Rack'Em Double Barrel Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist w/ Chain - 200 lbs
(199 reviews)
Price: $210.90
In Stock
Rack'Em Double Barrel Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist w/ Chain - 200 lbs
Item # RA-27C
Retail:$284.50
Our Price: $210.90
You Save: $73.60
This item qualifies for Free Shipping
In Stock
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.
Need help with installation?
Locate installers near me- All Info
- Reviews (199)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
RackEm Tailgate - RA-27C
- Tailgate Assist
- Trailer Tailgate
- RackEm
- Gray
- Manual
This chain-driven tailgate lift assist makes it easy to raise and lower the tailgate on your open utility trailer. Compact unit mounts on just one side of your trailer, leaving more rail space available for racks, accessories, and trailer loading.
Features:
- Lift assist allows you to easily lift and lower the tailgate on your utility trailer
- Internal springs compensate for weight of tailgate to make it seem lighter
- Compact unit mounts on 1 side of trailer, saving space for other side-rail-mounted accessories
- Double-barrel design with 2 built-in springs allows for extra lifting and lowering power, if needed
- Second spring automatically engages if load on first spring is too great
- Internal steel sprocket chain and chrome-plated external chain are durable
- No chance of broken or frayed cables
- Sturdy solid steel construction
- Adjustable mounting plate lets you position chain depending on height of tailgate
- Ensures proper operation on trailers with differently sized tailgates
- Fast, easy installation with included hardware
- Drilling required
Specs:
- Application: open utility trailers with square-tube, round-tube, or angle-iron side walls
- Trailer side rail height: 10" to 15" from trailer bed
- Trailer tailgate height: at least 44" from trailer bed
- Weight capacity: 200 lbs
- Length: 54"
- 52-1/2" From center of bolt hole to center of bolt hole
- Endcap dimensions: 4-3/4" long x 2-3/16" tall
- Mounting bracket length: 12"
- 8-1/2" From mounting hole to mounting hole
- 10" From leftmost adjustment hole to rightmost adjustment hole
- 2-1/2" From adjustment hole to adjustment hole
- Spring lengths:
- Upper spring: 10-1/2"
- Lower spring: 18-1/2"
- 1-Year warranty
- Chain has a lifetime warranty
With the Rack'Em tailgate lift assist, you can raise and lower your utility trailer's tailgate with a single finger. The double-barrel assist will make a 134-lb gate feel like it weighs only 5 lbs, making it easy for practically anybody to lift or lower.
Installation
The double-barrel unit mounts on one of the side rails of your trailer using 2 of the included bolts. The adjustable mounting bracket then mounts onto the side of your tailgate with the other 2 bolts. Once both pieces are mounted, just choose the adjustment hole you would like to use based the size of your tailgate and clip the chain onto it. The top 3 holes are designed for taller, heavier tailgates, while the bottom 3 holes are for shorter, lighter tailgates. This adjustable design makes the Rack'Em Double Barrel lift assist perfect for any application.
How It Works
The chain that attaches to your tailgate connects to an internal sprocket chain that is in turn hooked to a spring inside the unit. This chain-and-spring combination is what takes on the weight of your tailgate. The first spring connects to a second spring inside the other barrel of the assist using an additional sprocket chain. If extra lifting power is needed, this second spring will automatically engage to help with the load.
Because this chain-and-spring setup only activates when under load, the system will never be too rigid to manage. As a result, you will always have smooth, consistent, and jerk-free motion regardless of your application.
RA-27C Rack Em Double Barrel Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist w/ Chain
Customer Satisfaction Score:
98% were satisfied with this product
2% of customers were not satisfied
- Product did not meet expectations
- Wrong item was ordered
- Arrived Damaged
Customer Reviews
Rack'Em Double Barrel Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist w/ Chain - 200 lbs - RA-27C
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (199 Customer Reviews)
This chain-driven tailgate lift assist makes it easy to raise and lower the tailgate on your open utility trailer. Compact unit mounts on just one side of your trailer, leaving more rail space available for racks, accessories, and trailer loading.by: Art C12/09/2013
Received the product. Thanks for the speedy shipping.
