Aliftgate is an essential feature for any truck or commercial vehicle involved in logistics, delivery, or any other business that requires the transportation of heavy cargo.
The convenience of a liftgate can significantly enhance operational efficiency, making loading and unloading easier and safer. However, installing a liftgate is a task that requires professional expertise to ensure it functions correctly and safely.
This blog post will guide you on how to find a reliable liftgate installation service near you, what to look for in an installation shop, what to avoid, and why LiftGateMe should be your go-to distributor for liftgates and liftgate parts.
What you'll discover in this article:
- How to Find a Liftgate Installation Service
- What to Look for in a Liftgate Installation Shop
- What to Avoid When Dealing with Liftgate Installation Companies
- Additional Considerations for Liftgate Installation
- Can a power liftgate be added to any vehicle?
- What liftgate best fits your needs?
- Should you attempt a DIY Liftgate Installation?
- How much does it cost to put on a lift gate?
How to Find a Liftgate Installation Service
Finding a reputable liftgate installation service is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of your liftgate. Here are some steps to help you find the best service near you:
- Online Search
Use search engines to look for liftgate installation services in your area. Keywords like “liftgate installation near me” or “truck liftgate installers” can yield useful results. - Local Directories
Browse local business directories and review sites like Yelp or Google My Business to find highly-rated liftgate installation services. - Referrals
Ask other businesses in your industry or local trucking companies for recommendations. Personal referrals are often reliable and can give you a clear idea of what to expect. - Social Media and Forums
Platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and industry-specific forums can be valuable resources for finding recommended liftgate installation service providers.
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Get Quote Now!What to Look for in a Liftgate Installation Shop
Choosing the right liftgate installation shop is crucial. Here are key factors to consider:
- Experience and Expertise
Ensure the shop has experience installing the specific type of liftgate you need. Experienced technicians are more likely to install your liftgate correctly and efficiently. - Certifications and Training
Check if the technicians are certified and have received any specialized training that will enable them to properly carry out the liftgate installation process. - Reputation and Reviews
Look for shops with positive reviews and testimonials. A good reputation indicates reliable service and customer satisfaction. - Warranty and Support
A reputable shop should offer a warranty on their installation work. Additionally, check if they provide ongoing support and liftgate maintenance services. - Facility and Equipment
The shop should have the necessary tools and equipment to handle liftgate installations properly. A well-equipped facility often correlates with a higher quality of service. - Pricing and Estimates
Obtain detailed estimates from several shops and compare their pricing. Ensure there are no hidden costs and that the estimate includes all aspects of the installation.
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What to Avoid When Dealing with Liftgate Installation Companies
To avoid potential pitfalls, steer clear of companies that exhibit the following red flags:
- Lack of Transparency
Avoid companies that are not transparent about their pricing, services, or qualifications. Hidden costs and vague estimates are warning signs. - Poor Communication
Reliable companies should communicate clearly and promptly. If you struggle to get responses or clear answers, it might be best to look elsewhere. - No Certifications or Training
Technicians without proper certifications or training may not install your liftgate correctly, leading to potential safety hazards. - Negative Reviews and Complaints
Be cautious of companies with numerous negative reviews or unresolved complaints. This can indicate a history of poor service and dissatisfied customers. You can find reviews of companies using their Google, Yelp, or Facebook profiles. - Unwillingness to Provide References
Reputable companies should be willing to provide references or examples of previous work. Hesitation to do so could be a red flag. If you find a company who left a review on a public channel, contacting them may be a great starting point.
Additional Considerations for Liftgate Installation
- Scheduling Installation
When you find a reputable installation shop, schedule your installation at a convenient time. Ensure you have all necessary parts and documentation ready. Confirm the expected duration of the installation process and any preparatory steps you need to take to make sure your operations are not disrupted.
In the case of a delayed installation ensure you have a backup plan. This could involve having access to a spare truck with a liftgate or making sure that a liftgate is not needed for operations while the installation is being performed. - Post-Installation Inspection
After installation, conduct a thorough inspection with the technician. Ensure the liftgate operates smoothly and check all safety features. Ask for a demonstration of the liftgate's functions and any maintenance tips.
