JULY 1, 2025

Anthony ALB Liftgate Installation and Wiring Guide: Tools, Mounting, and Electrical Setup

Installing a pickup truck liftgate like the Anthony ALB requires careful preparation, the right tools, and a clear understanding of the mounting and electrical process. Whether it’s a lift for a pickup truck in a utility fleet or a removable liftgate for pickup trucks used in light delivery, this guide outlines the full installation and wiring process. All steps and safety recommendations are based on Anthony’s official documentation - as always refer to your specific liftgate’s files for accurate information.

• Documentation Resources from Anthony
• Required Tools and Preparation
• Tail Light Relocation and Bumper Removal
• Liftgate Mounting Process with Bracket Details
• Utility Body Mounting Specifics
• Electrical Setup: Fuse Assembly, Grounding, and Cut-Off Options
• Platform Fluid Check and Final Power Unit Setup
• Final Inspection and Safety Checks
• Conclusion

Documentation Resources from Anthony

Information in this article is sourced from Anthony’s ALB series manuals and technical guides as well as our Team’s expertise. Always refer to your specific liftgate’s manuals for complete procedures and serial number, model, and year-specific details.

Reference PDFs used:

• Anthony ALB Model Brochure
• Anthony ALB Installation Manual
• Anthony ALB Mounting Dimensions

Required Tools and Preparation

Before you begin installing your lift gate, it's crucial to gather all necessary tools and understand safety procedures. Installation should only be performed by skilled personnel on structurally sound pickup truck beds (Installation Manual, Section 1.5, p. 6).

Suggested Tools (Installation Manual, Section 5.2, p. 12):

• Overhead crane or forklift
• Lifting chains with S-hooks (min. 1,000 lb capacity)
• Pipe clamps or ratchet straps
• Tape measure, screwdriver, small level
• Drill and cable crimping tool
• Standard wrenches

Preparation steps include (Installation Manual, Section 5.3, p. 13):

• Placing the truck on a level surface and setting the parking brake.
• Verifying mounting clearance using provided liftgate dimensions.
• Blocking wheels and checking the liftgate for shipping damage.

Proper preparation reduces safety risks and ensures a smoother installation.

Tail Light Relocation and Bumper Removal

To begin the installation, you’ll need to remove the tailgate, bumper, and adjust the tail lights for future access. This step is required to accommodate the liftgate assembly and maintain rear light functionality (Installation Manual, Section 5.4, Steps 2–7, pp. 13–14).

Key Tasks:

• Remove rear bumper, bumper brackets, tailgate, cables, latches, and pivots.
• Modify the tail light lens screw positions to remain accessible post-install.
• Drill two holes through the lens and lip using #32 and #18 drills.
• Use included mounting brackets if your truck lacks a proper lip.

Proper tail light relocation ensures serviceability after the liftgate is in place.

Liftgate Mounting Process with Bracket Details

The ALB pickup truck liftgate series comes pre-assembled and mounts directly to the truck bed. Follow all bolt torque, leveling, and alignment instructions carefully (Installation Manual, Section 5.4, pp. 14–18).

Mounting Steps:

• Use lifting equipment to raise and position the liftgate against the bed.
• Clamp and square the liftgate to the truck bed.
• Drill 3/8" holes and bolt the mounting lip with carriage bolts and lock washers.
• Install lower support brackets and optional reinforcement plates.
• Attach mounting straps to the bed lip and secure it with bolts.

Tip: The liftgate should be perpendicular to the ground to allow the platform to rest flat when lowered (p. 15).

Accurate alignment prevents premature wear and ensures proper liftgate function.

Utility Body Mounting Specifics

For trucks with utility bodies, Anthony provides a separate hardware kit. This section adapts the mounting process to meet the structural demands of utility vehicles (Installation Manual, Section 5.6, pp. 21–22).

Important Notes:

• Body must withstand a 1,500 lb pull at 20 inches above bed floor (p. 21).
• Use slotted utility body brackets, backer plates, and carriage bolts to secure.
• Confirm posts are parallel and square before final bolt-down.

Following these steps helps prevent structural issues and ensures smooth liftgate operation.

Electrical Setup: Fuse Assembly, Grounding, and Cut-Off Options

Proper wiring of your hydraulic liftgate for pickup trucks is critical for safe and compliant operation. Anthony provides multiple wiring options depending on security needs (Installation Manual, Sections 5.4 and 6.5–6.7, pp. 18–26).

Steps and Options:

• Install the 200 Amp fuse within 30" of the truck battery (Section 5.4, Step 21).
• Route the power cable along the frame and secure every 18” with zip ties.
• Ground the pump motor and battery to the truck chassis using provided cables (Section 5.4, Step 25).

Connection Options:

• Direct Battery Connection – Simplest but not secure; not recommended (Section 6.5, p. 25).
• Cut-Off Solenoid – Allows controlled power interruption using a dash-mounted toggle (Section 6.6, p. 26).
• Cut-Off Switch – Cab-mounted switch offers another secure shutoff method (Section 6.7, p. 26).

Anthony strongly recommends using a cut-off switch or solenoid to prevent unauthorized use (p. 18).

Platform Fluid Check and Final Power Unit Setup

Before putting your pickup truck with liftgate into service, it’s essential to verify that the hydraulic system is properly filled and vented. Anthony outlines this clearly in the final installation steps (Installation Manual, Section 5.4, Steps 28–29, p. 19).

Steps to Follow:

• Lower the liftgate fully to the ground.
• Remove the cover on the pump reservoir compartment.
• Ensure hydraulic fluid is approximately ½" below the top of the reservoir.
• If low, fill with Mobil DTE-13, Pennzoil AWX, or Dexron II ATF only — do not mix with brake fluid.
• Replace the shipping plug with the supplied breather cap unless a leak-proof breather is already installed.

Following this step ensures smooth platform operation and prevents hydraulic damage due to overfilling or contamination.

Final Inspection and Safety Checks

Before using the liftgate, complete the official Final Inspection Checklist to verify the installation’s safety and reliability (Installation Manual, Section 8, p. 30).

Checklist Highlights:

• Tighten all fasteners and check latch engagement.
• Verify decal placement and light kit functionality.
• Confirm full platform motion and hydraulic performance.
• Ensure hydraulic fluid is ½” below reservoir top with the platform lowered.
• Install license plate bracket and complete wiring of replacement plate lights (p. 19).

These checks are essential to comply with FMVSS 108 and avoid costly issues post-install.

Conclusion

Installing the Anthony ALB pickup liftgate requires precision and adherence to all safety and wiring standards. Whether mounting to a standard pickup truck or utility body, following Anthony’s documented procedures ensures long-term reliability and legal compliance. From proper fuse placement to grounding and hydraulic fill levels, every step plays a vital role in getting the most of your liftgate for all pickup truck applications.