I have installed the product and am very pleased with it's operation. It was very easy to install . Since it was placed on my trailer's side gate, I only had to make one small change. I drilled two mounting holes into the gate bracket and mounted it with the adjustment holes on the outside in order to keep the lift chain straight on it's sprockets. (shown in picture). I had to purchase nothing extra for the double barrel lifter and it works great. Friends are already commenting on it and getting the order info from me. More will come when the snow and ice clears.
Art C.
12/9/2014
Product works great as advertised.. Still happy that I purchased it!
by: Randy W.08/09/2017
I am very pleased with this product. I have installed this on my split tailgate and it works flawlessly. I have another trailer with the gorilla tailgate assists on both sides. I would pick the RA-27C double barrel over the gorilla springs, hands down. I have included some pics to help anyone else with a split tailgate. This is what I came up with and it works great!
Randy W.
8/9/2018
I have had this product for a year now and it still is working very well. I am very pleased and would still recommend this to anyone.
by: Al03/17/2023
This is just what I needed, it makes lifting the tail gate so easy with no effort.
Al
3/19/2024
Grate
by: Michael12/03/2023
I had a 2’ extension added to the gate to prevent mower deck spindles from catching and it made the gate too heavy for some to pick up. After adding the double barrel assist, the gate can be lifted with one hand!!
by: Dawson M.02/18/2015
I got my Rack'em double barrel gate assist a few days ago and installed it. My trailer has 16 inch side rails which I was told is too high for it to work properly so I ended up welding a piece of angle iron to the outside of my trailer rails at 13 inches high to solve that problem. This actually worked out better anyway as it puts the doublebarrel down out of harms way and left my top rail unobstructed for my hedge trimmer mount.
I had a garage door spring mounted in this location and it worked well for 20 years but the double barrel works much better. It can be adjusted so that the gate requires zero effort to lift and it also does not slam the gate closed if I don't hold onto it past the halfway point or let the gate slam to the ground if I let go of it below the halfway point...it just works perfect!
It makes no annoying noises like the competing trailer gate assist units on the market do and is quite a bit shorter overall...Surprisingly, it's actually among the cheaper options in this category too.
Build quality seems good...The only concern I have is with the size of roller chain they used, I'm sure they've tested it extensively and determined that what they used is strong enough but I would feel more comfortable with a little larger size roller chain. Just a suggestion to the manufacturer if they happen to see this.
Can't say how it will hold up long term but initial impressions are great.
by: Dorothy07/24/2022
First time I lowered it half way down it went slamming on the ground. A ring attaching the spring to the chain gave way it was not welded. I took a pair of channel locks and squeezed it closed and was going to have it welded being someone forgot to weld it but I thought it's under warranty and wasn't going to put the money out to fix it. The ring is a smaller diameter than the others one installed. Waiting on Rack' Em to send me parts under warranty. Someone should me crediting me some money back being I was put out and have to fix it.
Katrina B.
8/5/2022
I see that our customer service department is assisting you with your options.
by: Steve08/08/2018
Perfect addition to my trailer. I don't care how many times I have to put the ramp up and down now. Nice paint finish, well built and easily installed. Prompt shipping and follow-up e-mails. Will continue to buy from E-Trailer.
by: Jonathan Sims10/20/2017
This is a very good product. I choose this product because of ease of installation and cost. I had read other reviews and liked what I saw. I thought about the gorilla lift but didn’t want to go thru the hassle of installation. The Double Barrel system works flawless. Installation only took about 45 mins at the most. This really helped me out a lot because, my trailer gate is very heavy and a pain to pick up. I run a small Lawncare company so I’m always letting the gate up and down. So this was a must in my eyes. I decided to do what I saw another person did and that was u a eye bolt instead of the plate and it worked great. I’m very happy with my purchase and know it is going to last along time.
Jonathan S.
