loads and then there are dynamic loads. The static load capacity of the tailgate is absolutely huge, generally not a concern to normal people. The dynamic load capacity is really a grey area, because it depends so much on speeds over things like speed bumps, ruggedness of the terrain, suspension settings, tire pressure and how you drive. Use common sense and I doubt any reasonable person would find it inadequate. The OP had an issue because the load was not adequately secured, and he admits as much.

People who understand basic physics, and load the truck reasonably, are unlikely to ever have an issue. But, yeah, nothing has infinite limits and plenty of people lacking common sense have broken truck tailgates by doing dumb things. Sometimes common sense is not so common:

 

[REM]

BROOOOO! If I ever see something like this one the same road as me I'm 1000% calling the Highway Patrol as fast as my fingers can move. Putting everyone's life in extreme danger.

The one with the rebar is especially egregious!

 

[HaulingAss]

Exactly! It’s like Elon is from the future and came back to have this built. Over 100 years of legacies surveying their customers and they still couldn’t figure out the customers wanted what the CT has. Elon didn’t do any surveys, he just built it, knowing his followers would just buy it because he built it! Amazing!

I sense you are being sarcastic, but perhaps only because you have no real experience using the Cybertruck to get real work done. It sounds like you believe all the fake narratives constantly pushed by the haters.

Just a guess, but it comes across as rather misguided.

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