Hey there! If you're looking for a new liftgate for your trailer, this guide will walk you through what a trailer lift gate is, why you might need one, how a trailer liftgate can help your business drive efficiency, and how to choose the best one for your needs.
Let's get started!
What you'll discover in this article:
- What is a Trailer Lift Gate?
- Why You Might Need a Trailer Lift Gate?
- Are there any legal limitations of installing a trailer lift gate?
- Can you always install a liftgate on a trailer?
- Can you always put a slider style liftgate on a trailer?
- What features, accessories, or options are available specifically for trailer liftgates?
- What liftgates are available for my trailer?
- What about installation price?
- When is a trailer liftgate not needed?
- Are there situations when a trailer liftgate might not be the best choice for a buyer?
- Making the Right Choice
- Some Final Thoughts
What is a Trailer Lift Gate?
First things first, what exactly is a trailer lift gate? In simple terms, it's an electrohydraulic platform, i.e. a liftgate, attached to the rear of a trailer. Its primary function is to help lift and lower heavy cargo from the ground to the trailer's deck and vice versa. Think of it as a mini-elevator for your goods, saving you from the back-breaking work of manually loading and unloading the cargo.
This said, it is important to keep in mind we are not talking about the trailers used to pull around lawn mowers, dirt bikes, etc, nor the type you can camp inside.
We’re referring to liftgates designed for trailers that haul heavy goods and are towed by commercial tractors, making them perfect for commercial and industrial use. Imagine a tractor-trailer used by companies like Sysco, Amazon, or a beverage distributor.
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Get Quote Now!Why You Might Need a Trailer Lift Gate?
Picture this – you're running a delivery service, and every day, your team spends hours lifting heavy boxes on and off the trailer. It's exhausting, right? Not to mention, it can lead to injuries and decreased productivity. That's where a trailer lift gate comes in handy.
Here are some scenarios where a lift gate can be a game-changer:
1. Frequent Deliveries: If your business involves regular deliveries of heavy items, a lift gate can significantly speed up the process and reduce physical strain on your employees.
Ramps and the use of forklifts are a great alternative to liftgates, but for businesses looking to boost their efficiency and increase the number of deliveries per day, a liftgate will most likely be your solution.
2. Bulky or Heavy Cargo: For items that are awkward to carry or simply too heavy, a lift gate makes the job safer and more efficient.
3. Limited Manpower: Small businesses, solo operations, and single drivers can benefit immensely from a liftgate on their trailer. The liftgate allows one person to efficiently and safely handle heavy cargo often without the need for additional assistance.
Many companies have replaced secondary assistants on driving routes with liftgates, as the liftgate effectively serves the role of a second driver. By strategically planning your routes, you could achieve the same efficiency.
4. Improved Accessibility: Liftgates provide easy access to trailers, even in locations without loading docks, allowing for flexible operations in diverse settings.
We often see this in urban settings where loading docks are scarce and deliveries are prevalent; liftgates allow delivery trucks to unload heavy goods directly onto the street, enabling efficient operations even in tight city spaces.
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Are there any legal limitations of installing a trailer lift gate?
The short answer is yes.
Now, you need to understand that legal limitations mainly refer to the regulations imposed by the Department of Transportation in terms of length.
Keep in mind that these regulations can vary depending on the state, the specific trailer, and the type of liftgate being installed.
As a rule of thumb, we take the 53’ as the maximum length allowed for a trailer, which is why we recommend installing a slider liftgate in these cases. The idea is to avoid adding something extra to the back of the trailer that may extend its length and make it illegal. For example, installing a tuck-under liftgate would add over one foot (commonly 16 inches) to the back of the trailer.
Again, each case and each state is different. You can refer to this pdf file to get a rough idea of what would be the length limits for your trailer.
Here are some considerations for you to be aware of when reading the pdf:
- Many of the measurements provided do not mention where the extra length is located on the trailer. That is because the extra length may also be added to the front of the trailer. Installing a refrigeration system is a good example of this.
