JUNE 10, 2025

Liftgate Buyer’s Guide — Compare Costs, Weight Limits, and Top Brands

If you’re in the market for a new liftgate—whether for one truck or a full fleet—you probably have questions. This guide will help you understand the types of gates available, compare weight capacities and pricing, and get to know the top brands. Our goal? Help you make the right call on your next purchase and avoid any headaches.

Whether you're upgrading old equipment or buying new, getting the specs right the first time can save thousands in the long run.

• Why Choosing the Right Liftgate Matters
• Compare Liftgate Types by Truck Application
• What Affects the Cost?
• Weight Capacity Breakdown
• Top Liftgate Manufacturers to Know
• How to Choose a Distributor
• Why Choose LiftGateMe
• Get a Quote or Keep Learning
• Conclusion

Why Choosing the Right Liftgate Matters

Not all liftgates are created equal. The wrong choice can lead to damaged freight, missed deadlines, and very expensive breakdowns. The correct gate to match your needs makes every delivery smoother, every load safer, and every mile more efficient.

And for fleet managers, a well-chosen liftgate can mean fewer service calls, better safety scores, and happier drivers.

Compare Liftgate Types by Truck Application

Each gate has its own use case. Here’s a side-by-side to help you decide:

Still unsure? We can help match the right type to your chassis, load, and route profile.

What Affects the Cost?

The price of a lift gate includes many factors. You’ll want to consider:

• Brand and model
• Platform size/material
• Load capacity
• Installation labor (hydraulic, welding, electrical)
• Add-ons like cart stops, dual controls, or LED lighting

When thinking about the total price of adding a liftgate to your vehicle, make sure to remember the price of wiring kits, freight charges, and local installation.

Once you pick your lift gate, remember to also factor in the cost of installation.

Weight Capacity Breakdown

Need to move 1,000 pounds or 6,600? Make sure the lift gate you choose gives you room to grow. Aim for 20–25% above your average load for safety and longevity.

If you're unsure what your real-world load weights are, we recommend a few simple measurements or using recent delivery logs to estimate your typical freight weight.

Top Liftgate Manufacturers to Know

Here’s who makes the best gates out there:

• Maxon – With a full lineup and reliable support, Maxon is one of America’s most popular lift gates.
• Waltco (Hiab) – Known for customization and range. Also supports Ultron and Zepro.
• Palfinger – Strong performers in urban and refrigerated freight. Owns Interlift and Eagle.
• Anthony – Specializes in tuck-under and rail designs. Good choice for mid-size fleets.
• Thieman – Versatile and parts-friendly. Known for trailer gates.
• Eagle – Great options for specialty applications and lighter-duty uses. Sadly Eagle is no longer producing new pickup gates - we're still bumbed about this.

How to Choose a Distributor

A good gate with bad support is still a bad experience. Look for:

• OEM liftgate parts and full warranty support
• In stock inventory
• Staff who actually know liftgates
• Staff who has actually installed liftgates
• Manufacturing and shipping options that meet your timeline

LiftGateMe is a master distributor and America's liftgate partner. We don’t just sell gates—we support you every step of the way.

Why Choose LiftGateMe

We’ve worked with businesses across the country to get gates installed quickly and properly. Here’s what makes us different:

• Full brand coverage: Maxon, Waltco, Palfinger, Anthony, Thieman & more
• Nationwide shipping and responsive communication
• Experts who help you pick—not just push a product
• Help connecting with installers and repair facilities
• Decades of combined experience supporting fleet repair and independent buyers

Get a Quote or Keep Learning

Whether you’re ready to purchase a liftgate today or just comparing options, we’ll help you make the right call. Request a custom quote or hop over to our Liftgate 101 article for a deeper dive into how they work.

We also encourage new customers to sign up for our newsletter, where we share maintenance tips, discount offers, and parts alerts.

Conclusion

There’s a liftgate out there that’s the perfect match for your truck—and your workflow. At LiftGateMe, we’re here to help you find it, purchase it, and keep it running for the long haul. Reach out today and let’s get you lifting smarter.