Warped tailgate issue after hauling load

[Keeney]

Back when they first announced the CT, I gave the feedback that the tailgate NEEDs to be strong enough to handle the entire max payload capacity dropped on it by a teenager driving a forklift at Home Depot.
Nobody ever listens to experienced truck users.

 

[jcktrb]

Hauled some 12 footers last night, no bend. Notice that there is no slack in the cables.

 

[Cyber Man]

If I ever have to haul something that stretches way beyond the bed boundary, I’ll just build a plywood wedge support with 2 by 4 support on one side (before the tailgate). It’ll create an angular bed support. I’ll also add holes around the plywood to secure the load to the bed latches. All of the weight will be on bed frame as the inclined angle will keep the materials off the tailgate. Putting 12’ items in the bed with tailgate open is a not a great idea.

It’s a big safety risk as well, IMO! Some states might have mandatory length restrictions on how much the payload can overhang beyond the tailgate. If there is an accident, this could create liability issues as well.

 

[mongo]

Hauled some 12 footers last night, no bend. Notice that there is no slack in the cables.

Critical difference is that the 12 footers aren't the bottom layer. Being real wood that isn't bending over the edge helps too.

 

[firsttruck]

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.
Cybertruck Owner's Manual
https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/cybertruck/en_us/GUID-EBDD7BD9-8942-45CA-8E0D-26B48185DEB9.html

Even Tesla Model Y supports total 160 lbs ( 40lbs for hitch bike carrier + 120lbs of carrier load ) and the Model X supports 198 lbs.

160 lbs seems really low for a hitch cargo carrier maximum total weight capacity for the full-size 1/2-ton truck Cybertruck especially since payload, towing tongue weight, and towing capacities are much higher on Cybertruck than those of Model Y, Model X or even Ford F-150.

Maybe there is a mistake in the "Carrying Accessories" section of Cybertruck Owner's Manual.

The towing section says
Maximum Tongue Weight* 1,100 lb (499 kg)
*The tongue weight is the downward force that the weight of the trailer exerts on the hitch.


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

Tesla Model Y Owner's Manual
https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/modely/en_us/GUID-F5C80FF5-8DE3-4750-8BAF-0DCC0CFA0C5C.html

Towing and Accessories The towing package includes a 2" x 2" (5 cm x 5 cm) hitch receiver that can support an accessory carrier (for bicycles, skis, snowboards, etc.) or tow a trailer.

Installing and Using a Carrier
When using the tow package to carry accessories, the 2" x 2" (5 cm x 5 cm) square hitch receiver is designed to support vertical loads of up to 160 lbs (72 kg). Ball mounts that are compatible with the square receiver must be purchased separately.

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

Tesla Model X/Y Bicycle Hitch Rack for up to 4 bikes
Tesla Shop
https://shop.tesla.com/product/model-x_y-hitch-rack

.....
Features:
Fits both 1.25" and 2" hitch receivers
Carries up to 4 bikes
Weight - 40lbs

.....
Note: Tow hitch required. When carrying bicycles or other items on the Model X/Y Hitch Rack, always check to ensure that the maximum weight is not exceeded. The Model X/Y Hitch Rack is designed to support loads of up to 54.4kg ( 120 lbs).

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

Tesla Model X Owner's Manual
https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/JO/model_x_eu_en.PDF

.....
Maximum Tongue Weight**: 90 kg ( 198 lbs )

**The tongue weight is the downward force that the weight of the trailer exerts on the hitch. It must not be less than 4% of the trailer load. Carrying a significant amount of equipment, passengers, or cargo in the tow vehicle can reduce the tongue weight it can handle, which also reduces the maximum towing capacity. Maximum towing capacity is calculated assuming the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is not exceeded. The GVWR is printed on the Statutory Plate (see Statutory Plate on page 180).

