Abstract: A liftgate system may include a closer cylinder assembly for use in opening and closing a deck. The closer cylinder assembly may have a hydraulic fluid portion on one side of a piston and an air (or other gas) portion on the other side of the piston. The deck is closed using hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic fluid portion to move the piston in one direction. The deck is assisted in opening using gas pressure in the gas portion to move the piston in another direction.

Abstract: A liftgate guide column cover may be used to cover and protect a liftgate guide column and thus the liftgate components within it, and also used to provide access to the guide column and the liftgate components within it. In one embodiment, the cover pivots between a closed and an open condition. In another embodiment, the cover can be attached and detached from the guide column.

Abstract: A liftgate platform assembly may include: (a) a platform support structure having a plurality of non-tube brace members each having a first and a second tab; and, (b) a platform including a plurality of slots. The tabs of the non-tube brace members are received within the slots in order to attach the platform to the platform support structure.

Abstract: A liftgate platform assembly has increased degrees of freedom with the use of a pivoting ball joint connection.

Abstract: A liftgate assembly may include a mount assembly for use in mounting the liftgate assembly to an associated vehicle. The mount assembly may include a mounting structure that has: (a) first and second beams where the first beam has a first opening; (b) a cross member operatively connected to the first and second beams; and, (c) a retractable pin mechanism including a first pin that can be extended through the first opening in the first beam and through a first opening formed in an associated vehicle to secure the liftgate assembly to the associated vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle alignment measurement apparatus includes a first reference member removably mountable on a kingpin of a trailer and a second reference member removably mountable on selected ones of the trailer frame rails typically used to lock a movable slider having front and rear axles in place beneath the trailer. A third reference member is removably mountable on selected ones of wheels mounted on the axles. A distance between the first reference member and the second reference member, which is perpendicular to the rail, is measured to determine the alignment of the frame rails relative to the kingpin. A distance between the first reference member and the third reference member, which is aligned with the axle centerline, is measured to determine the alignment of the front axle relative to the kingpin. A pair of the third reference members can be used to align the rear axle to the front axle.

Abstract: A vehicle alignment measurement apparatus includes a first reference member removably mountable on a kingpin of a trailer and a second reference member removably mountable on selected ones of the trailer frame rails typically used to lock a movable slider having front and rear axles in place beneath the trailer. A third reference member is removably mountable on selected ones of wheels mounted on the axles. A distance between the first reference member and the second reference member, which is perpendicular to the rail, is measured to determine the alignment of the frame rails relative to the kingpin. A distance between the first reference member and the third reference member, which is aligned with the axle centerline, is measured to determine the alignment of the front axle relative to the kingpin. A pair of the third reference members can be used to align the rear axle to the front axle.