Because in the liftgate world, “close enough” can cost you thousands in lost revenue.
Every liftgate owner eventually faces the same decision: stick with genuine OEM parts or take a chance on cheaper aftermarket replacements. At first glance, the difference might seem small—but when you’re hauling thousands of pounds of freight on a tight schedule, it matters more than most people realize.
At LiftGateMe, we’ve seen what happens when that gamble doesn’t pay off. That’s why we only sell genuine OEM liftgate parts for major brands like Palfinger, Maxon, Waltco, and Thieman.
Because uptime, reliability, and safety aren’t worth compromising.
- Why the Parts You Choose Matter
- Understanding OEM vs Aftermarket Liftgate Parts
- Why LiftGateMe Only Sells Genuine OEM Parts
- Real-World Problems Caused by Aftermarket Parts
- How to Spot Counterfeit or Aftermarket Parts
- Key Differences That Affect Liftgate Performance
- Only trust OEM Parts - especially in the Fall and Winter
- How to Ensure You’re Buying Genuine OEM Liftgate Parts
- Final Thoughts: Buy OEM, Every Time
Why the Parts You Choose Matter
Your liftgate is built to handle high loads, harsh conditions, and repetitive motion—all of which test every connection, seal, and bolt on your truck. When one small component fails, the entire operation can grind to a halt.
OEM parts keep your system working the way it was designed. Aftermarket parts? They introduce unknowns—different tolerances, materials, and performance levels. And in commercial trucking, “unknown” is the enemy of reliability.
Understanding OEM vs Aftermarket Liftgate Parts
Choosing between OEM and aftermarket components isn’t just about price—it’s about protecting your liftgate’s performance, safety, and warranty. Understanding what sets these parts apart helps you make smarter decisions that keep your equipment running smoothly for years.
By comparing how they’re made, tested, and certified, you can see why OEM components deliver consistent quality that cheaper alternatives simply can’t match.
OEM Parts
- Built by the same company that engineered your liftgate.
- Factory-tested for fit, pressure, and electrical load.
- Maintain your liftgate’s warranty and certification.
Aftermarket Parts
- Made by third-party companies with no connection to the original manufacturer.
- Often lack quality control, resulting in inconsistent fit and materials.
- May be advertised as “OEM-style” or “compatible,” but those labels don’t guarantee safety or performance.
Making the right call comes down to one thing: trust. OEM parts are engineered to the same standards as your original liftgate, while aftermarket versions gamble on unverified quality often made in China and abroad. Investing in OEM isn’t just a choice—it’s a safeguard for your uptime, safety, and bottom line.
Why LiftGateMe Only Sells Genuine OEM Parts
We’ve built our reputation on reliability. All 40,000 plus parts we have listed on our website and sell are authentic, traceable, and manufacturer-approved (because they come direct from their factory!). That means no “compatible” substitutes, no repackaged or resold components, and no cheap imitations from unverified marketplaces.
When you order through LiftGateMe, you know you’re getting the precise component your liftgate was designed to use— not a knockoff aftermarket part or an item made in China. Each part we supply comes directly from the manufacturer’s factory, ensuring quality control and peace of mind. Whether you’re replacing a small electrical switch or a full hydraulic pump and motor assembly, you can count on genuine OEM performance, safety, and durability that protect your investment and keep your operations running smoothly.
Real-World Problems Caused by Aftermarket Parts
The Food Delivery Truck Breakdown
On a Maxon Liftgate, a customer once installed a non-OEM hydraulic cylinder they found online. It looked identical—but when their truck was fully loaded for a delivery route, the cylinder failed under pressure. The gate jammed in the down position, trapping the trailer in a small alley and spoiling a full load of perishable goods. The loss?! Thousands of dollars in wasted food, not to mention lost delivery contracts and driver downtime.
The Burned-Out Motor That Cost a $10,000 Day
Just last week, another fleet operator replaced a liftgate motor with an aftermarket unit purchased on Amazon. On paper, it matched perfectly. In practice, the motor overheated by midday and locked the gate in place.
That truck sat idle for an entire shift—costing the company over $10,000 in lost revenue.
These stories are more common than you’d think. Every one of them started with the same thought: “It’s cheaper and looks the same.”
And every one ended the same way—with regret.
Have a question? We'd love to hear from you.
No liftgate serial number? Click here for a visual guide to locate it, then contact us.
How to Spot Counterfeit or Aftermarket Parts
Not all online sellers are upfront about what they’re selling. Here’s how to stay protected when buying liftgate parts:
- Be cautious of, or better yet - do not buy, parts sold on Amazon, eBay, or other third-party marketplaces.
- If a company does not have more than 5,000 parts listed on their website they may very well be sourcing parts through second hand sources
- Avoid parts that have vague language descriptors like “OEM-style,” “fits all models,” or “replacement type.”
- Inspect packaging—OEM parts are sealed, labeled, and serialized.
- Trust your source—only buy from authorized OEM distributors like LiftGateMe.
Key Differences That Affect Liftgate Performance
1. Fit and Compatibility
OEM components align precisely with your liftgate’s geometry. Aftermarket parts can cause strain, leaks, or misalignment—especially at hinge points or in hydraulic systems.
2. Material Quality
OEM seals, hoses, and cylinders use high-grade materials designed for cold weather and heavy-duty cycles. Many aftermarket versions use cheaper rubber or uncoated metal prone to wear and corrosion.
3. Electrical Reliability
OEM switches, solenoids, and wiring harnesses are sealed against vibration and moisture. Cheap alternatives lack protective coatings, leading to corrosion or voltage loss.
4. Safety and Certification
Every OEM component is tested to factory specifications for load capacity and cycle life. Aftermarket copies rarely meet those same safety thresholds.
Only trust OEM Parts - especially in the Fall and Winter
As temperatures start to drop, fall is the perfect time to inspect, replace, and prepare your liftgate for the cold months ahead. Seasonal changes bring moisture, salt, and freezing conditions that expose weak points in hydraulic systems and electrical connections. A proactive approach in the fall can prevent breakdowns when winter demand peaks.
Cold weather amplifies every weak point in your liftgate system.
- Hydraulic seals stiffen and leak.
- Fluids thicken, overworking motors.
- Electrical resistance increases in corroded connections.
OEM parts are built to handle these challenges. From temperature-tested seals to corrosion-resistant terminals, they’re designed to perform year-round—keeping your truck reliable through rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. By replacing worn components in the fall, you ensure smoother operation and fewer service calls once the cold sets in.
How to Ensure You’re Buying Genuine OEM Liftgate Parts
- Verify your liftgate’s model and serial number.
- Match part numbers against the official manufacturer manual or LiftGateMe’s parts catalog.
- Purchase only from authorized OEM suppliers—not “discount” marketplaces.
- When in doubt, contact LiftGateMe support for confirmation before ordering.
Final Thoughts: Buy OEM, Every Time
Every fleet manager knows the math: downtime costs money. The wrong liftgate part doesn’t just fail—it fails when you can least afford it.
At LiftGateMe, we take that seriously. That’s why we commit to selling only genuine OEM liftgate parts for every lift gate brand we support. Because your company, your trucks, your trailers, your drivers, and your customers deserve the best.
Don’t risk your business on cheap aftermarket parts.
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