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


Tesla Model Cybertruck Owner's Manual
https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/cybertruck/en_us/Owners_Manual.pdf

.....
Maximum Towing Capacity: 11,000 lb (4,990 kg)
Maximum Tongue Weight* 1,100 lb (499 kg)

*The tongue weight is the downward force that the weight of the trailer exerts on the hitch. It must not exceed 10% of the maximum towing capacity. Carrying a significant amount of equipment, passengers, or cargo in the tow vehicle can reduce the tongue weight it can handle, which also reduces the maximum towing capacity. Maximum towing capacity is calculated assuming the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is not exceeded.

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

2023 Ford F-150 Towing Information
https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/conten...cpo/pdf/2023_Ford_F-150_Towing_Info_Dec16.pdf

F‑150 Pickup
F‑150 Lightning
F‑150 Raptor Pickup

Hitch Receiver ( NON-distribution type)
Max. Tongue Load (lbs.): 500
Weight-Carrying Max. Trailer Capacity (lbs.): 5,000

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

StowAway Cargo Carriers > Hitch Tongue Weight Cargo Carrier > Trailer Hitch Basics
https://www.stowaway2.com/trailer-hitch-basics

Hitch Sizes
Hitches are sometimes identified by size rather than class. Hitch sizes refer to the inside dimension of a vehicle's hitch receiver (measure one side). Class III and Class IV hitches have a measurement of 2 inches, thus they are often referred to as "2 inch receivers." Class I and some Class II hitches generally have a measurement of 1.25 inches, thus they are often referred to as "1.25 inch receivers." Class V hitches have an inside measurement of 2.5" and are designed for heavier loads.

Note: Some manufacturers fabricate Class I and II hitches with a 2 inch hitch opening to accommodate a greater range of hitch accessories, so do not assume that a 2 inch opening equates to a Class III or Class IV receiver hitch.

2" hitches almost always have greater hitch Tongue Weight Capacities than 1.25 hitch receivers. Check your owner's manual, contact your dealer, or simply measure your receiver opening's diameter to determine your hitch size.

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

 

[Cyber Man]

Even Tesla Model Y supports total 160 lbs ( 40lbs for hitch bike carrier + 120lbs of carrier load ) and the Model X supports 198 lbs.

160 lbs seems really low for a hitch cargo carrier maximum total weight capacity for the full-size 1/2-ton truck Cybertruck especially since payload, towing tongue weight, and towing capacities are much higher on Cybertruck than those of Model Y, Model X or even Ford F-150.

Maybe there is a mistake in the "Carrying Accessories" section of Cybertruck Owner's Manual.

The towing section says
Maximum Tongue Weight* 1,100 lb (499 kg)
*The tongue weight is the downward force that the weight of the trailer exerts on the hitch.


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

Tesla Model Y Owner's Manual
https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/modely/en_us/GUID-F5C80FF5-8DE3-4750-8BAF-0DCC0CFA0C5C.html

Towing and Accessories The towing package includes a 2" x 2" (5 cm x 5 cm) hitch receiver that can support an accessory carrier (for bicycles, skis, snowboards, etc.) or tow a trailer.

Installing and Using a Carrier
When using the tow package to carry accessories, the 2" x 2" (5 cm x 5 cm) square hitch receiver is designed to support vertical loads of up to 160 lbs (72 kg). Ball mounts that are compatible with the square receiver must be purchased separately.

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

Tesla Model X/Y Bicycle Hitch Rack for up to 4 bikes
Tesla Shop
https://shop.tesla.com/product/model-x_y-hitch-rack

.....
Features:
Fits both 1.25" and 2" hitch receivers
Carries up to 4 bikes
Weight - 40lbs

.....
Note: Tow hitch required. When carrying bicycles or other items on the Model X/Y Hitch Rack, always check to ensure that the maximum weight is not exceeded. The Model X/Y Hitch Rack is designed to support loads of up to 54.4kg ( 120 lbs).

