Liftgate Installation

What Our Liftgate Installation Includes

We do not simply bolt a gate to a rear sill and hand back the keys. Every installation at our shop covers the structural, hydraulic and electrical side of the job, because a gate that lifts fine on day one but drains the batteries by week three is a failed install.

• Capacity and fitment spec based on your heaviest repeat load, platform size, and the truck’s rear axle weight rating
• Mounting and reinforcement, including sill plates, gussets and frame extensions where the chassis needs them
• Electrical build-out: 2/0 or 4/0 cable runs, properly sized circuit breaker, solenoid, and battery isolation so the chassis batteries are not the only power source
• Auxiliary battery kits and charging for high-cycle routes that run 60 or more lift cycles a day
• Bumper modification or removal with a compliant, DOT-legal rear impact guard arrangement
• Lighting, reflective tape and decal work so the gate is visible when it is deployed at a curb
• Load testing to rated capacity plus a walkthrough with your driver before the truck leaves

Tuckaway, Railgate and Pick-Up Liftgate Models for Sale

Different bodies and different freight call for different gate architecture. We stock and order from the major manufacturers, and we will tell you honestly when a cheaper model is the smarter buy for your duty cycle.

Tuckaway Liftgates

A tuckaway folds and slides under the body when it is stowed, which keeps the rear of the truck clear for dock work and for backing into tight bays. These are the standard choice for box trucks and trailers that alternate between dock-height loading and street-level delivery. Common capacities run from 1,600 to 3,500 pounds, with aluminum or steel platforms in the 60 to 84 inch depth range.

Railgate Liftgates

A railgate rides on vertical columns mounted at the rear corners and travels straight up and down, which makes it the workhorse for heavy, rolling and pallet freight. Because the platform can be raised flush with the floor, a railgate handles pallet jacks and carts far better than a folding gate. Capacities typically span 2,500 to 6,600 pounds, and cart stops or flip-over ramps can be added for beverage, appliance and equipment routes.

Pick-Up and Service Body Gates

For a pick-up, the gate replaces or works with the existing tailgate and folds flat when it is not in use, so bed access and rear visibility stay normal. These run from roughly 1,000 to 2,000 pounds of capacity and suit contractors moving tool crates, compressors, sod pallets or landscape equipment. We also fit gates to service bodies, flatbeds and stake bodies where the mounting is less standard and the bracket work has to be measured on the vehicle.

How We Spec Capacity So the Gate Outlives the Truck

The most common mistake we see on trucks that come in for repair is a gate that was bought at the minimum viable rating. If your heaviest pallet is 1,800 pounds and someone installed a 2,000-pound gate, that unit is cycling at 90 percent of rated load all day and the hydraulics, cylinders and pins will show it in two years.

We size the gate so your normal working load sits closer to 60 or 70 percent of capacity, then confirm the payload math against the chassis. Adding a gate puts 400 to 1,200 pounds behind the rear axle, and that weight counts against your GVWR and your rear axle rating.

Installation Timelines You Can Plan a Route Around

Most standard installs on a box truck or trailer take one to two working days once the unit is on site. A pick-up gate is often a same-day job, while a railgate that needs frame extension, bumper fabrication or a dual-battery system can run two to three days. We schedule around your route calendar and, when a fleet is converting several trucks, we stage them so you are never down more than one unit at a time.

Why Fleets Bring Their Trucks to Anjer Inc

We build, repair and upfit truck bodies and trailers every day, which means the welding, wiring and sheet metal side of a gate install is routine work here rather than a specialty subcontract. That matters when a sill is rotted, a crossmember needs replacing, or the rear frame has to be extended before a gate can be mounted safely.

• Factory-supported installs on the brands we sell, with warranty work handled in house
• Parts inventory for the common wear items: cylinders, pins, bushings, switches, solenoids and pump motors
• Repair and refurbishment on gates we did not install, including hydraulic rebuilds and platform replacement
• Annual inspection and preventive maintenance programs for fleets running multiple gates

Staying Compliant and Keeping Drivers Safe

A liftgate is part of the vehicle, so it falls under your systematic inspection, repair and maintenance obligations under 49 CFR 396.3, and the records need to show it. We provide documented inspection reports that slot directly into your maintenance file.

The safety case is just as practical. Manual lifting and lowering of heavy freight remains one of the leading causes of musculoskeletal injury in transportation work, and OSHA’s ergonomics guidance points toward mechanical assist as the primary control. A properly spec’d gate removes the worst of that exposure from every stop on the route.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does Liftgate Installation Cost?

Most liftgate services in Philadelphia land between $4,500 and $12,000, depending on type and capacity. A pick-up gate sits at the low end, a standard tuckaway in the middle, and a heavy railgate with auxiliary batteries and frame work at the top. Bumper modification, cart stops and dual-battery kits are the usual line items that move the number.

How Long Does a Liftgate Last?

A well-maintained gate typically lasts 8 to 12 years or roughly 100,000 cycles before major rebuild. Gates that are run near maximum rated load, stored outdoors in road salt, or left on a single chassis battery wear out considerably faster.

Can You Install a Liftgate on a Truck I Already Own?

Yes, the large majority of our installs are retrofits on trucks already in service. We inspect the rear sill, crossmembers, frame and charging system first, then quote any structural or electrical repair separately so there are no surprises mid-build.

Will a Liftgate Drain My Truck Batteries?

It can, if the gate runs off chassis batteries alone on a route with frequent stops and short drive times. We specify an auxiliary battery with a proper isolator and charge line on any truck cycling the gate more than about 30 times per day.

Do Liftgates Need Annual Inspections?

Yes, an annual inspection is standard practice and most manufacturers require it to keep the warranty valid. We check hydraulics, cylinders, hinge pins, cable condition, platform welds and the safety interlocks, then issue a written report for your file.

Get a Quote on Your Liftgate Installation

Tell us the truck, the freight and the route, and our team will specify the right gate and give you an installed price with a scheduled shop date. Contact Anjer Inc or send us your vehicle details to start the quote.