So I have a motorcycle to transport, but the rear tire sits on the tailgate. I had no problem moving it this way with the wife's 99 F150, but the new '04 Screw's tailgate seems a lot lighter. The motorcycle weighs @ 550 pounds. Will the tailgate hold the weight from FL. to AZ.?

 

You will be fine. The tailgate can hold more weight than you would suspect.

 

My bike weighs over 650lbs and I have hauled it several times without a problem.

 

Thanks for the info. Any idea if Ford has put out any weight rating on it?

 

If it is the newer body style and not the heritage body style, the tailgates have a spring assist to make them feel lighter than they really are. It will handle the load no problem.

 

there is a torsion rod that goes the length of the tailgate at the bottom to aid in lowering and lifting the gate. If you look closely at 04-08 tailgate pictures you will notice the sheet metal is slightly wavy due to the spring mounts and tension.

compare the reflections from the bottom section and the main body of the tailgate, notice how the lower section's reflection arc's up in the middle?