5/05/26

Liftgate Terminology




Above Floor Travel
On specific rail-type models, this option allows your cargo to travel above the  floor level of the truck or trailer based upon the bed height of your application.
Bed Height
The vertical distance from ground level  to the floor surface of the vehicle.
Bed Height Range
When specifying a liftgate, the lesser  dimension refers to the bed height when the vehicle is loaded to maximum weight capacity. The greater dimension refers to the bed height when the vehicle is empty.
Below-Bed-Height Storage
Option found on many railgate models that  allow the liftgate platform to be stored so  its highest point is below the bed height  of the vehicle, thus allowing unobstructed  access to the rear of the vehicle without  having to operate the liftgate.
Cart Stops
A device used to prevent wheeled cargo from rolling off the ramp end of the  liftgate platform.
Conventional Liftgate
A liftgate that is welded or bolted to  the frame of the vehicle chassis. In the  stored or travel position, the lifting  platform is in the vertical position at the rear of the vehicle.
Dock Bumpers
Optional protective steel structures used commonly with Flipaway models that are welded below bed level at the rear of  the vehicle to protect the liftgate from damage caused by loading dock impact. May have the capacity to also house the vehicle tail lights.
Flipaway Liftgate
A liftgate that is welded to the frame of  the vehicle chassis. The loading platform is designed with two or three folding  sections. In the stored or travel position, the platform is folded and stored beneath the body floor allowing access to the cargo area without activating the lift.
Cantilever Lift
A Cantilever liftgate is a self-adjusting platform that stays level relative to the truck bed throughout the entire raise and lower cycle. Options are also available to convert the platform to a dock board or for use as a rear door.
Gravity Open, Power Close
Hydraulic close, torsion spring/gravity open.
 
Galvanization
The process of applying a protective  zinc coating to steel or iron, in order  to prevent rusting.
Load Capacity
Maximum amount of cargo weight that a  given liftgate is rated to handle during one cycle. Full rated capacity is based on the cargo being centered on the platform as close to the vehicle as possible or the weight being evenly distributed over the entire platform surface.
Mount Frame Clearance
Distance required between the rear-most  obstruction on the chassis and the end  of the vehicle body in order to mount  a liftgate.
Power Open, Power Close
Hydraulic operation of the liftgate platform during the open and closing portion of  the cycle, which allows for consistent  opening and closing speed regardless  of the climate conditions.
Power Up, Gravity Down
Hydraulic operation raises the liftgate  platform, while its own weight lowers it.
Power Up, Power Down
Hydraulic operation of the liftgate platform during the raise and lower portion of the cycle, which allows for consistent lifting  and lowering speed, regardless of the climate conditions.
Rail-Type Liftgate
Medium / Heavy / Bottle Gas / Pick-Up / Service Body / Dump Thru

Railgates have vertical tracks that weld  or bolt to the rear frame of a truck body  or trailer. The loading platform travels up  and down on these tracks through the  use of cables or chains in conjunction  with a hydraulic cylinder, or the use of  two hydraulic cylinders directly attached to the loading platform. In the travel  position, the platform stores over the rear door, although an option is available to allow storage below the door. 

• Medium Rail-Type Liftgate
–   References the lift capacity. • Heavy Rail-Type Liftgate –   References the lift capacity. • Bottle Gas (BG) Rail-Type Liftgate –   Offers design features targeted    to the bottle gas delivery industry. 

Reduced Maintenance

Standard on all Waltco liftgate models,  independently or a combination of  fiberglass-reinforced Teflon™ bearings,  slide pads and grease zerks to allow  additional protection to the major pivot points on your liftgate.

Retention Rail
Railing around the platform perimeter  that supports and restrains bottled  gas cylinders during delivery. Used on  MDLBG, PTBG, RBGL and WDVBG Bottled Gas models.
 
Sideloader Liftgate
A liftgate that is typically mounted below the side door of a truck body or trailer  and can be either frame or body mounted, depending on the application. In the stored or travel position, the platform stores under the body and is either unfolded or extended out from under the door.
Snubber Kit
A structure consisting of a steel brace and a rubber bumper pad used commonly with Flipaway models. The snubber kit stabilizes the liftgate platform while in the transit  position, minimizing potential for damage due to bouncing and/or road vibration.
Torsion Bar Assist                              
Reduces platform opening and closing forces with the use of spring loaded  counterbalanced torsion bars or rods.

