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DEC 30, 2025

Installer Guide: MTU-GLR and MTU-GLR-WR Tuck-Away Liftgate Mounting Requirements

Installing an Anthony MTU-GLR or Anthony MTU-GLR-WR tuck under liftgate requires strict attention to bed height compatibility, frame conditions, floor extension setup, and correct geometry alignment.

This overview summarizes installation-critical requirements drawn directly from the MTU-GLR Installation Manual, helping installers understand the major checkpoints before and during mounting. This article does not replace the manual and does not provide step-by-step instructions; installers must always follow the exact procedures outlined by Anthony Liftgates.

• Documentation Resources from Anthony
• Pre-Installation Requirements
• Required Tools & Equipment
• Floor Extension Overview
• Mounting Requirements
• Positioning & Verifying Liftgate Geometry
• Final Welding & Inspection
• Conclusion

Documentation Resources from Anthony

Information in this article is sourced from Anthony MTU-GLR manuals and brochures, as well as the LiftGateMe team expertise. Always refer to your specific liftgate’s manuals for complete procedures and serial number, model, and year-specific details.

Reference PDFs used:

• Anthony MTU-GLR Installation Manual
• Anthony MTU-GLR Operation Manual
• Anthony MTU-GLR Brochure (2014)
• Anthony AST Installation Manual

Pre-Installation Requirements

Before the liftgate is lifted or positioned, installers must verify vehicle geometry, ground clearance, and frame conditions. Failure to meet these minimums will prevent a correct installation.

Bed Height Requirements

Anthony specifies strict bed height ranges. Per the Installation Manual:

• Minimum bed height (all models except WR): 47 in (fully loaded truck)
• Minimum bed height for MTU-GLR-WR: 49 in (fully loaded)
• Maximum bed height (empty truck): 57 in

These values must be checked with the truck empty and loaded, as required.

Ground Clearance Chart

Ground clearance (dimension B) varies by bed height (A). Installation Manual, p.10 specifies:

• 47 in bed height → 15-3/8 in clearance
• 49 in bed height → 17-3/8 in clearance
• 55 in bed height → 23-3/8 in clearance
• 57 in bed height → 25-3/8 in clearance

If either bed height or ground clearance falls outside these requirements, installation should not proceed.

Truck Frame Rail Requirements

The truck frame plays a direct structural role in supporting the tuckunder liftgate. Mounting plates must sit flush:

• Frame rails must be smooth and flat

Any protrusion such as rivet heads or bolts will prevent proper contact and must be removed or corrected.

If frame extensions or cutbacks are required:

• Installers must follow manufacturer requirements and avoid voiding the truck OEM warranty

Vehicle Setup Requirements

Before work begins:

• Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake
• Place wheel chocks on both sides of the wheels
• Remove the ignition key to prevent vehicle movement

These steps protect installers during positioning and welding operations.

Pre-installation checks ensure the truck can physically accept an Anthony MTU-GLR liftgate and operate within the designed geometry. Skipping these requirements risks operational failures and misalignment issues that cannot be corrected later.

Required Tools & Equipment

Installers must use tools capable of safely lifting, aligning, and welding liftgate components. Anthony provides a recommended tool list.

Tools Required (High Level)

From Installation Manual, p.9:

• Overhead crane or forklift
• MIG or stick welder
• Cutting torch (if needed)
• Grinder (coating removal)
• C-clamps (heavy-duty)
• Levels and tape measures
• Impact wrenches and standard socket sets

This list supports positioning, clamping, welding, and electrical routing.

Lifting Fixture (Concept Overview)

A fabricated lifting fixture is recommended to safely handle the complete liftgate assembly.

• Fixture drawings and requirements appear on Installation Manual, p.29
• The fixture must support over 1,100 lbs depending on model
• Used with forklifts or cranes for controlled positioning

This overview describes its use only—not fabrication or operation.

Safety Considerations for Tools

Anthony highlights several hazards:

• Battery safety and spark prevention
• Grinder and welding fume hazards (especially zinc from galvanized parts)
• Need to disconnect truck battery where required by OEM

Following these guidelines prevents electrical damage and ensures compliance with OSHA standards.

Proper lifting tools and welding equipment are essential not only for efficiency but to maintain installer safety and prevent damage to the tuck-away liftgate components.

Floor Extension Overview

The MTU-GLR relies on a properly installed floor extension for platform alignment, dock bumper integration, and full-cycle motion.

