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JUL 31, 2025

Maxon C2 Pickup Liftgate | Ford F-Series Options

Choosing the right liftgate for a pickup truck can be difficult—especially for Ford F-Series owners, whose trucks vary by model year, bed configuration, hitch type, and modern features like the Pro Power Onboard™ generator. Maxon’s C2 pickup liftgate lineup offers flexible solutions that match most F-150, F-250, F-350, and Lightning builds. This guide walks through the C2’s compatibility by Ford truck type, including bracket requirements, platform recommendations, and factory hitch notes.

• Documentation Resources from Maxon
• C2 Overview: Platform Sizes, Features, and Lift Capacities
• Ford F-150 (1997–2014 Models)
• Ford F-150 (2015–2025 Models)
• Ford F-150 Lightning (2022–2025 Models)
• Ford Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450 (1999–2016 Models)
• Ford Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450 (2017–2025 Models)
• Sensor and Camera Compatibility on Ford Pickups
• Factory Hitch Compatibility Overview
• Recommended Platform Configurations by Use Case
• Conclusion: Choosing the Right Maxon C2 Liftgate for Your Ford

Documentation Resources from Maxon

Information in this article is sourced from Maxon’s C2 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:

• C2 Spec Sheet (M211, Rev. D1.2)
• C2 Operation Manual (M-14-36A, Rev. A)
• C2 Application Brackets Chart (Rev. D1.4)
• C2 Hitch Compatibility Chart (Rev. D1.5)

C2 Overview: Platform Sizes, Features, and Lift Capacities

Before diving into Ford-specific details, it’s important to understand what the C2 liftgate line offers. Maxon’s C2 Series includes 1300 lb and 1500 lb capacity options and is available in steel, aluminum, grip strut, and bar grate platform materials. Each platform measures 55" wide with varying depths from 27" to 48". Ramp travel ranges from 4" on steel platforms to 6"–7" on larger aluminum or TP42 models (Maxon C2 Spec Sheet, M211, Rev. D1.2).

All C2 liftgates include:

• Fully enclosed hydraulic pump and motor assembly
• Dual hydraulic lifting cylinders
• Maintenance-free pins and bushings
• Optional features like remote pendant control, galvanized finish, and sensor/camera cutouts (Maxon C2 Spec Sheet, M211, Rev. D1.2)

Ford F-150 (1997–2014 Models)

C2 liftgate compatibility is confirmed for most F-150 trucks from model years 1997 to 2014. These require bracket kit T-250 (C2 Application Brackets Chart, Rev. D1.4).

Platform suggestion:

• For compact utility needs: C2-60-1342 EA27 (aluminum 27" deep, 435 lbs)
• For deeper access and added ramp: C2-60-1342 TP42 (steel 42" deep, 535 lbs) (Maxon C2 Spec Sheet, M211, Rev. D1.2)

F-150 trucks from this era are not compatible with factory hitches when installing a C2 liftgate, so either aftermarket modifications or hitch removal may be necessary (C2 Hitch Compatibility Chart, Rev. D1.5).

Ford F-150 (2015–2025 Models)

Newer F-150 pickups, including current models through 2025, use bracket T-270. If the truck includes the Pro Power Onboard™ Generator, use bracket T-270-EPP instead (C2 Application Brackets Chart, Rev. D1.4).

Important considerations:

• These trucks are not compatible with factory hitches when using the C2 liftgate. Plan for repositioning or removing OEM hitches if required (C2 Hitch Compatibility Chart, Rev. D1.5).
• Sensor/camera kits are available to support factory safety systems; these may require minor relocation during liftgate install (C2 Application Brackets Chart, Rev. D1.4).

Recommended platforms:

• C2-60-1542 EA38 or EA48 models provide a good blend of lightweight material and wider platform for utility bed builds (Maxon C2 Spec Sheet, M211, Rev. D1.2)

Ford F-150 Lightning (2022–2025 Models)

The F-150 Lightning falls into the 2015+ F-150 category for bracket compatibility. Use bracket T-270 or T-270-EPP depending on whether the truck includes the Pro Power system (C2 Application Brackets Chart, Rev. D1.4).