10/23/2018
Great no problems
by: Scott H.08/07/2017
Simple installation. The gate handle was in the way to mount the attachment plate as specified in the instructions, but I just flipped it and mounted it another way. It actually made the attachment points more in line with the sprocket. Works as advertised and looks good too!
by: RAY M07/30/2014
I INSTALLED THIS UNIT ON A 34IN- H-72IN-W- GATE I HADE TO ADD 25 LB AT TOP CENTER OF GATE WORKS REAL GOOD WILL SEND PICTURES TRAILER IS 6 X10 HASE 24IN DUOVE TAIL AT END OF BED
by: Rod 03/26/2019
The Rack-em lift is excellent.
Really like this tailgate lift assist. Prefer the roller chain system over cables
Easy install on round tube trailer rails. Much simpler than the two side lift setup.
Took a little try & see to adjust for tension.
Price, ordering & shipping was good.
Will recommend this item to friends
by: Glenn M06/30/2014
I purchased the Double Barrel for our landscape trailer. The tailgate has a two foot extension welded onto it making it 6" long. One guy could lift it but it was an accident waiting to happen. I made a phone call to Customer Service and Katie helped me out. She put me in touch with the manufacturing facility. After they confirmed that it would "help" with the weight I decided to purchase one with the thought that I might need two. The installation is simple but I did have to add two half inch spacers to align the chain on the sprocket but every trailer is different. Although the tailgate is not one finger light, it is more than acceptable and can now easily be lifted by one man. Great product and great customer service.
by: Robert06/29/2020
I just finished installing the system on my trailer. And I love it. I would like to give a shout out to carol in customer service. I did have a minor problem with shipping. I called customer service and talked to Carol and she had it fixed in a few minutes.
Due to the design of my trailer and the 6 foot gate. The trailer is of my design and I built it. The gate weighs more than the average gate so I opted to install two lift supports. At 54 with two bad shoulders the gat was extremely heavy to lift at just over 250 lbs. I highly recommend etrailer.
by: Andrew M03/25/2018
Pictures of the Rackem trailer gate assist (RA-27). I was told to take pictures and send them to this e-mail after install
by: Don 09/07/2023
a great product. would not think of havving a similar stype trailer without hlaving one installed.
by: Paul f07/14/2018
Vanessa,
You were very professional– knowledgeable, easy to understand, and polite. The product was at a good price with free shipping, and I received it in 4 days. All a plus.
The etrailer video showed a simple installation with one finger lifting, and also the gate staying in a holding position between all the way up and all the way down.
My installation was simple, but I have an angle-iron constructed gate and it was easier to use an eye-bolt in place of the provided bracket to better line-up the chain. To take up the chain slack and preload the springs I moved the chain clip to a different link, but the lifting takes more than a finger and it will fall.
The Rack’em Double Barrel Trailer Tailgate Assist does help to lift the gate but doesn’t do it with the ease of one finger as shown in the video. If you have any suggestions they are welcome. Thanks.
by: Mike03/04/2024
After one year of continuous use, this is still performing like the day I installed it. Great product.
by: Steve W11/03/2016
The double barrel tailgate lift is a life saver. It has made lifting my tailgate much easier and also helps when lowering it because it slows it down. My gate was a beast to lift but not anymore. It is definitely a great item that is well worth the price.
by: Craig 03/22/2024
Works great on 5’ heavy duty gate
by: dave mulvie10/29/2015
Great product and great response from support. Glen thanks.
Trailer has 3" dove tail ,mounted rail 15" above tailgate hinge point
eye at 46" took up 3 links, lift with two fingers.
by: Mark 06/24/2023
I chose this lift assist because it only required drilling two holes in the steel side rail of the trailer. This was a year ago and it has worked very well. Perfect for my needs.
by: Rob 05/11/2023
I'm using this for a commercial lawn company. I do believe the springs have lost some of there strength but overall this is a great system. I will say though were opening and closing this gate up to 25 times a day. I was using the gorilla lift before and was constantly having to replace cables and the rollers that the cables were supposed to run on. That cannot happen on this system because of the chain and sprocket.
by: Peter D06/09/2016
Fairly easy install. eTrailer videos were very helpful. Decided to use 3/8" Eye Bolt for gate instead of the gate bracket. Worked much better on angle iron built trailer.
by: Central KS07/07/2017
Came 07 July 17 as promised. In great shape. It was installed with in 1 hrs of delivery. Went on easy and what a thrill 2 finger lift. Love it. No more struggling to lift and no more dropping gate.
