does anybody know how much the tailgate can hold when down..? it seems that when im standing on it (245 lbs) it gives a little, and im worried i may be stretching the cords or something like that.. looked through the manual couldn't find anything, anybody know?

 

I weigh 200lbs and I lift cases that are north of 75 lbs while standing on the tailgate. I have no cause for concern about my tailgate it also has a pull out step with a built-in pull up handle. Not sure if it is reinforced versus a regular plain tailgate because it is hollow inside because the step slides back and forth into the tailgate. It doesnt seem to flex under load. Besides I think those are cables that also help with load, but then again I am not engineer. BTW, I have a 2009 XLT with 6.5 bed.

 

I'm 350 and the step seems to be ok.

 

Its rated for300.

 

I can promise you the tailgate will handle FAR MORE than just a few hundred pounds.. TRUST ME...

I had to move over 5000 pounds of drywall 4' x 12' loaded into the back of my SCREW 5.5 bed It handled it with ease, with the drywall cantelevered off the tailgate The side cables sounded like banjo strings but it handled it...

 

Tailgate more than 300lbs, tailgate step 300lbs limit.

 

I had about 600 pounds on their and my one cable is real loose

 

I have read somewhere in here 500.

But i am not sure either. I would call Ford and ask, is not listed on the manual either, at least i didn't see it.

 

I put a 625 pound ATV in the bed. Drive it up a ramp hanging off the tailgate. No problems at all.

 

I've had a snowmobile teetering on the tailgate before. Easily 500 pounds plus my 190.