Fitting into Truck Bed

[Rex Herring]

Loaded up the Pioneer 500 to see if it fits. Has anyone else done this and any problems with the endgate being strong enough?

 

[ohanacreek]

It's recommended by most vehicle manufactures not to have that much weight on the tailgate cables.

There are aftermarket tailgate supports.
Like this (not the right model)
DG Manufacturing (3013) 13" Tailgate Support Bar for Ford F-250/F-350 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JA2K1EY/?tag=sxsweb24-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JA2K1EY/?tag=sxsweb24-20

 

[Rex Herring]

For now, I was going to also use a 1000lb strap on each side of the tailgate and maybe plywood under the tires from the tailgate to the front of the bed to spread out the weight a little. I won't depend on the little cables only for sure.

 

[ohanacreek]

2x8 to under the front tires would be better

 

[Rustell]

Just because you can....doesn't mean you should. To much that can go wrong. My opinion.

 

[Rex Herring]

Well I gave it a try and it worked well. I had laminated two 12 inch wide 1/2 inch thick 6 ply plywood with construction adhesive and air nailed together. So it was a stiff 12 ply under the wheels full bed length. Extra 1000 lb straps on the tailgate. Strapped into the bed with 1000 lb straps on the swing arms. It never moved on a short trip to the Badlands about 35 miles from here. Did some forest service trail riding and had a blast. Beautiful day 77 degrees and sunny. The P-500 worked great with no issues.

 

[Code54]

Found this on the net and thought it was interesting
http://ridertailgate.com/loading-truck-bed-using-ramps-s1/

 

[hambone]

That is a short bed correct?
I haven't tried yet, but was wondering. Thanks for posting!
Did it fit okay between the wheel wells? I have 8ft bed so the length should be okay.

 

[scott]

Saw what one guy made i think it's pretty neat and smart. Don't know the info or how it hooks to the bed.

 

[Rex Herring]

That is a short bed correct?
I haven't tried yet, but was wondering. Thanks for posting!
Did it fit okay between the wheel wells? I have 8ft bed so the length should be okay.

Mine is the 6.5 ft bed, the wheels do fit between the wheel wells just fine.
I did use reinforcement straps on the end gate on both sides to relieve some stress on it plus bed length laminated 12 ply that's stiff. There didn't seem to be any above and beyond stress on it. All 4 corners were strapped to the suspension arms and bed of the truck. It never moved during our trip. I also have a wide ramp to reduce stress on the center of the end gate.