25
199
Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this RackEm Tailgate
- Can a Tailgate Lift Assist Be Used On a Trailer with 26 Inch SidesI spoke with Rack'Em and they said that the Double Barrel # RA-27C could be modified to work on a trailer with 26 inch side rails. The mounting location of the Double Barrel would need to be brought down to 12 inches. Additionally, the bracket that attaches to the tailgate will need to be modified in order to keep the chain in a straight line going into the Double Barrel. The chain needs to enter the Double Barrel straight on, not from a side. Another option available for a trailer tailgate...
view full answer... - Length of Upper # RA-DB3 and Lower # RA-DB4 Spring Replacements for Rack Em Tailgate Assist # RA-27CAfter speaking with my contact at Rack Em, I was informed the length of the Upper Spring Replacement # RA-DB3 for the Double Barrel Trailer Tailgate Assist # RA-27C is 10-1/2 inches from the end of each eyelet. The length of the Lower Spring Replacement # RA-DB4 is 18-1/2 inches from the end of each eyelet. We also offer the Gorilla Left Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist # GL1.
view full answer... - Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist For Trailer With Fold Down TailgateYes, you can use a tailgate lift assist with your tailgate that folds down to the ground and all the way to the floor of the trailer. I recommend the Rack'em Double Barrel Trailer Tailgate Lift assist part # RA-27C because it can easily be unclipped when you want to fold the tailgate down towards the bed of the trailer compared to the other gas strut assist options. The Rack'em is built with a chain that allows you to adjust for the height of the tailgate. The Rack'em tailgate lift...
view full answer... - How Can Double Barrel Trailer Tailgate Assist # RA27C be Mounted on 24 inch Tall Trailer Side RailsWe have spoken with our contacts at Rack'Em before about this same issue you have and they told us that as long as you can attach the Double Barrel Trailer Tailgate Assist # RA27C at a height of between 10-15 inches relative to the floor of the trailer you would be fine. You would most likely need to attach the unit to the either the inside or the outside of the trailer sides since overall yours are 24 inches tall. Rack'Em told me that when you have trailer sides that are taller than 15...
view full answer... - Recommended Gate/Ramp Assist and Hinge for Trailer BuildThe 2K Torque Ramp Spring # RS16933RH is an industrial strength spring. It is designed for up to 90 degrees of deflection, but most people by hand can cause no deflection at all. It is designed to be used with the LH # RS16933LH, and is for heavy ramps or doors like in the attached photo. I would assume it is too strong for your application based on your wording. You may want to consider a different style spring like the Enclosed Trailer Ramp Spring - Dual Spring, 81" Wide # ERS120D81...
view full answer...
- Mounting Bolt Sizes for the Rack'em Double Barrel Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift AssistThe larger bolt for the Rack'em Double Barrel Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist # RA-27C is a 7/16" (almost M12) with 14 TPI (threads per inch) while the smaller bolt that holds the pate for the gate is 5/16" with 24 TPI. According to the instructions you want to get the main unit as close to the gate as possible without interfering with the gate latch (see attached photo from the instructions). Attached is a review video that you can check out as well.
view full answer...
