Can Gate King Support Bars be Used to Replace OEM Cables for 2012 Toyota Tundra Tailgate

Published 10/25/2021

Question:

I have a 2012 Toyota Tundra that I bought new. For almost 10 years Ive used the Tundra to haul my UTVs and carts in the bed rather than towing them on a trailer. These UTVs/carts weigh 1,300-1,500 lbs and their rear wheels rest on tailgate, closer to the bed than the end of the tailgate. I have never experienced a tailgate problem or failure while loading, unloading, or hauling. However, its been 10 years and I want to either replace the original tailgate cables which still appear and perform as new or add some additional form of support to ensure tailgate strength and stability. Your Adjustable Tailgate Support Bars, Item # GK57FR appear to be heavy duty. My interest in possibly using them is if they are actually heavy duty and would provide extra support for hauling my UTVs/carts, rather than to adjust the tailgate to different angles. Hope to hear back from you. If you feel the support bars are not suitable for my needs please advise if you are aware of such a product for a 2012 Tundra. Thanks

asked by: Greg S

Expert Reply:

The Adjustable Tailgate Support Bars # GK57FR will be a great replacement for the cables on your 2012 Toyota Tundra. While Gate King doesn't have an official weight rating for these bars, at the very least they will be able to handle the same amount of weight as your OEM cables you've been using. Gate King has said that they have been able to load up a few bikes (dirt bikes) in the bed of a truck without any issues if that helps out at all.

I've linked a review video of this product for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G