How much can a bumper support

[libtech01]

This isn't so much a question regarding my trailer, but a question regarding my quad and loading it in my truck.

I have a 2015 Ram Sport Crew with the 5'5" box. I want to load my 2011 Outlander 650 in the box without the tailgate. I've figured out that if I use two car ramps in the box, and back it in, the front wheels sit about 4 inches from the rear of the box.

For safety, I want to extend my bed of my box by about 4 to 5 inches. In order to accomplish this I want to remove my tailgate and place about 4" of wood (2x4 or otherwise) along the length of the bumper. This will bring the bumper up to the same height as the bed. Then I'll get a sheet of 3/4" plywood to run the entire length of the bed and overtop of the wood sitting on the bumper. I'll then screw the plywood in to the wood on the bumper too.

My concern is can the bumper support the weight of the quad while loading? Once its loaded, there wont be any weight on the bumper. I know the bumper says max tounge weight for towing is 500 lbs. My quad is 670 lbs dry from what I understand, so with fuel and skid plates I gather its somewhere in the 800 lb range, 300 +/- lbs above that rating.

Now I figure there has to be some leeway in that 500 lb rating, as when you're towing let say 500lb of tounge weight the force will go up and down with bumps in the road.

Think it can support the 800 lb without bending any brackets while I'm simply loading the quad with the ramps? I attached a photo below of what I mean:

[libtech01]

The photo is just an illustration. My ramps are long enough to get the quad in the back just fine with no high centering issue at all. I've loaded the quad many times prior. I've also had the quad in the back and on the ramps and there will be plenty of room. The plywood will not shoot out the way I am designing it. My only concern right now is the weight on the bumper WHILE i load it.

Payload wise the truck can handle 1550 lbs in the back of the truck. I'm not planning on towing so I'll be completely fine. Even if I did eventually tow my travel trailer I'd still be within limits, its small and I've already done the calculations.

Again my only concern is that 500 lb max tongue rating on the bumper and if it would hold the quad while I load it. I have always loaded with the ramps on the back of the box or on the tailgate, not on the bumper itself.

[camp-n-family]

The bumper will handle the weight no problem, certainly better than the tailgate would. You're really only placing half the weight at any time on the bumper. The heaviest time will be when the whole atv is on the ramp, then the weight is split between the two ends for the most part.

Of bigger concern would be that the atv eats up more than 1/2 your trucks payload and rear axle rating. I hope you don't plan on towing a trailer at the same time.

[TakingThe5th]

You didn’t say how long your ramps would be but your drawing shows that you will have a high-centering problem. Also, that whole wood assembly will need to be anchored to the bed of the truck otherwise as you back in the rear wheels will be pulling hard to get you up the ramp and the plywood will shoot out. To take some weight off the bumper you could add another sheet of plywood to transfer some more of the weight to the bed. That’s going to be one scary ride tho - a fast ride up the ramp without falling off followed by an instantaneous stop at the top. Not to mention trying to drive it up when it’s raining and everything is slick. Must be a better way. Maybe winch it up?