I have a 2007 Dodge 1500 4x4, and a 2016 Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail UTV. I use a 9 ft. set of ramps to load the UTV into the truck bed for transport. The 'Cat weighs about 1000 lbs. I do have air-helper bags for the rear springs, and the tailgate support bars that click into the latches on the gate. I back the Cat on, so the heavy end is in the front of the bed.
** My main concern is when I'm loading and unloading it, most of the weight is briefly on the tailgate. Could this be hazardous?

I'm considering getting a newer, used pickup with a long bed, which the UTV would fit into better...
Does anyone have experience with hauling heavy things in the newer pickups, will the tailgate hold up okay? I'd be looking at 2014 or newer.

 

If you have your support straps on there when loading/unloading, I think you are fine. Long bed would certainly make life easier..... in some ways.

 

i really don't see how it could be hazardous. i figure the tailgates should be designed to hold at least 1000lbs because it is really not that much weight, plus the weight is kind of split between the truck and ground so not all the weight is really on the truck till all 4 wheel are on the truck/tailgate.

 

Yep, tailgate supports (yellow) are on, and I have anchor straps from the ramps to the tie-downs on the frame under the truck.