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[Robert Weston]

Anyone have used (or is using) this type of liftgate?

This looks remarkably streamlined and simple to use; not sure if there are hidden issues.  The 1300 lb. capacity is appealing.

http://www.tommygate.com/liftgates/cargo-van/cantilever-series/

...there's an embedded video further down in that web page.

I have an identical van to the one used in the video.  My van can carry about 100% of what I would need for a gig; anything  remaining is sometimes pulled in a trailer (if two trips can't be done).  Some time ago, I was a looking at an enclosed trailer (and still am), but if this type of liftgate works the way they show it to work, I may end up just getting a lift gate.

What do you think?

Thanks.

[Bob Leonard]

Anyone have used (or is using) this type of liftgate?

This looks remarkably streamlined and simple to use; not sure if there are hidden issues.  The 1300 lb. capacity is appealing.

http://www.tommygate.com/liftgates/cargo-van/cantilever-series/

...there's an embedded video further down in that web page.

I have an identical van to the one used in the video.  My van can carry about 100% of what I would need for a gig; anything  remaining is sometimes pulled in a trailer (if two trips can't be done).  Some time ago, I was a looking at an enclosed trailer (and still am), but if this type of liftgate works the way they show it to work, I may end up just getting a lift gate.

What do you think?

Thanks.

I see a large number of Tommy Gates being used in and around Boston and anyone you ask will tell you they work great and have few if any problems with them. The lift you reference is fairly new, but I have seen a number of them on handicap vans and on small delivery vans. I haven't spoken to anyone about those particular lifts, but if the quality is a good as the rest of the Tommy Gate line I wouldn't hesitate if I had the need.
 
By the way, a fully rigged Tommy Gate will run over $2K. You can buy one hell of a trailer for that much money.

[Tim McCulloch]

Anyone have used (or is using) this type of liftgate?

This looks remarkably streamlined and simple to use; not sure if there are hidden issues.  The 1300 lb. capacity is appealing.

http://www.tommygate.com/liftgates/cargo-van/cantilever-series/

...there's an embedded video further down in that web page.

I have an identical van to the one used in the video.  My van can carry about 100% of what I would need for a gig; anything  remaining is sometimes pulled in a trailer (if two trips can't be done).  Some time ago, I was a looking at an enclosed trailer (and still am), but if this type of liftgate works the way they show it to work, I may end up just getting a lift gate.

What do you think?

Thanks.

A quick look around didn't give up the secret of the weight.  Whatever the lift weighs is load capacity you lose.  May or may not be an issue for you, but thought it worth mentioning.

[Robert Weston]

Thanks for the replies.

For sure on the weight.  I'm already over the working capacity of the van (3/4 ton); I didn't see any weight on the lift either.  The older (aka original) style of lift gates for vans was around 300 lbs; that's a bit much to sacrifice; was hoping for less weight with this new style.   And for the cost, that is a concern.  If those are close to the cost of a trailer, I will lean toward a trailer (with all the bells/whistles).  Looking at the video again, looks like I would lose my towing capability due to how the liftgate attaches.  hmmm....

[Thomas Lamb]

Anyone have used (or is using) this type of liftgate?

This looks remarkably streamlined and simple to use; not sure if there are hidden issues.  The 1300 lb. capacity is appealing.

http://www.tommygate.com/liftgates/cargo-van/cantilever-series/

...there's an embedded video further down in that web page.

I have an identical van to the one used in the video.  My van can carry about 100% of what I would need for a gig; anything  remaining is sometimes pulled in a trailer (if two trips can't be done).  Some time ago, I was a looking at an enclosed trailer (and still am), but if this type of liftgate works the way they show it to work, I may end up just getting a lift gate.

What do you think?

Thanks.

They are a very reputable company. They've been doing this for a long time. If they publish specs I would expect the product to live up to them. If it fits your needs go for it. I highly doubt you will be disappointed.

[David Parker]

Thanks for the replies.

For sure on the weight.  I'm already over the working capacity of the van (3/4 ton); I didn't see any weight on the lift either.  The older (aka original) style of lift gates for vans was around 300 lbs; that's a bit much to sacrifice; was hoping for less weight with this new style.   And for the cost, that is a concern.  If those are close to the cost of a trailer, I will lean toward a trailer (with all the bells/whistles).  Looking at the video again, looks like I would lose my towing capability due to how the liftgate attaches.  hmmm....

I'm not sure about your van, but the "3/4 ton" rating is nominal. Yours might be rated for more. My pickup is called 3/4 ton, but if you look at the GVW (on the door inside the jamb) it is rated at 8700 pounds. The truck weighs  5200 pounds, so the actual capacity is 2500 pounds. other 3/4 tons models of the same brand can have much less GVW. I had a 3/4 ton van years ago that had 5 lug wheels. It was a light duty 3/4 ton and had  a much lower capacity than the models that had 8 lug wheels.

[Jamin Lynch]

Anyone have used (or is using) this type of liftgate?

This looks remarkably streamlined and simple to use; not sure if there are hidden issues.  The 1300 lb. capacity is appealing.

http://www.tommygate.com/liftgates/cargo-van/cantilever-series/

...there's an embedded video further down in that web page.

I have an identical van to the one used in the video.  My van can carry about 100% of what I would need for a gig; anything  remaining is sometimes pulled in a trailer (if two trips can't be done).  Some time ago, I was a looking at an enclosed trailer (and still am), but if this type of liftgate works the way they show it to work, I may end up just getting a lift gate.

What do you think?

Thanks.

FWIW. I would rather use a ramp than a lift gate. For me, lift gates are too slow and have too many moving parts that can break. Not to mention the battery thing.

[Rick Alan]

Have you looked into just getting a portable ramp?  1/10 the price and can still afford a very nice trailer.

[David Parker]

FWIW. I would rather use a ramp than a lift gate. For me, lift gates are too slow and have too many moving parts that can break. Not to mention the battery thing.

I've been using this ramp for several years and it works great, and I'm loading into the back of a pickup, a LOT higher than the back door of a van.

http://www.harborfreight.com/1200-lb-capacity-convertible-aluminum-loading-ramp-94057.html#.UyGuBvldU2I

[Jerome Malsack]

Depending on the trailer the ramp can also be used at the trailer as needed. 

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