Power Liftgate for Truck: Types and Equipment Options

Author

Reads 826

Woman opening the Door of a Truck
Credit: pexels.com, Woman opening the Door of a Truck

A power liftgate for your truck can be a game-changer, especially if you frequently haul heavy loads or have mobility issues.

There are two main types of power liftgates: electric and hydraulic. Electric power liftgates are more popular and often come with features like automatic opening and closing.

Hydraulic power liftgates are typically more rugged and suitable for heavy-duty use. They're often used on commercial trucks and are known for their reliability.

The equipment options for power liftgates include wireless remote controls and key fob remotes, which can be convenient for hands-free operation.

Types of Liftgates

There are several types of liftgates that can be paired with a power liftgate for truck. Tuck-Under Liftgates are a great option for seamless access to the cargo area.

These liftgates can be easily stowed away under the truck bed when not in use, making them perfect for busy truck owners who need to maximize their space.

Credit: youtube.com, What Is A Lift Gate On A Truck? - Car Performance Pros

If you're looking to handle high-capacity loads, Railgate Liftgates are the way to go. They offer exceptional stability and strength, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications.

Cantilever Liftgates provide flexibility with adjustable platforms that can accommodate uneven loading surfaces. This makes them perfect for a variety of tasks that require precision and control.

Tommy Gate-Style Liftgates are reliable and versatile, making them a great option for smaller trucks and service vehicles.

Here's a quick rundown of the different types of liftgates:

Loaded with Standard Features

The power liftgate for truck is an essential tool for any business or individual who needs to haul heavy loads. It's designed to withstand daily use in demanding environments.

The PTF comes loaded with features for the heavy-duty application, including hydraulic power down and dual spring-loaded cart stops. These features ensure that the liftgate can handle even the heaviest loads.

A three-piece DOT rear impact guard is also standard, providing an extra layer of protection for the liftgate and the surrounding area. This is particularly important for businesses that operate in areas with high traffic or heavy loads.

Credit: youtube.com, Why Do I Need a Power Tailgate to Help Offload My Equipment?

Dual hydraulic cylinder locks are another key feature of the PTF, ensuring that the liftgate remains secure even when not in use. This helps to prevent accidents and damage to the liftgate.

The liftgate also comes with a toggle switch and complimentary two-button hand-held controls, making it easy to operate even for new users. This is a major advantage for businesses that need to train new employees on how to use the liftgate.

Standard Features at a Glance

Liftgate Features

Liftgate features make a huge difference in the ease of use and efficiency of loading and unloading heavy cargo. The durable construction of liftgates, built with heavy-duty materials, can withstand daily use in demanding environments.

Smooth operation is ensured by advanced hydraulic or electric systems, providing reliable performance and effortless lifting. This means less strain on your drivers and a significant reduction in manual labor.

Some liftgates come with custom fit options, available for a wide variety of truck and van models, ensuring a perfect fit for your vehicle. User-friendly controls make operating the liftgate simple and straightforward, even for new users.

Here are some key features to consider:

  • Durable Construction
  • Smooth Operation
  • Custom Fit
  • User-Friendly Controls

ColumnLift

Credit: youtube.com, Maxon BMR Columnlift® Operation

ColumnLift is a type of liftgate that offers superior performance. It's built tough with rugged columns to withstand dock impacts.

The BMR ColumnLift features precision-engineered self-centering rollers that eliminate the possibility of jams. This ensures smooth and reliable operation.

Optional slide pads are available for the ColumnLift, providing an alternative to rollers. This gives users more flexibility in their liftgate configuration.

The ColumnLift comes with lock valves for operator safety. This feature helps prevent accidents and ensures safe operation.

Every detail of the ColumnLift has been carefully thought through. LED taillights, for example, last longer and burn brighter than traditional lights.

The wiring harness of the ColumnLift features Deutsch electrical connectors that are watertight and easy to connect. This helps prevent corrosion and ensures uninterrupted contact.

Optional aluminum platforms are available for the ColumnLift. These platforms reduce the overall weight of the liftgate and provide superior strength.

The BMR ColumnLift comes galvanized standard at no additional cost. This provides a durable and long-lasting finish.

Credit: youtube.com, How to operate a lift gate #trucking #vlog #diy #liftgate #trucks #delivery

Here are some key features of the ColumnLift:

  • New Optional Bolt-on Design
  • Rollers OR Slide Pad Configurations
  • Polyethylene Column Impact Guard
  • Main Control Station at the Column
  • Optional “Power Down on Demand” Activation at the main and runner control
  • Mechanical Platform Adjustment
  • Efficient Retention Ramp Locking Mechanism
  • Flashing platform lights
  • Plastic Pump Box and Hydraulic Set-up
  • Battery Box Option with Built-in DC/DC Converter & Resettable Circuit Breaker
  • Galvanized Finish – STANDARD!