- Whenever 75' lengths are mentioned, they are referring to the combined vehicle length and not just the trailer.
- Some states actually consider a liftgate an accessory, and don’t use that in the overall measurement of the trailer.
- Whenever in doubt, consult with an expert! Your DOT officials for your state are a great resource. The Federal Highway Administration has a list of DOT contacts for each state.
Can you always install a liftgate on a trailer?
Unfortunately, the short answer here is no.
It is important to understand that the main issue here is framing and not the body of the trailer.
Generally speaking, in this industry, we commonly deal with what is referred to as a Cartage Trailer. These are commonly center-framed, crossmember-reinforced bodies. From the subframe to the walls, they have crossmember braces and are a uniform construction that can handle most gates.
However, here are some things to consider:
- If a rail gate or column lift is requested, a steel frame with steel vertical uprights is required. As we mentioned above, it’s all about the framing. Uprights are the vertical posts on the left and right sides of the trailers rear door frame that will serve to weld the rails or rail mounts.
- Rails/column gates cannot be installed on trailers with aluminum vertical uprights because they will not resist both the gate and its load. The steel rails/columns cannot be welded to the vertical uprights.
- Rails/column gates cannot be installed on curtain body trailers as they have no uprights. NOTE: curtain bodies are flatbed trailers with no real side or roof structure and use a curtain and tie-strap to secure the curtain siding that rolls up.
- Rail and column liftgates cannot be installed on trailers that have barn doors for a rear door as the doors and hinges would hit the rails, not allowing the doors to be opened.
- If a cantilever, tuck-under, or slide under are to be installed, a steel trailer frame is required to be able to mount the gates mounting system to the vehicle. Commonly, the rear door framing must be steel as well. This is to be able to weld on any bed or deck extensions. While some tuck-under style gates do have bolt-on bed extensions, the strength of steel is required as aluminum cannot support both the gate and its load as mentioned before.
- Specialty bodies, such as tool trucks and curtain bodies, may require specialty gates. Tool trucks once used an all-aluminum gate as their bodies are commonly all aluminum. However, we do not have any all-aluminum gates at the moment. Also, body reinforcing doesn't take place in this case. Can they be built? Yes, but for a price and an extended lead time for manufacturing. What’s more, the bodies would require a complete redesign, so it is commonly not worth the effort and cost.
Can you always put a slider style liftgate on a trailer?
Here we must say that it depends. Most of the time you can put a slider liftgate on a trailer, but it must comply with certain conditions.
There are minimum clearances and distance from rear axle to rear of trailer that are required. This clearance can vary depending on the model of gate, its platform size, and the type mounting style.
Also, there are variations on the mandates of the axle position based on the load weight of the trailer from state to state. Depending on the state, you will have a mandate dictating where the axles need to be placed when using that state’s roads.
But don’t worry—there’s a potential solution if you're traveling through different states.
Trailers can meet varying specifications by using a Sliding Tandem Assembly. This is a system that houses the trailer's axles, air, and braking systems. The assembly can slide along the trailer's frame, moving from front to rear, and locks into place using an air-operated mechanism that secures large pins into holes in the sliding subframe. This allows the tandems to be repositioned at different distances from the rear of the trailer, helping to balance the weight distribution according to each state's requirements.
Does this solution sound inconvenient? Yes. However, it's a common practice and a requirement for truck drivers crossing certain state lines. Once it's been done a few times, it becomes a routine task that's easy to manage.
An important point to note is that liftgates like the Palfinger ILU and ILUK feature Rapid Mount Systems, which bolt the liftgate’s frame into the same holes used by the sliding subframe. As a result, the liftgate is mounted at the farthest point on the trailer's subframe, meaning the sliding tandem assembly can no longer use those holes and cannot be pushed that far back.
So although it may be possible to put a slider style liftgate on your trailer, it’s crucial to understand the space the liftgate occupies to ensure your trailer will comply with state-by-state transportation requirements. Always be safe and always verify your choices and options with local experts who can assess your specific situation.
