How much weight can you put on a liftgate?
Liftgates have published weight ratings that indicate the maximum safe load. For most everyday cargo vans and light trucks, liftgates handle about 1,000 to 2,000 pounds; heavier‑duty, commercial models can handle 3,000 to 4,000 pounds and some specialty units up to 5,000–6,000 pounds. Always verify the exact rating on the liftgate's data plate or the manufacturer's documentation.
In this piece, we explore how liftgate capacity is determined, how to read ratings, and best practices for loading to avoid overloading or unsafe operation. We also provide practical tips for planning shipments and ensuring safe operation in warehouses or on job sites.
What determines liftgate capacity
Capacity is established by the hydraulic system, motor power, platform construction, mounting structure, and the overall design of the liftgate. The published rating is a static load limit; when the liftgate is moving or on an incline, the effective safe load may be less. The weight distribution and center of gravity of the cargo, pallet integrity, and the operator's actions affect real-world performance.
What the data plate shows
The data plate is the primary source for the exact limit. It usually lists the maximum rated load in pounds (and sometimes kilograms), along with any operating cautions or conditions. If you’re unsure, consult the manufacturer’s manual or the vendor who installed the liftgate.
Before listing typical capacity ranges, note that actual numbers vary by manufacturer, model, and vehicle mounting. Always consult the data plate on your liftgate and the vehicle's manual for precise limits.
Typical capacity ranges you are likely to encounter on liftgates are listed below, categorized by common use cases.
- Light‑duty liftgates: typically 800–1,200 pounds (360–545 kg)
- Standard/medium‑duty liftgates: roughly 1,000–2,000 pounds (450–900 kg)
- Heavy‑duty liftgates: commonly 3,000–4,000 pounds (1,360–1,814 kg)
- Ultra high‑capacity liftgates: up to 5,000–6,000 pounds (2,268–2,722 kg) in specialized equipment
Loads should always be kept centered on the platform, and never off‑center or rotated to leverage more weight. Pallets should be intact and stable, and the area around the liftgate should be clear of obstructions.
Reading the data plate and planning a load
To determine the safe load for a given liftgate, start with the data plate affixed to the liftgate or its mounting frame. The plate lists the maximum rated load in pounds (and often kilograms), along with other operating limits. If you’re unsure, consult the manufacturer’s manual or the vendor from whom the liftgate was installed. Plan the load to stay well within the rating, and account for dynamic factors such as movement, stopping, or driving on uneven surfaces.
With this knowledge, you can plan loads more reliably and help protect equipment, cargo, and personnel.
Best practices for safe loading
To help you load safely, consider the following guidelines. The list below highlights practical steps that improve safety and reduce the risk of overloading or instability.
- Distribute weight evenly: center weight on the platform, avoid loading heavy items to one side.
- Use pallets and shrink wrap as needed to keep cargo stable.
- Always stay within the published weight limit and consider reducing the load for dynamic conditions.
- Ensure the liftgate, platform, and rails are in good condition; inspect for leaks, damage, or wear.
- Chock the vehicle wheels and keep hands clear of pinch points; use proper PPE as needed.
Following these practices helps ensure the liftgate operates safely and the cargo reaches its destination without incident.
Summary
Liftgate weight capacity varies by model and application, from around 800 pounds on light‑duty units to 6,000 pounds on some ultra‑heavy‑duty installations. Always check the data plate and manufacturer documentation for the exact rating, plan loads with a safety margin, and follow best practices for loading to prevent overloading or unsafe operation.
How much can a truck liftgate lift?
Thieman Tailgates
markets a full-line of hydraulic Stowaway and Conventional Liftgates for light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks and trailers. From 1000lb to 6600 lb lifting capabilities, Thieman can provide a liftgate for almost every application.
How much can a lift gate handle?
The maximum weight a standard liftgate can load is 2500lbs (1133kg). If the pallet you want to ship is greater than the limitation, you may need to split it into two pallet loads to avoid any complications.
How much weight can a liftgate hold?
A liftgate's weight capacity varies significantly depending on its type, but typically ranges from 1,500 to 3,500 lbs for standard truck liftgates, while pickup truck models are generally lower, around 750 to 1,600 lbs. Heavy-duty models for commercial trucks can hold even more, from 2,000 to over 5,500 lbs.
Common weight capacities
- Standard truck liftgates: Usually between 1,500 and 3,500 lbs. A common capacity for less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers is around 2,500 lbs.
- Pickup truck liftgates: Range from 750 to 1,600 lbs.
- Heavy-duty commercial truck liftgates: Can range from 2,000 to 6,600 lbs depending on the specific type of liftgate, such as tuck-under, cantilever, or column lifts.
Factors that influence capacity
- Liftgate type: The design, such as a cantilever or tuck-under lift, directly impacts its weight limit.
- Vehicle type: Smaller trucks like pickup trucks have lower capacity liftgates than larger box trucks or trailers.
- Platform size: The dimensions of the platform must be considered, especially if you are moving non-standard materials or large equipment.
How much weight can you put on the tailgate of a truck?
A truck's tailgate can hold anywhere from 300 to over 2,000 pounds, depending on the make, model, and type of tailgate. Modern, standard tailgates are often rated for around 500 pounds, while some multifunctional tailgates have significantly higher capacities. The strength depends on factors like construction materials and design, and the weight limit should not be confused with payload capacity.
Factors influencing tailgate weight capacity
- Make and model: Different trucks have different designs and materials, which affect the weight limit.
- Construction: Modern tailgates are often made from lightweight aluminum alloys, while older ones may be steel.
- Type of load: The weight capacity is for a static load that is evenly distributed. Dynamic loads (like a person jumping on it) or point loads (like a heavy object on one spot) can cause damage even at lower weights.
- Special features: Multifunctional tailgates may have higher capacities due to reinforcements. For example, the GMC Multi-Pro Tailgate can hold about 830 pounds, while the Ram 1500 Multi-Function Tailgate can handle up to 2,000 pounds when used as a traditional tailgate.
Important considerations
- Manufacturer ratings: Always check your vehicle's owner's manual for the official weight rating.
- Dynamic forces: A tailgate's cables are often the weak point, and they are not designed to support the weight of ATVs or motorcycles, especially when the load is not evenly distributed.
- Point loads: Avoid putting heavy objects on a single spot on the tailgate, as this can cause it to buckle, even if the total weight is within limits.
- Safety: If you are concerned about overloading the tailgate, it is safer to remove it or use a trailer for loading heavy items like ATVs.