- Will The Rack'Em Double Barrel Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist Work On A Horse TrailerIt really depends on the style of your trailer. If you have an open trailer with side rails that could attach the Rack'Em Double Barrel Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist # RA-27C to then yes, you could use it. If you have an enclosed horse trailer then you would need to install an appropriately sized ramp door spring, like part # ERS160D96, to help lift and lower the ramp door.
view full answer... - Comparison Between Rack'Em Double Barrel and Gorilla-Lift Tailgate Lift Assist SystemsBetween the Rack'Em Double Barrel Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist # RA-27C and the Gorilla-Lift Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist # GL1, we do in fact sell more of the Double Barrel # RA-27C. As far as quality of the product, the Double Barrel # RA-27C and the Gorilla-Lift # GL1 are both good quality. As you mentioned, when it comes to installation the Double Barrel # RA-27C will require about half of the Gorilla-Lift # GL1 since there is only 1 lift rather than 2. The Gorilla-Lift...
view full answer... - Increasing Spring Tension for Lifting Ramp with Rack'Em Double Barrel Utility Trailer Tailgate LiftWhat happens if you attach the quick link to one of the higher holes on the bracket that attaches to the ramp? That should get you more spring tension when the ramp is closer to being closed to help close it.
view full answer...
- Lift Assist Recommendations for Trailer Ramp GateFor a spring I recommend using the Redline ramp springs Right Hand # RS16933RH or Left Hand # RS16933LH depending on what your application calls for. These are designed for trailer ramps and are rated for 2,000 lbs so you know they will work properly. Since you mentioned a gate you might be interested in the Rack'Em Double Barrel Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist w/ Chain # RA-27C instead as it's meant for smaller ramps on utility trailers. I've attached some review videos for you...
view full answer... - Ramp Lift Springs for a Trailer with a 7 Foot Long and 2 Foot Wide Steel RampIf your 7-foot long and 2 foot wide ramp is heavy enough then you would use ramp springs such as # RS16933LH and # RS16933RH. But each of these springs produces 2,000 foot pounds of torque so they may be way too strong for your ramp. If you can tell me how much the ramp weighs I can determine if these springs would be a good fit. Based on the material and size I am willing to say the ramp is probably too light for this type of spring. Another option that could work for you is the trailer...
view full answer... - Can the Gorilla-Lift Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist Be Installed On a Trailer With Tall SidesIf you wanted to use the Gorilla-Lift Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist part # GL1 on your utility trailer with tall sides you would need to have a rail that is 12" to 24" from trailer floor. It does not look like there is one from the photo you attached but I could be wrong. That said, if you do not have this rail then you could install one of your own but that would be the only way for you to use the lift assist. The height of your tailgate will not be an issue. I have attached a...
view full answer...
- Troubleshooting Installation of Rack'Em Double Barrel Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist RA27CFirst you'll want to make sure your tailgate's weight is within the 200-lb maximum capacity of the Rack'Em Double Barrel Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist # RA-27C. Using the top hole on the tailgate bracket will provide the most leverage but note this bracket's top edge must be 44-inches above the trailer deck. Also, note that this unit is intended for use on trailers whose top rail is between 10- and 15-inches above the trailer deck height. If all of the above conditions were met...
view full answer... - Dimensions and Weight Capacity of Tailgate the Rackem Trailer Tailgate Assist # RA-27C Will Work OnIn order to determine if the Rackem Double Barrel Trailer Tailgate Assist, part # RA-27C, will work with your trailer, you will need to measure the height and length of the trailer side rails. This unit will work on trailer side rails that are 10 to 15 inches tall, and the tailgate has to be at least 44 inches tall in the upright position. I spoke with my contact at Rackem and he said the maximum weight the tailgate assist can be used on is 200 lbs, and he said there was not a maximum...
view full answer... - Replacement Trailer Ramp SpringsWe have several hinge pins like # HP412G that I have linked for you, but it sounds like you need actual springs. We have some heavy duty ramp springs like # RS16933RH and # RS16933LH if you happen to have a heavy duty equipment trailer like what they haul tractors and other large equipment on. For an open utility trailer you may be able to use a tailgate assist like # RA-27C. Or for an enclosed trailer we have springs that are similar to garage door systems. I have linked those as well....
view full answer... - Can the Rackem RA-27C Be Mounted on a Trailer with 24 Inch Side RailsAccording to my contacts at Rackem, the mounting position of your Double Barrel Trailer Tailgate Assist # RA27C can be modified to the height that you need for your trailer with 24 inch rails. You will just want to make sure that the attachment point on the trailer tailgate is in the correct location. It is recommended to use a mounting position of 10 to 15 inches, but if you have an appropriate mounting location on your trailer using the 24 inch rails you can mount the Double Barrel...