Purpose of the Floor Extension

The floor extension:

• Provides the structural surface the platform nests beneath
• Supports dock bumpers and platform installation brackets
• Ensures proper alignment between truck bed and platform pivot points

Welded vs. Bolt-On Floor Extensions

Welded

• Requires 2-in welds spaced every 4 in
• Must be straightened as installed due to natural bowing
• Requires ventilation when welding galvanized versions

Bolt-On

• Installed using predrilled holes or a drilling pattern
• Requires flanged bolts and side gusset reinforcement
• Also must be straightened during installation

Platform Alignment Considerations

The floor extension must sit flush and level:

• Level must match the truck’s rear sill level
• Dock bumpers and platform brackets must align with platform geometry
• Any deviation causes platform binding or cycle failure

Galvanized vs. Non-Galvanized Components

When welding galvanized components:

• Coating must be removed prior to welding
• Adequate ventilation and respiratory protection are required

This is critical to prevent zinc-oxide exposure and weld contamination.

The floor extension directly determines platform alignment. Whether welded or bolted, correct leveling, gusseting, and bumper installation protect the liftgate from damage and ensure safe platform operation.

Mounting Requirements

With the floor extension in place, the MTU-GLR mounting process centers on achieving correct vertical and side-to-side alignment.

Adapter Frame Tube Height

One of the most critical installation dimensions:

• Top of adapter frame tube must be positioned 19½ in below the top of the truck bed

Incorrect height leads to failed lift cycles, improper tilt behavior, and latch misalignment.

Mounting Plate Options

Bolt-On Plates

• Installed using either inside-mount or outside-mount configuration
• Inside config width: 34-1/4 in
• Outside config width: 36-1/4 in
• Shims (1/8 in or 1/4 in) adjust fitment

Weld-On Plates

• Must extend at least 9 in above bottom of truck frame

Frame Rail Extensions or Cut-Backs

Where truck frame geometry conflicts:

• Installers may extend or cut back rails to achieve the correct mounting location
• Modifications must comply with OEM guidance

Correct plate positioning determines overall geometry. The flexibility of inside/outside mount plate configurations helps ensure that the tuck-under liftgate aligns with factory frame rails without custom fabrication.

Positioning & Verifying Liftgate Geometry

Before final welding, the liftgate must be fully aligned and tested through a complete operating cycle.

Alignment to Floor Extension Brackets

The liftgate must be raised into contact with:

• Platform installation brackets located on the floor extension

These establish the correct fore-aft spacing automatically.

Ensuring Adapter Frame Tube Clearance

Installers must ensure:

• No interference between adapter frame tube and truck frame

If contact occurs, frame notching or adjustments may be required.

Cylinder Rod Spacers

Spacing guides installed on cylinder rods must remain in place:

• Do not remove until liftgate is tack-welded

These maintain cylinder spacing during positioning.

Full-Cycle Verification

The liftgate must be tested through:

• Up
• Down
• Open
• Close
• Tilt-Down
• Tilt-Up

If the platform does not cycle correctly, the adapter frame tube height must be adjusted.

This verification phase ensures the platform geometry matches Anthony specifications before any permanent welding takes place.

Final Welding & Inspection

Once geometry is verified, installers perform final welds and system checks to confirm readiness.

Weld Requirements

Per Installation Manual, p.19:

• Weld mounting plates using continuous 3/8-in fillet welds
• Weld all sides of adapter frame tube
• Bolt-on plates must be welded only to the truck frame (not to tube)

Platform Travel Verification

When fully raised:

• Flip-over section should be 1/2–3/4 in above truck floor

Shim adjustments may be required to achieve this.

Final Inspection Requirements

Checklist items include:

• Hydraulic fittings tight
• Proper hose routing
• Correct hydraulic fluid level (Hyken Glacial Blu)
• Proper decal placement
• Brake and lighting compliance

The final weld and inspection stage ensures the liftgate is structurally secure, cycles correctly, and complies with operational and regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

Installing an Anthony MTU-GLR or MTU-GLR-WR tuck-away liftgate requires precise dimensional checks, correct mounting geometry, and thorough full-cycle verification. Each requirement—bed height, frame condition, floor extension alignment, and adapter frame tube height—directly influences liftgate performance and long-term reliability. Remember, installation should be performed by a trained technician. Find installation service near you here.

For assistance with liftgate selection, installation requirements, or sourcing tuck under liftgate parts, contact the LiftGateMe team. We help fleets and installers ensure correct fitment using verified OEM information and provide access to OEM liftgate parts to support long-term serviceability.