Since this is a full electric truck, be mindful of:

• Electrical ground path quality—Maxon’s C2 Liftgate includes a full-length ground cable to ensure reliable lift performance without drawing excess current from sensitive systems (Maxon C2 Spec Sheet, M211, Rev. D1.2).
• Weight distribution—select lighter aluminum platforms like the C2-60-1342 EA27 or EA38 to minimize total rear axle load.

The Lightning is not factory hitch compatible for C2 mounting—plan install accordingly (C2 Hitch Compatibility Chart, Rev. D1.5).

Ford Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450 (1999–2016 Models)

Super Duty trucks from 1999 to 2016 require bracket T-260 (C2 Application Brackets Chart, Rev. D1.4). These trucks are factory hitch compatible with the C2 liftgate and allow for straightforward installation in most cases (C2 Hitch Compatibility Chart, Rev. D1.5).

Ideal use cases:

• Utility contractors
• Agricultural fleets
• Heavy equipment delivery

Recommended platforms:

• For rugged performance: C2-60-1542 TP38 (steel) or EA38 (aluminum)
• Optional features like grip strut or bar grate platforms can be selected for added traction in muddy or industrial environments (Maxon C2 Spec Sheet, M211, Rev. D1.2)

Ford Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450 (2017–2025 Models)

For newer Super Duty models, use bracket T-285. These trucks are also compatible with factory hitches, and no additional spacers or modifications are usually required (C2 Hitch Compatibility Chart, Rev. D1.5; C2 Application Brackets Chart, Rev. D1.4).

This generation supports heavier-duty liftgate options, including:

• 1500 lb-rated C2 platforms like C2-60-1542 TP42 or EA48
• Larger aluminum ramps with 6" travel for smoother forklift transitions

These setups are ideal for heavy-duty delivery operations and service bodies with enclosed beds.

Sensor and Camera Compatibility on Ford Pickups

Certain newer Ford trucks feature blind zone alert, rear cameras, or bed sensors that may interfere with standard C2 mounting locations. Maxon addresses this by offering pre-punched holes and optional camera/sensor bracket kits for relocation during install (Maxon C2 Spec Sheet, M211, Rev. D1.2).

If your F-Series pickup truck includes these features:

• Confirm your model year and platform selection with your installer.
• Order the correct sensor relocation bracket set to retain safety functionality after liftgate installation (C2 Application Brackets Chart, Rev. D1.4).

Factory Hitch Compatibility Overview

The C2 series fits certain trucks with factory hitches, but not all. Here's a quick reference summary (C2 Hitch Compatibility Chart, Rev. D1.5):

If factory hitch removal is required, Maxon recommends aftermarket hitch options like ACME Hitch (800-821-7576) for reinstallation support.

Recommended Platform Configurations by Use Case

Here’s a quick breakdown of which platform might work best by job type:

• General Utility/Residential: EA27 or EA38 (aluminum) for lightweight use
• Service Fleets/Tool Storage: TP42 or EA48 for larger bed coverage
• Rural or Off-Road Use: Grip Strut or Bar Grate for traction and durability
• Electric Trucks (e.g. Lightning): EA27 or EA38 to reduce overall weight impact (All platform specs from Maxon C2 Spec Sheet, M211, Rev. D1.2)

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Maxon C2 Liftgate for Your Ford

Whether you're outfitting a work-ready Super Duty or an all-electric F-150 Lightning, Maxon’s C2 Series provides proven performance with model-specific solutions for Ford trucks. By matching the right bracket kit, platform style, and optional sensor packages, you can configure a pickup liftgate that balances durability, safety, and compatibility with OEM systems. Be sure to verify platform depth and hitch clearance for your exact model year.

For Maxon liftgate models, information, and liftgate parts, contact our team for all your needs. We’re here for you!

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