Liftgate Features

Liftgates are a game-changer for anyone who needs to haul heavy items. They make lifting and lowering a breeze, and many come with advanced safety features to prevent accidents.

The construction of a liftgate is crucial to its performance. Many liftgates are built with heavy-duty materials, such as aluminum, to withstand daily use in demanding environments.

Some liftgates have a custom fit for specific truck and van models, ensuring a perfect fit for your vehicle. This is especially important for heavy-duty applications where safety is a top priority.

User-friendly controls are a must-have for anyone who plans to use a liftgate regularly. Look for liftgates with intuitive controls that make operating the liftgate simple and straightforward.

Safety features are a top priority when it comes to liftgates. Some liftgates come with platform safety lights that automatically start flashing when the liftgate tilts open and continue to blink until it is returned to the upright position.

Credit: youtube.com, 2019 Chevrolet Blazer Amazing Lift gate Features

Liftgates also come with various options for customization, such as knurled platforms, slide pads, and auto self-leveling capabilities. These features can make a big difference in the performance and safety of your liftgate.

Here are some common features found in liftgates:

  • Durable Construction: Built with heavy-duty materials to withstand daily use in demanding environments.
  • Smooth Operation: Advanced hydraulic or electric systems ensure reliable performance and effortless lifting.
  • Custom Fit: Available for a wide variety of truck and van models, ensuring a perfect fit for your vehicle.
  • User-Friendly Controls: Intuitive controls make operating the liftgate simple and straightforward.
  • Platform Safety Lights: Automatically start flashing when the liftgate tilts open and continue to blink until it is returned to the upright position.
  • Knurled Platform: Comes with a ridged aluminum surface to aid in gripping and create a more non-slip environment.
  • Slide Pads: Designed for long-term use with faster replacement and no hardware.
  • Auto Self-Level: Self-levels the load, even if the surface is uneven.
  • Power Open/Close: Hydraulic open and close means the operator has less strain and more energy for the deliveries.

Solid State Electronic Controls with Diagnostics

The Premium end of PALFINGER Liftgate models comes equipped with solid-state controls ready for telematics.

These controls are internally protected against electric shorts, which helps prevent damage and reduces maintenance needs.

The control system has built-in diagnostics that cover possible electrical problems, significantly reducing troubleshooting lead times.

This means that if a problem arises, it's easier and faster to identify and fix the issue, getting your liftgate back up and running quickly.

Truck Equipment Options

If you're looking for a reliable and advanced liftgate for your truck, you've got options. Meyer Truck Equipment partners with top brands to bring you the best liftgates on the market.

Meyer Truck Equipment offers custom solutions to help you select the right liftgate for your vehicle and specific needs. Ongoing support is also provided, from product selection to maintenance and repairs.

Credit: youtube.com, Liftgates for Pickup Trucks - Tommy Gate G2 Series Liftgate

You can choose from a range of liftgate capacities, including 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, and 3500 pounds. Bed height range is also customizable, with options from 42” to 57” available.

Meyer Truck Equipment's expert technicians ensure that your liftgate is installed securely and operates flawlessly. This attention to detail is crucial for safe and efficient loading and unloading.

Here are some key liftgate options to consider:

Product Series

If you're in the market for a power liftgate for your truck, you'll want to consider the different product series available. The Tommy Gate's G2 Series is a great option, featuring dual hydraulic cylinders that provide increased consistency in motion and stability.

The G2 Series offers a liftgate capacity of 1300 & 1500 lbs, making it suitable for a variety of applications. Its hydraulic system is designed for reduced maintenance requirements, and it comes with a wide range of platform options and hitch compatibility.

Here are some key features of the G2 Series:

  • Dual hydraulic cylinders
  • Virtually maintenance-free components
  • Recessed control
  • Larger platforms
  • Fully-enclosed hydraulic system

Alternatively, you may also want to consider the MAXON MXT-25/MXT-33 liftgate models, which combine low bed height application with a premium level-ramping ride feature.

Mxt-25/Mxt-33

Credit: youtube.com, MAXON MXT-25/MXT-33

The MXT-25/MXT-33 liftgate models from MAXON are a great choice for those who need a premium level-ramping ride feature with low bed height application.

These models offer a level-ramping ride platform travel pattern, which provides a smooth and even ride. They also come with steel, steel/aluminum, and all aluminum platforms, giving you flexibility in your choice of material.