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

Tesla Model X Owner's Manual
https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/JO/model_x_eu_en.PDF

.....
Maximum Tongue Weight**: 90 kg ( 198 lbs )

**The tongue weight is the downward force that the weight of the trailer exerts on the hitch. It must not be less than 4% of the trailer load. Carrying a significant amount of equipment, passengers, or cargo in the tow vehicle can reduce the tongue weight it can handle, which also reduces the maximum towing capacity. Maximum towing capacity is calculated assuming the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is not exceeded. The GVWR is printed on the Statutory Plate (see Statutory Plate on page 180).

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


Tesla Model Cybertruck Owner's Manual
https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/cybertruck/en_us/Owners_Manual.pdf

.....
Maximum Towing Capacity: 11,000 lb (4,990 kg)
Maximum Tongue Weight* 1,100 lb (499 kg)

*The tongue weight is the downward force that the weight of the trailer exerts on the hitch. It must not exceed 10% of the maximum towing capacity. Carrying a significant amount of equipment, passengers, or cargo in the tow vehicle can reduce the tongue weight it can handle, which also reduces the maximum towing capacity. Maximum towing capacity is calculated assuming the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is not exceeded.

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

2023 Ford F-150 Towing Information
https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/conten...cpo/pdf/2023_Ford_F-150_Towing_Info_Dec16.pdf

F‑150 Pickup
F‑150 Lightning
F‑150 Raptor Pickup

Hitch Receiver ( NON-distribution type)
Max. Tongue Load (lbs.): 500
Weight-Carrying Max. Trailer Capacity (lbs.): 5,000

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

StowAway Cargo Carriers > Hitch Tongue Weight Cargo Carrier > Trailer Hitch Basics
https://www.stowaway2.com/trailer-hitch-basics

Hitch Sizes
Hitches are sometimes identified by size rather than class. Hitch sizes refer to the inside dimension of a vehicle's hitch receiver (measure one side). Class III and Class IV hitches have a measurement of 2 inches, thus they are often referred to as "2 inch receivers." Class I and some Class II hitches generally have a measurement of 1.25 inches, thus they are often referred to as "1.25 inch receivers." Class V hitches have an inside measurement of 2.5" and are designed for heavier loads.

Note: Some manufacturers fabricate Class I and II hitches with a 2 inch hitch opening to accommodate a greater range of hitch accessories, so do not assume that a 2 inch opening equates to a Class III or Class IV receiver hitch.

2" hitches almost always have greater hitch Tongue Weight Capacities than 1.25 hitch receivers. Check your owner's manual, contact your dealer, or simply measure your receiver opening's diameter to determine your hitch size.

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

I agree on the Cybertruck tongue weight. The general rule of thumb is Tongue weight = 10% of the towing capacity. Cybertruck max tongue weight should be around 1000 lbs.

 

[mongo]

Even Tesla Model Y supports total 160 lbs ( 40lbs for hitch bike carrier + 120lbs of carrier load ) and the Model X supports 198 lbs.

160 lbs seems really low for a hitch cargo carrier maximum total weight capacity for the full-size 1/2-ton truck Cybertruck especially since payload, towing tongue weight, and towing capacities are much higher on Cybertruck than those of Model Y, Model X or even Ford F-150.

Maybe there is a mistake in the "Carrying Accessories" section of Cybertruck Owner's Manual.

The towing section says
Maximum Tongue Weight* 1,100 lb (499 kg)
*The tongue weight is the downward force that the weight of the trailer exerts on the hitch.


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

Tesla Model Y Owner's Manual
https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/modely/en_us/GUID-F5C80FF5-8DE3-4750-8BAF-0DCC0CFA0C5C.html

Towing and Accessories The towing package includes a 2" x 2" (5 cm x 5 cm) hitch receiver that can support an accessory carrier (for bicycles, skis, snowboards, etc.) or tow a trailer.

Installing and Using a Carrier
When using the tow package to carry accessories, the 2" x 2" (5 cm x 5 cm) square hitch receiver is designed to support vertical loads of up to 160 lbs (72 kg). Ball mounts that are compatible with the square receiver must be purchased separately.