Not sure yet? Contact us and let us help you with your selection
Contact Us Now!What features, accessories, or options are available specifically for trailer liftgates?
Since most trailers take the same liftgates as straight trucks, they share the same options. Here are the most common ones:
- Multiple control switch options.
- Available for 96" or 102" wide body applications.
- Platform cart stops or retention plates.Multiple charging options.
- Multiple dock bumper and side-step options.
- Multiple bed extensions to accommodate loading ramps that are pre-installed on the bodies, before the gate is installed.
- Several have options for barn style rear doors - not just roll-up rear doors.
What liftgates are available for my trailer?
As we mentioned above, liftgates available for trailers are basically the same as those for straight trucks. So, if you want to learn more about the options for your specific trailer and application, we invite you to contact us for a quote and let us help.
What about installation price?
As previously stated, the process of installing a trailer liftgate will vary case by case, and the price will vary accordingly. Keep in mind that every modification needed for the install will add to the price. So, the best thing to do is consult your team who will perform the install prior to purchasing the liftgate.
When is a trailer liftgate not needed?
The most common case when a trailer liftgate is not needed is when making dock-to-dock (D2D) deliveries. Here, both the shipper and the receiver have facilities with docks that provide easy access for the driver/delivery man to load and unload the trailer.
Are there situations when a trailer liftgate might not be the best choice for a buyer?
Yes, there are situations where a trailer liftgate might not be the best choice, especially for buyers who want a rail gate with a large, solid, one-piece platform and have low bed height bodies (this applies to both straight trucks and trailers).
For example, if a buyer wants a 60-inch deep platform and their bed height is only 34 inches, they won’t be able to keep the gate closed and still lower it enough to make a dock delivery. In these cases, it’s typically specified in the quote that the liftgate is for “Liftgate Deliveries Only.”
Some buyers, despite being advised against it, may still try to back up to a dock, open the gate, and then lower it to dock height. This is unsafe because the load’s weight would then be supported not only by the gate’s frame and mounting systems but also by the most fragile part of the platform—the tip or ramp. This can lead to platform damage, injury, or even death.
For those who need to make both gate and dock deliveries, a two-piece folding platform is recommended. On a 60-inch deep gate, a folding platform that splits at the halfway point (30 inches) can remain closed while being lowered to align the truck’s bed with the dock, avoiding gate interference.
In summary, a trailer liftgate may not be the best choice for buyers with low bed heights and large, one-piece platforms, especially if dock deliveries are required, as it can pose significant safety risks.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right trailer lift gate boils down to understanding your needs and matching them with the right features. Here’s a quick recap to help you make the best decision:
- Assess Your Needs: Consider what you'll be lifting, how often, and in what conditions.
- Research: Look into the different types of lift gates and their features. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from other trailer users.
- Budget: Determine your budget but remember that sometimes it’s worth investing a bit more upfront for a high-quality, durable lift gate.
- Consult Experts: If in doubt, consult with lift gate manufacturers or dealers. They can provide valuable insights and help you find the perfect match.
Contact us! LiftGateMe is here to help.
Some Final Thoughts
Choosing the right trailer liftgate comes down to aligning your specific needs with the right features. Whether you’re aiming to increase efficiency, handle heavy cargo safely, or navigate legal restrictions, it’s crucial to do your homework.
Start by assessing what you’ll be lifting, how often, under what conditions, and states of operation. If dock deliveries are part of your routine, consider whether a two-piece folding platform might be more suitable than a large, one-piece platform.
Don’t hesitate to consult with experts and get a tailored quote that fits your setup and needs.
When assessing if a trailer liftgate is right for you, take what you’ve learned from this guide, reach out to professionals, and make an informed decision so that your operations continue to run smoothly with the added benefits that a liftgate will provide.
Remember, LiftGateMe is here to support you every step of the way.Got any more questions on trailer lift gates? Team LiftGateMe is here to help - contact us today.
Happy lifting!
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