view full answer... - Tailgate Lift Recommendations for Landscaping Trailer with 6 Foot Tall Heavy TailgateThe Rack 'em Double Barrel # RA-27C features a bolt-and-go installation and can handle tailgates up to 200 lbs. If your tailgate is pretty solid, and comes in under 200 lb, the Double Barrel would work fine for you. If you'd care to view a video showing the Double Barrel lift being installed, click the provided link.
view full answer... - Recommended Ramp Spring for Toy HaulerI'd recommend a heavy duty ramp spring like part # CB250D96SHD. The unit is 96 inches wide, but could be cut down to a minimum of 80 inches if needed. It's recommended that these springs be professionally installed, as torsion springs can be extremely dangerous to install unless you're familiar with how to tension the springs.
view full answer... - Lube for Use on Rack'em Double Barrel Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift AssistOn the chain of the Rack'em Double Barrel Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist w/ Chain # RA-27C a dry lube like a chain wax would work really well.
view full answer... - How Close to Trailer Ramp Does Rack'em Double Barrel Trailer Tailgate Assist # RA-27C Need to BeWhen installing the Rack'em Double Barrel Trailer Tailgate Assist # RA-27C on a trailer you want the unit to be as close to the end of the rail as possible meaning that you want to be as close to the ramp as possible on the side rails as it can be without interfering with the latches or pins that secure the ramp in the upright position. For more info check out the install video I attached as well.
view full answer... - Can Rack'Em Double Barrel Trailer Tailgate Assist Be Mounted Vertically On TrailerI spoke with my contact at Rack'em about the Rack'em Double Barrel Trailer Tailgate Assist, part # RA-27C, and they told me that this system is not designed to be mounted vertically and it could impede the performance if mounted in a manner other than what it is designed for. They said it is to be mounted horizontally 10 to 15 inches from the floor of the trailer in order to work the way it was designed.
view full answer... - Weight Capacity of the Rack'Em Trailer Ramp Assist part # RA-27CThe capacity of the Rack'Em part # RA-27C would be the lifting strength of the unit. That means that if it required less than 200 lbs of lifting strength to lift the ramp of the ground it would help. Now with varying length ramps and side rail heights being factored in that figure can make things a bit harder to determine but if your ramp weighs less than 200 lbs this will work well with it.
view full answer... - How Long is Rack-Em Double Barrel Liftgate Assist and Do you Carry Any Assists for Passenger SideThe Rack-Em Double Barrel Liftgate Assist, part # RA-27C is 54 inches long. We do offer another assist kit, Gorilla Lift Tailgate Assist, part # GL1, that has barrels on both sides of the tailgate.
view full answer... - Will Rack'Em Double Barrel Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist Fit a PJ U7 10x77 Utility TrailerThe Rack'Em Double Barrel Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist w/ Chain # RA-27C is a universal installation and from what I'm seeing it will work just fine with your PJ U7 10x77 Utility Trailer. From what I was able to find the gate latch pin on your trailer is pretty similar to a lot of the trailers shown in our "Customer Photos" section on the product page. Attached is an installation video for you to check out. If your latch pin system looks a bit different than what we have in the...
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Tailgate?
Info for this part was:
Expert Research:
Mike L
Expert Research:
Patrick B
Expert Research:
Michael H
Expert Research:
Jeff D
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Expert Research:
John H
Expert Research:
Adam R
Expert Research:
Rachael H
Expert Research:
Jeffrey L
Video Edited:
Zack K
Updated by:
Adele M
Updated by:
Laura H
Updated by:
Wilson B
Updated by:
Amanda M
Updated by:
Erin H
Updated by:
Manda E
Updated by:
Carrie F
At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Product Experts Available Now!
Call 1-800-940-8924
Bob F.
6/28/2014
Very quick delivery, with 1 modification, I had it installed and it works GREAT. Recommend it highly..