The Gorilla-Lift Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist is a mechanical device designed to support and stabilize trailer tailgates. It is engineered to reduce wear on tailgate hinges, prevent warping, and ensure controlled movement of the tailgate across a range of sizes and weights. This article provides a detailed overview of the Gorilla-Lift, with a focus on installation procedures, compatibility with trailer designs, and technical specifications based on information provided by the manufacturer and its official support resources.
Overview of the Gorilla-Lift
The Gorilla-Lift is a two-sided trailer tailgate lift assist. It is designed to attach to both sides of a trailer’s tailgate, providing balanced support and reducing the likelihood of mechanical failure due to uneven stress. This device is particularly useful for trailers with tailgates that are prone to warping or misalignment, which can lead to costly repairs or safety concerns.
According to the manufacturer, the Gorilla-Lift is adjustable and can accommodate tailgates of varying sizes and weights. The device is intended to allow tailgates to "float" in any position without snapping shut or remaining stuck open. When properly adjusted, the Gorilla-Lift enables smooth operation and minimizes the physical strain typically associated with opening or closing a heavy tailgate.
Technical Specifications
The Gorilla-Lift has the following physical dimensions:
- Height: 2 inches
- Width: 2 inches
- Length: 72 inches
These dimensions are consistent across all models, and the device is designed to fit within the structural constraints of most trailers. It is important to note that the Gorilla-Lift is not a one-sided assist; it must be installed on both sides of the tailgate for optimal performance and safety.
The device is constructed with a fully enclosed lifting system, which is a key design feature aimed at preventing injury. The enclosed mechanism helps prevent fingers, hands, or other objects from becoming caught in the lifting system, making it a safer option for users of all experience levels.
Installation Process
Installation of the Gorilla-Lift typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the trailer's design and the user's experience. The manufacturer provides installation instructions in the Resources section of its website, and these should be consulted prior to beginning the installation process.
The Gorilla-Lift can be installed using two methods:
Using the supplied hardware: The Gorilla-Lift comes with mounting bolts and hardware that allow it to be attached to the side rails of the trailer. This is the most common and recommended method, particularly for trailers with standard side rail configurations.
Spot-welding: In cases where the supplied hardware may not be sufficient—such as when the trailer’s side rails are made of round tubing larger than 2 inches in diameter—users have the option to spot-weld the Gorilla-Lift into place. This method is less common and typically reserved for custom or non-standard trailer configurations.
Step-by-Step Installation Considerations
Alignment and leveling: The manufacturer emphasizes the importance of aligning and leveling the Gorilla-Lift housings during installation. For trailers with round tube side rails, users must ensure that the housings are straight and flush with the rails to maintain proper functionality.
Mounting bolt adjustments: In some cases, the supplied bolts may not be the correct length for the trailer’s side rails. Users are advised to measure the rails and, if necessary, purchase longer bolts from a hardware store. If a bolt is too long, it can be cut to the appropriate length. It is important to always use the supplied bolts for attaching the Gorilla-Lift's cables to the tailgate itself.
Extension Roller Assemblies: For trailers with side rails that are wider than standard, the manufacturer offers Extension Roller Assemblies. These allow the Gorilla-Lift to be mounted 3 to 6 inches back from the edge of the side rails. Instructions for using these extensions are available on the manufacturer’s website.
Compatibility and Trailer Requirements
The Gorilla-Lift is designed to be compatible with a wide range of trailers, but users should be aware of the following requirements and limitations:
Side rail height: The device works best on trailers with side rails between 10 inches and 24 inches in height.
Tailgate height: The Gorilla-Lift is suitable for tailgates that range from 4 to 6 feet in height.
Weight support: The Gorilla-Lift is fully adjustable to accommodate tailgates of varying weights. Lighter tailgates will not pop up off the ground, while heavier ones will not fall to the ground when properly adjusted.
Round tube side rails: While the Gorilla-Lift can be installed on trailers with round tube side rails, special attention must be given to ensure that the housings are straight and level. In some cases, longer mounting bolts or spot-welding may be required.
Safety and Operational Considerations
The Gorilla-Lift is engineered with safety in mind. The fully enclosed design of the lifting mechanism is intended to prevent injuries that could result from exposed springs or other components. The device does not use a spring that could break or pose a risk of injury, and its enclosed design also prevents fingers or other objects from becoming caught during operation.
The manufacturer also addresses a common concern regarding the need to pin, latch, or lock the tailgate in an upright position when using the Gorilla-Lift. According to the manufacturer, the Gorilla-Lift is not intended to hold the tailgate in a fixed position. Instead, it allows the tailgate to remain in any position without slamming shut or remaining stuck open.
This feature is particularly beneficial for users who frequently load and unload heavy cargo, as it reduces the need for additional latching mechanisms and minimizes the risk of tailgate misalignment due to uneven force.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
The manufacturer provides guidance on several potential issues that users may encounter during or after installation:
Mounting bolt length: If the supplied bolts are not long enough for the trailer’s side rails, users may need to obtain longer bolts from a hardware store. The manufacturer advises that bolts can be cut to size if they are too long.
Tailgate movement: If the Gorilla-Lift appears to provide too much or too little lifting power, users should adjust the tension of the cables according to the installation instructions. Proper adjustment ensures that the tailgate remains stable in any position.
Mounting position: If the standard mounting position does not work due to the design of the trailer’s side rails, users may consider using the optional Extension Roller Assemblies to mount the Gorilla-Lift further back from the edge of the rails.
Warranty and Support
The Gorilla-Lift comes with a warranty, although specific terms are not detailed in the provided source material. The manufacturer offers support through its FAQ section and encourages users to contact the company directly for further assistance or inquiries about distributorship opportunities.
For users who are interested in becoming distributors or dealers, the manufacturer provides an email contact for further discussion. This suggests that the Gorilla-Lift is marketed through both direct sales and a network of authorized resellers.
Conclusion
The Gorilla-Lift Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist is a versatile and user-friendly solution for reducing strain on trailer tailgates and improving overall functionality. With a straightforward installation process and adjustable design, it is well-suited for a wide range of trailers and tailgate configurations. The manufacturer provides detailed instructions and support resources, making it accessible for both DIY users and professional installers.
Key benefits of the Gorilla-Lift include its fully enclosed design for safety, compatibility with a variety of trailer sizes, and the ability to support tailgates of different weights. Users should ensure that they follow the installation guidelines carefully, particularly when dealing with custom or non-standard trailer designs. The device’s enclosed lifting mechanism and adjustable tension system contribute to its effectiveness and reliability in real-world applications.