Using Gorilla-Lift Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist on Side Rails Taller Than 24 Inches

Published 10/03/2018

Question:

Gorilla lift gate helpI have bought one and have it sitting in my garage. Before I start drilling holes and everything I need to know if that will work with the top rail being 30 inches tall?

asked by: Arne W

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Gorilla-Lift Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist # GL1 referenced in your question is designed to work on trailer side rails that measure 12 to 24 inches from the trailer bed. I called and spoke with my contact at Gorilla-Lift regarding your 30 inch tall rails and she said that the issue with taller rails like yours is that the system needs to keep a 4 foot traveling distance on the cable for proper operation.

What you can do to still use the system on your trailer is mount some L-brackets on the outside of your rails and drop it down to the maximum 24 inch height and then mount the lift components to them. Another option if you have a long enough tailgate is to make up the difference between the 24 inch max height and your 30 inch tall rails (6 inches) by adding some chain to the ends of the cables so that you maintain the 4 foot travel distance.

I have attached an isntallation video on this system that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R