You can customize your MXT-25/MXT-33 with a bolt-on extension plate and steps, making it easy to adapt to different needs. The hydraulic locking feature ensures secure operation.

The control options are also impressive, with hand-held control, dual controls, and a cab cut-off switch for added safety. The MAX ECU (Electrical Control Unit) and power down feature also provide peace of mind.

Here are some of the key features of the MXT-25/MXT-33:

  • Level-ramping ride platform travel pattern
  • Steel, Steel/Aluminum, and all Aluminum platforms
  • Bolt-on extension plate and steps
  • Hydraulic locking
  • Grease fittings at all critical rotation points
  • All steel components are hot-dip galvanized – STANDARD!
  • Hand held control
  • Dual controls
  • Cab Cut-off switch
  • MAX ECU (Electrical Control Unit)
  • Power down
  • Dual Cart stops
  • Multiple step options
  • License plate mount kit
  • 24 Volt configuration

Standardized and Common Parts Across the Line

One of the key benefits of a product series is the use of standardized and common parts throughout the entire line. This allows for quick assistance from your repair shop in case of problems.

Adult man examines tailgate of a new pickup truck in a vehicle showroom.
Credit: pexels.com, Adult man examines tailgate of a new pickup truck in a vehicle showroom.

PALFINGER's liftgate line is a great example of this, with standardized dimensions and a common parts design concept. This means that you can easily find replacement parts and get back on the road quickly.

With standardized parts, you can also expect consistency in performance and quality across different models in the series. This reduces the risk of unexpected issues and makes maintenance a breeze.

WDV Series

The WDV Series is a game-changer in terms of ease of operation. Its innovative design ensures that you'll have a breeze using it.

The WDV Series features vertical tracks that enable the platform to move via cables or chains in conjunction with a hydraulic cylinder (or two hydraulic cylinders directly attached to the platform) for ultimate strength and efficiency.

This platform is designed to be safe, with the vertical tracks welded to the rear frame of a trailer, pick-up truck, service, stake or truck body.

The platform conveniently stores over the rear door during travel, making it perfect for on-the-go use.

G2 Series

Woman opening the Door of a Truck
Credit: pexels.com, Woman opening the Door of a Truck

The G2 Series is a strong and versatile lift that offers convenience and efficiency. It's the latest in parallel-arm technology.

One of the standout features of the G2 Series is its dual hydraulic cylinders, which apply direct power to both sides of the platform for increased consistency in motion and stability. This results in a smoother and more reliable lifting experience.

The G2 Series is designed with reduced maintenance requirements in mind. Its virtually maintenance-free components make it a great choice for those who want to minimize downtime and hassle.

Here are some key features of the G2 Series:

  • Dual hydraulic cylinders
  • Virtually maintenance-free components
  • Recessed control
  • Larger platforms
  • Fully-enclosed hydraulic system

The G2 Series offers a liftgate capacity of 1300 and 1500 lbs, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

TT 15ET

The TT 15ET is a part of the THIEMAN TT Series, which is completely assembled into one compact unit. This makes it easy to install and remount on a new truck in the future.

A vintage orange truck with open doors parked at an outdoor site, exuding a nostalgic charm.
Credit: pexels.com, A vintage orange truck with open doors parked at an outdoor site, exuding a nostalgic charm.

The TT 15ET has a lifting mechanism that is completely enclosed for a neat appearance and protection from the elements. This is a big plus for anyone who wants a tidy and durable liftgate.

Here are the available platform sizes for the TT 15ET:

The TT 15ET has a lifting capacity of 1500 lbs, which is a significant advantage for anyone who needs to lift heavy loads. The fixed ramp is 5 inches, which is a standard size that works well for most applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to install a power liftgate?

The cost to install a power liftgate can range from $2,000 to $9,000, depending on the vehicle's make, model, and features. Check the specific costs for your vehicle by reading on for more detailed information.

Can you put a liftgate on a pickup truck?

Yes, a liftgate can be installed on a pickup truck, but it requires a minimum payload capacity of 1,000 lbs and a vehicle size of at least 1500 or a Half-Ton truck.

Is a power liftgate worth it?

A power liftgate offers convenience and accessibility, making it a worthwhile feature for those who value ease of use and loading/unloading cargo with minimal effort. It's especially beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations or those who frequently carry heavy loads.

Felicia Larson

Writer

Felicia Larson is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for logistics. Her work focuses on the intricate world of shipping companies, where she delves into the complexities of global logistics and supply chain management. Through her articles, she aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from the latest technological advancements to the challenges faced by shipping companies.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.