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

Tesla Model X/Y Bicycle Hitch Rack for up to 4 bikes
Tesla Shop
https://shop.tesla.com/product/model-x_y-hitch-rack

.....
Features:
Fits both 1.25" and 2" hitch receivers
Carries up to 4 bikes
Weight - 40lbs

.....
Note: Tow hitch required. When carrying bicycles or other items on the Model X/Y Hitch Rack, always check to ensure that the maximum weight is not exceeded. The Model X/Y Hitch Rack is designed to support loads of up to 54.4kg ( 120 lbs).

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

Tesla Model X Owner's Manual
https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/JO/model_x_eu_en.PDF

.....
Maximum Tongue Weight**: 90 kg ( 198 lbs )

**The tongue weight is the downward force that the weight of the trailer exerts on the hitch. It must not be less than 4% of the trailer load. Carrying a significant amount of equipment, passengers, or cargo in the tow vehicle can reduce the tongue weight it can handle, which also reduces the maximum towing capacity. Maximum towing capacity is calculated assuming the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is not exceeded. The GVWR is printed on the Statutory Plate (see Statutory Plate on page 180).

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


Tesla Model Cybertruck Owner's Manual
https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/cybertruck/en_us/Owners_Manual.pdf

.....
Maximum Towing Capacity: 11,000 lb (4,990 kg)
Maximum Tongue Weight* 1,100 lb (499 kg)

*The tongue weight is the downward force that the weight of the trailer exerts on the hitch. It must not exceed 10% of the maximum towing capacity. Carrying a significant amount of equipment, passengers, or cargo in the tow vehicle can reduce the tongue weight it can handle, which also reduces the maximum towing capacity. Maximum towing capacity is calculated assuming the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is not exceeded.

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

2023 Ford F-150 Towing Information
https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/conten...cpo/pdf/2023_Ford_F-150_Towing_Info_Dec16.pdf

F‑150 Pickup
F‑150 Lightning
F‑150 Raptor Pickup

Hitch Receiver ( NON-distribution type)
Max. Tongue Load (lbs.): 500
Weight-Carrying Max. Trailer Capacity (lbs.): 5,000

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

StowAway Cargo Carriers > Hitch Tongue Weight Cargo Carrier > Trailer Hitch Basics
https://www.stowaway2.com/trailer-hitch-basics

Hitch Sizes
Hitches are sometimes identified by size rather than class. Hitch sizes refer to the inside dimension of a vehicle's hitch receiver (measure one side). Class III and Class IV hitches have a measurement of 2 inches, thus they are often referred to as "2 inch receivers." Class I and some Class II hitches generally have a measurement of 1.25 inches, thus they are often referred to as "1.25 inch receivers." Class V hitches have an inside measurement of 2.5" and are designed for heavier loads.

Note: Some manufacturers fabricate Class I and II hitches with a 2 inch hitch opening to accommodate a greater range of hitch accessories, so do not assume that a 2 inch opening equates to a Class III or Class IV receiver hitch.

2" hitches almost always have greater hitch Tongue Weight Capacities than 1.25 hitch receivers. Check your owner's manual, contact your dealer, or simply measure your receiver opening's diameter to determine your hitch size.

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

I agree on the Cybertruck tongue weight. The general rule of thumb is Tongue weight = 10% of the towing capacity. Cybertruck max tongue weight should be around 1000 lbs.

Tongue weight (mostly) only reacts vertically. The ball and hitch ensure there is no torque on the receiver beyond the 1,100 pounds (plus dynamics) on the ball multiplied by the frame to ball lever arm.

An unconstrained suspended load can exert much higher loads in directions and ways a trailer would not.

Model X calls out max ball height and distance from pin due to torque when accelerating and deceleration.

 

[CactusPilot]

Problem solved for me....no more scratches. https://www.cybertruckownersclub.co...er-on-bed-rear-hatch.17870/page-3#post-348808

 

[cbrtrckrsrvd112219]

Warning to everyone about hauling items. I was hauling a load of 12 foot composite decking boards today. I made sure that the weight limit was not exceeded, however, since the load shifted, it obviously put too much weight on the tailgate and now the tailgate is warped. Fortunately still shuts but it clearly bent the stainless steel and it now has a gap.


