Finding the right trailer tailgate lift assist can dramatically reduce strain, protect hinges, and extend the life of your open utility trailer. The products below are designed to help you lift and lower tailgates or ramps with minimal effort, whether you’re a weekend handyman or a professional contractor. This guide highlights five reliable options, explains their key features, and compares how each fits common trailer setups. Use the buying guide to identify which system best matches your trailer height, side rails, and weight capacity.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer Gate Lift Assist (JY PERFORMANCE) | JY PERFORMANCE Store | Two-sided design reduces wear and extends life |
| Genuine GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided | GORILLA-LIFT Store | Virtually weightless gliding action |
| EZ Gate Tailgate Assist | Buyers Products Company Store | Up to 180 lbs with quiet operation |
| VEVOR Trail Tailgate Lift | VEVOR Store | Versatile 10-24″ rails, 180 lbs capacity |
| Gledewen Tailgate Lift Assist | Gledewen Store | Easy installation, one-hand operation |
Trailer Gate Lift Assist, Two-Sided For Open Trailers
The JY PERFORMANCE two-sided lift system is designed to prevent uneven stresses on a trailer’s tailgate ramp. It accommodates side rails from 12 to 24 inches and supports tailgates or ramps that are 4 to 6 feet tall. Installation requires drilling, after which the tailgate can be lifted with minimal effort by hand. This setup aims to deliver a near-weightless feel during operation and helps extend the life of the tailgate mechanism by evenly distributing load and reducing hinge wear.
Genuine GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided Tailgate Assist
The Genuine GORILLA-LIFT offers a proven, heavy-duty solution that makes tailgates glide with minimal effort. This model emphasizes reliability, helping prevent damage to hinges and reducing the risk of injuries during lifting. It’s positioned as a premium option for commercial and rugged residential use, where repeated heavy-duty cycling can otherwise lead to costly wear and warping of the tailgate structure.
Buyers EZ Gate Tailgate Assist
This EZ Gate Tailgate Assist emphasizes reducing physical strain with a patented design that eases the lift for heavy tailgates by up to 90%. It handles up to 180 pounds and is suitable for most standard open trailers. The system is praised for its quiet, smooth operation, which minimizes both noise and wear over time, making it a practical choice for frequent use in professional settings or busy residential sites.
VEVOR Trail Tailgate Lift Assist
The VEVOR system combines a steel wire extension with a spring-assisted mechanism to raise and lower tailgates with ease. It supports dual-side installations, holds up to 180 pounds, and fits side rails from 10 to 24 inches in height. Built from 1.7 mm carbon steel with a powder-coated finish, this model emphasizes durability and resistance to rust and wear, making it a reliable long-term option for varied climates and job sites.
Gledewen 2-Sided Trailer Gate Lift Assist
The Gledewen lift assist kit is designed for quick, straightforward setup on most open utility trailers. It emphasizes one-hand operation, enabling tailgates and ramps to rise almost weightless after installation. Installation is described as simple, with a focus on safe, enclosed construction to protect the mechanism and users during operation. It suits trailers with 12 to 24 inch side rails and 4 to 6 feet tall gates or ramps.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Tailgate Lift Assists
- Weight capacity: Most models support up to 180 pounds; verify your tailgate weight and any auxiliary ramp weight to prevent overload.
- Rail height compatibility: Ensure the system accommodates your trailer’s side rails, typically 10–24 inches, and a tailgate height of 4–6 feet.
- Two-sided vs single-sided: Two-sided designs reduce uneven loading and wear; single-sided options may be simpler but can stress one hinge more.
- Installation requirements: Some kits require drilling or drilling through the trailer frame; check hardware quality and mounting instructions.
- Material and durability: Look for stainless or powder-coated steel to resist rust, especially if you work in humid or salty environments.
- Operation and safety: Prioritize systems with smooth, quiet operation and protective enclosures to minimize pinch points and noise.
- Maintenance: Consider ease of inspection and replacement parts, such as springs, cables, or bushings, to extend life.
- Installation time: Many kits claim 30 minutes to an hour; confirm in your own workshop environment to plan ahead.
- Compatibility with ramps: If your trailer doubles as a ramp, ensure the lift mechanism supports dual functionality without binding.
- Warranty and service: A solid warranty and accessible customer support add confidence for longer-term use.
When selecting a trailer tailgate lift assist, balance weight capacity, installation effort, and compatibility with your trailer’s dimensions. For frequent heavy-duty use, a two-sided, robust steel design with rust resistance and quiet operation tends to offer the best long-term value. If you need quick, minimal-install options, consider models advertised for fast setup and one-hand operation, while still verifying weight limits and safety features.