Lift Gate Weight Max

[Guest]

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[cliffwegner]

I'm planning on hauling a aeroater (don't know how to spell it - I'm talking about the machine that pulls the little plugs out of your yard) in the tek this weekend. It weighs 400 lbs. I'm going to bring it up a ramp that is resting on the lift gate. Am I safe? Does anyone know the max weight the lift gate can support?
thanks.

[Newfie Hauler]

I don't believe that Pontiac ever published a maximum weight figure for the tailgate.  The four biggest problems that I see are:
1. The plastic cover on the inside of the tailgate definately will not take 400 lbs.  It will crack.
2. The gas struts on the side of the liftgate.  The struts seems pretty sturdy, but I am not sure if the mounts could take that weight.
3. The hinges at the bottom of the tailgate seem rather thin for that kind of weight.
4. The tailgate side cables.  They are probably the second weakest link, next to the plastic on the inside cover.

Keep in mind that I know some people "tailgating" may sit on it (2- 200 lb. people = 400 lbs.), but that weight is distributed over a larger area.  I don't think that I would even feel comfortable with that.

My suggestions, hook the ramps up to a platform (capable of handling the 400 lbs with stability) away from the tailgate.  Wheel the aerator up on the platform.  Then move the ramps or a second set of ramps from the platform to the inside of the Tek.  You would have to make sure the ramps don't touch the tailgate and the aerator clears the leftgate in order to do this.  You could also rent a truck from home depot.  I know you think that is why you bought the Tek, but if you bend the hinges or some of these other parts, it will not be an inexpensive repair, because it will most likely damage the hinge mountings to the body of the Tek.

[Zinnium]

the plastics cover is about 450lb  and the gate is about 500lb.  

i would put a piece of plastic over the plastic and the put a piece of plywood over that.  this will protect the gate and distipute the weight.

if you have the cargo tray i would use that to hual it makes life easier and can hold 400lb

i can't spell

[Newfie Hauler]

Zinnium,

Where did you find that information?

[Zinnium]

I asked my dad when he was visiting me.

  he stated that GM designs its gates form 500lb to 1000lb , and since they have seats the gate rating would follow the standard weight rating as its seats with is 250lb per person.  but he did say he didn't think the plast would hold up to that weight easly if it wasn't hallow.   he figured that it may that it may have a 500lb rating too but he wouldn't test it. GM has alwat been realy good about making strong gates thats what i love about them. he put a request on it to the GM guys to get that documentaion on it. but he thinks it may just be a supped up truck gate with a nice plastic cover.

he stated that 450lb would be better with the plastic

i will note i've had about 700lb worth of people on it at one time with no problems (its my friend johnny and his wife tina not me).  and have move a 400lb fridge in mine now with all the weight on the gate with no problems. i've only seen one gate fail due to weight in my life and it had a 2500lb round bail fall 3ft above it. my grandpa was realy pissed  .

[Zinnium]

hey cliff

remember distibute the weight or you may have a bad day.

those pockers will go right through that plastic if given the chance.  

[Newfie Hauler]

Zinnium,

I have a silly question for you, what is a "pocker"?  I was looking over the email trying to figure out what you meant, I am at a total loss.  

Curious Newfie

[Zinnium]

newfie,

need to pu this in my personal message.  i can't spell good and i'm pretty bad at grammer too.    

I ment the pokers that goes in to the ground on the airator. most that i've seen just poke a hole in the ground, others will bring out little divits from where the hole was created.

 

[Zinnium]

my dad got back to me on this.

He stated that don't do over 500lb,  thats what he was told by the engineerin guys.