Source: Waltco Liftgates - https://www.hiab.com/en-US/waltco/

5/03/26

Reading Truck’s Custom Solutions | Work Truck Week 2026


Does geography dictate your truck build? Join Steve Henning of CVB Network as he talks with the leadership team at Reading Truck during Work Truck Week 2026 in Indianapolis. Curtis Stephenson (Senior Director of Sales) and Ryan Reese (Associate VP of Sales) discuss how Reading Truck is bridging the gap between East Coast steel and West Coast aluminum and wood configurations. From heavy-duty crane bodies to consolidated fleet solutions, learn why Reading Truck is becoming the ultimate "one-stop shop" for commercial vehicles. Explore Reading Truck: https://www.readingtruck.com
More Work Truck Week Highlights: https://www.cvbnetwork.com
#ReadingTruck #WorkTruckWeek #TruckUpfitting #EastCoastTrucks #WestCoastTrucks #FleetManagement #CraneBody #CVBNetwork #Indianapolis

5/01/26

Biggest 7.3 Godzilla Upgrade EVER?! Ford Just Made It UNSTOPPABLE (2027)


Ford just shocked the truck world. The 2027 7.3 Godzilla V8 upgrade isn’t just an update… it’s a complete transformation. From dual fuel injection to stronger internals and smarter engine management, this legendary Ford engine is evolving into something far more powerful, efficient, and durable than ever before. In this video, we break down everything you need to know about the new Godzilla upgrade — including performance gains, fuel efficiency improvements, towing capability, and why this engine could dominate the heavy-duty truck market. If you’re a truck owner, diesel fan, or performance enthusiast, this is one upgrade you can’t afford to ignore. Is Ford bringing back the dominance of gas V8 engines? Watch till the end to find out. #Ford #GodzillaEngine #TruckPower #FordTrucks #V8Engine

4/29/26

Wabash "Fast Mount" Strategy: Slashing Truck Lead Times | Work Truck Week 2026


Speed is the name of the game in 2026. Join Mike Hyde of CVB Network as he checks in with Duane Wickey, Regional Sales Director at Wabash, during Work Truck Week 2026 in Indianapolis. Duane discusses Wabash's aggressive "Go-To-Market" strategy designed to get box trucks on the road faster. By doubling down on their upfit centers and national footprint, Wabash is helping customers move from a multi-month sales cycle to just days or weeks. Learn more about Wabash: https://onewabash.com/ For more industry coverage visit: https://www.cvbnetwork.com #Wabash #WorkTruckWeek #FleetEfficiency #BoxTruck #TruckUpfitting #Logistics #SupplyChain #CVBNetwork #Indianapolis

4/28/26

Switch-N-Go Gen 3 Hoist & New Municipal "Risk-Free" Rental | Work Truck Week 2026


Get an exclusive look at the next generation of interchangeable truck body systems! Join Steve Henning of CVB Network as he talks with Gabe Greathouse, Regional Sales Manager at Switch-N-Go, on the show floor at Work Truck Week 2026 in Indianapolis. After a year of field testing and refining a prototype, Switch-N-Go is officially launching their Gen 3 Hoist System. Gabe explains how operator feedback drove the latest "Continuous Improvement" updates, from zinc-dipped rollers to a state-of-the-art rear locking system. Visit Switch-N-Go: https://switchngo.com Watch more industry highlights: https://www.cvbnetwork.com #SwitchNGo #WorkTruckWeek #TruckUpfitting #WasteManagement #MunicipalFleet #Gen3Hoist #RollOffTruck #CVBNetwork #InterchangeableTruckBody

4/26/26

NEW Ford Ranger Super Duty: This BLEW me away…4500kg


This is your FIRST LOOK at the all-new 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty! Paul Maric gives you your first look at what will be the toughest Ford Ranger yet. The specs make it a serious contender to take on things like the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series as a meaty pickup truck.

CarExpert

4/24/26

Knapheide Unveils "America’s Work Truck" Campaign | Work Truck Week 2026


What makes a truck "America’s Work Truck"? Join Steve Henning of CVB Network as he visits the Knapheide booth at Work Truck Week 2026 in Indianapolis. Mandar Dighe, VP of Marketing & Sales at Knapheide, discusses the company’s massive new national brand position. As the nation's leading manufacturer of work truck bodies, Knapheide is moving beyond being a vendor to becoming a category-defining partner for the trades. In this video, we discuss: • America’s Work Truck: The primary goal of Knapheide’s first major national multi-media campaign. • 178 Years of Heritage: How a story of a German immigrant in 1848 evolved into a six-generation (and counting!) American legacy. • United in Work: The importance of partnerships between upfitters, distributors, OEMs, and the end-user. • Market Outlook: Navigating the "turbulence" of 2026 with a bullish but diligent strategy. • Elevating the Industry: Why Knapheide wants to help customers better understand how truck configurations drive productivity and safety. Learn more about Knapheide: https://www.knapheide.com Follow the latest industry news: https://www.cvbnetwork.com