Abstract: A liftgate assembly may include a lift assembly for use in moving a platform between a folded position, a lowered position, and a raised position The lift assembly my have a support arm that may include: (1) a first member; (2) a second member having a channel that receives at least a portion of the first member for relative sliding motion; and, (3) a tension spring operatively connected to the first and second members to provide a biasing force to assist in the folding of the platform. The tension spring may be positioned at least partially within the channel.

Abstract: A liftgate assembly may include: a frame structure including (a) a mount assembly to mount the liftgate assembly to a vehicle and, (b) a linkage assembly connected to the mount assembly; a platform connected to the linkage assembly; a lift assembly for use in moving the platform between a folded position and an unfolded position; a parting bar used to contact the platform for assistance in folding or unfolding the platform; and, a break away mechanism connected between the parting bar and the frame structure. The break away mechanism permits the parting bar to break away from the frame structure without substantially damaging the parting bar.

Abstract: A liftgate assembly may include: a platform; a lift assembly for use in lifting the platform; and, a bed extension. The bed extension may include: (a) a traffic surface adapted to receive traffic for loading and unloading cargo; (b) first and second openings; and, (c) first and second covers selectively movable by first and second portions, respectively, of the lift assembly from a first position covering the first and second openings to a second position where the first and second portions of the lift assembly extend through the first and second openings, respectively.