Whether you're renovating your home or conducting business as usual, your pickup truck can play a significant role by hauling heavy cargo. By adding a liftgate, you won’t even need to load it into the bed by yourself. If you’re wondering which hydraulic lift to invest in, use the following guide to choose this crucial pickup truck part.

3 Tips for Choosing a Liftgate for Your Pickup Truck

1. Check on the Hardware Specifications

First, check your pickup truck’s owner manual and write down the exact make, model, and year of manufacture. This information will dictate the mounting hardware needed to attach a liftgate and may narrow down your options.

The type of door hardware on your pickup truck may also influence the liftgate choice; for example, the hinges on a swing door will get in the way of a standard rail gate, so you’ll need to turn to cantilever or sliding models.

2. Consider the Cargo

Next, assess your liftgate needs—what will you be using it for and how heavy will the cargo be. Your tactical needs may rule out standard liftgates, which are designed to handle between 750 to 1500 pounds. When estimating capacity, you’ll want to round up a few hundred pounds to avoid premature wear and tear.

The cargo may also dictate the material of this pickup truck part; for example, fishing equipment will be covered in salty water and may leave bare metal liftgates susceptible to corrosion. A liftgate with a bar grate platform will allow liquids to drain through and is coated to prevent rusting.

3. Match the Liftgate to the Vehicle

Some liftgates are made with specific vehicles in mind, taking into account the vehicle’s suspension system, weight limit, and loading depth. For example, if your pickup truck has a service body, which is much less space-efficient than the standard bed, you’ll need to search for conventional or rail liftgates. Those with stowaway gates need room to fold underneath the vehicle.

If you’re in the market for a high-quality liftgate, turn to Hawaii Campers of Hilo. With over 30 years of experience, the family-oriented company offers a range of pickup truck parts and accessories, from seat covers to camper shells, as well as free shipping statewide. To learn more about their inventory, visit the website. You can also call (808) 935-8349 to speak with a representative.