So caution about this possibility. Perhaps I should have known, but alas I was unaware of the potential.

and of course this story was lifted off by some woke moron calling itself Maggie Harrison Dupré to write an another hit piece on Tesla.
https://futurism.com/the-byte/cybertruck-tailgates-deforming-regular-truck-stuff

the bitch is so lazy she's not even lifted it off directly from this tread, she stole it from another moron at Jalopnik. Great journalism!

 

[xhawk101]

and of course this story was lifted off by some woke moron calling itself Maggie Harrison Dupré to write an another hit piece on Tesla.
https://futurism.com/the-byte/cybertruck-tailgates-deforming-regular-truck-stuff

the bitch is so lazy she's not even lifted it off directly from this tread, she stole it from another moron at Jalopnik. Great journalism!

Not happy that these click bait rags are posting my user name without my permission and creating a false narrative with my information. They certainly did not ask for my permission.

For the record, my cybertruck tailgate issue in no way would make me not want to purchase all over again.

If anything, I'm surprised more damage wasn't done when my improperly loaded composite boards sliding and bending over bounces--putting clearly higher than expected pressure with a leveraged effect on the tailgate. I'm lucky the entire load didn't slide out to the road.

Placing these vertically to prevent flexing as suggested by another would be a good idea (and of course carrying fewer of them at once). First time I've worked with composite boards and I didn't know how crazy flexible they are.

I only wanted to be sure that others were aware to be careful about load placement and the tailgate.

My tailgate is perfectly usable and the latch function is intact. I will make an appointment to see if an adjustment can make the closure even.

The false narrative that these clickbait rags have run with that cybertruck is somehow not up to "real truck" work is absolutely ridiculous.

This truck is fkin heavy duty, incredible and superior to anything else on the market. (Not to mention bullet resistant!) It has exceeded my every expectation. I would not want any other truck.

 

[Cyber Man]

Not happy that these click bait rags are posting my user name without my permission and creating a false narrative with my information. They certainly did not ask for my permission.

For the record, my cybertruck tailgate issue in no way would make me not want to purchase all over again.

If anything, I'm surprised more damage wasn't done when my improperly loaded composite boards sliding and bending over bounces--putting clearly higher than expected pressure with a leveraged effect on the tailgate. I'm lucky the entire load didn't slide out to the road.

Placing these vertically to prevent flexing as suggested by another would be a good idea (and of course carrying fewer of them at once). First time I've worked with composite boards and I didn't know how crazy flexible they are.

I only wanted to be sure that others were aware to be careful about load placement and the tailgate.

My tailgate is perfectly usable and the latch function is intact. I will make an appointment to see if an adjustment can make the closure even.

The false narrative that these clickbait rags have run with that cybertruck is somehow not up to "real truck" work is absolutely ridiculous.

This truck is fkin heavy duty, incredible and superior to anything else on the market. (Not to mention bullet resistant!) It has exceeded my every expectation. I would not want any other truck.

I hear you OP! It breaks my heart to see how these click bait articles pick genuine information shared in this forum to demonize Cybertruck! Quoting you or any other forum member in public news as out of context to do a smear campaign against Cybertruck is absolutely ridiculous.

Is there anything members can do about it? Are there any legal ramifications for copy pasting information from this forum, especially quoting members, without their permission and using that for false propaganda?

@Administrator - any thoughts?

 

[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.

<insert some equally obnoxious, irrelevant, and ludicrous rebuttal here>

 

[TonkaTruck]

Had a cooler slide in the bed over the weekend after acceleration… tailgate looks very similar and warped. Won’t close all the way

 

[froggedup]

Looks like someone else tried to do the same as OP:


It's bonkers to me that anyone would try to haul decking boards unsecured, regardless of truck being used. No common sense.

 

[EvilNuff]

I don't see any of those articles a click bait...this certainly appears to be a real problem one that my gas truck never had with similar use cases. How is reporting a problem click bait?