We highly recommend having the installer walk you through safety instructions prior to using the liftgate for your first time as well as taking time to thoroughly read any literature from the manufacturer to ensure safe operation. - Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your liftgate in optimal condition. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and guidelines. Regularly inspect hydraulic fluid levels, check for wear and tear on moving parts, and ensure all electrical connections are secure.
Can a power liftgate be added to any vehicle?
The short answer is no. The explanation to this answer is simple. Every vehicle and every use case is different, so here are some things to consider:
- The vehicle needs to be able to handle the weight of the liftgate and its load.
- The structural integrity of the vehicle may be compromised. Not every vehicle is designed to withstand the weight of a liftgate and its load.
- Suspension and clearance of the vehicle should also be considered before deciding whether it is fit for purpose or not.
After considering these aspects, we must say that liftgates are generally best suited for:
- Heavy-duty pickup trucks
- Sprinter vans
- Trailers
- Flatbed trucks
- Box trucks
In other words, carry out liftgate installation to meet your specific needs and contact an expert in case of doubts.
What liftgate best fits your needs?
As we mentioned above, whenever you are in doubt, the best thing to do is to contact a company that relies on a team of experts to help you with your liftgate installation.
Once you find a reputable company to install the gate they will be able to walk you through the best liftgate that fits your needs. At this point, you should be able to discuss the different types of liftgates available (e.g., tuckaway, railgate, cantilever) and how they can fulfill your specific application.
Not sure yet? Contact us and let us help you with your selection
Contact Us Now!Should you attempt a DIY Liftgate Installation?
Liftgate installation is a highly technical process that requires special tools and special skills. Carrying out this process is only recommended if you are a professional mechanic and certified welder.
To provide you with a broader understanding, here are the pros and cons of attempting a liftgate installation yourself.
Pros:
- You can save time and money if you are familiar with the process
- The vehicle will have less mileage as you will not have to move it to the installer’s facilities.
- If you have the skills and the knowledge, you will have the assurance that the installation is done properly.
Cons:
- You will need proper facilities (garage), especially if weather conditions are adverse.
- You will need specialized equipment, including a forklift to move heavy parts, welding equipment, PPE (personal protective equipment), metal cutting and grinding, large metal clamps, etc.
- You will need to have the skills and knowledge to use the tools and equipment properly and safely. A welding certification is recommended.
- You will get no guarantee on the liftgate installation.
When making your choice on whether to do it yourself or look for a liftgate installation service, you should keep in mind the pros and cons we have shared above. Also, keep in mind that, while manufacturers might deliver a gate to a residential address, it will require off-loading equipment (forklift or alike) to take delivery of the gate and off-load it from the delivery vehicle.
How much does it cost to put on a lift gate?
It is complicated to answer this question because there is no way to generalize install costs since each case can be somewhat unique, making costs different from one installation to another.
However, we want to shed some light on this to help you have a better understanding, so here’s our best effort to illustrate what costs might be involved for each type of liftgate.
Pickup gates
If straightforward, the installation of a pickup liftgate may be around $1000. They could be done for less but today's vehicles require things like backup camera relocations and similar modifications.
Tuck-unders
Tuck-under liftgates often require frame, buck-plate, or even body modifications to be able to install them properly. Some need additional support depending on the frame. The installation of these may range from $1000 to $3000.
Rail gates
The installation of this type of liftgate usually doesn’t go for less than $1750. There can be multiple parts to the installation. For example, is there a charging system, is it a standard wired gate, is there multiple control options? In general, installation of rail gates may range anywhere from $1500 to $3500. It will depend on the systems and additional materials required.
Sliders and side-loaders
They can be the most difficult to price, as again, each gate and body they are being installed on can be quite unique. A possible range could be $1500 to $3500 as well.
Cantilevers
Similar to the previous two cases, the installation can range from $1750 to $3500 approximately.
Final thoughts
Finding a reliable liftgate installation service is essential for the safety and efficiency of your truck operations. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure a successful installation experience.
Remember to choose a reputable distributor like LiftGateMe for all your liftgate parts and accessories needs. With our extensive database of over 40,000 liftgate items, expert and instant support, and commitment to quality, you can trust us to keep your liftgate in excellent condition.
Don’t wait any longer. Experience the LiftGateMe difference and ensure your liftgate is always ready to perform at its best.
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