Noob question: Remove tailgate step and handle?

I think the whole idea of the step and pole is stupid.

richwoodrocket said:

I think the whole idea of the step and pole is stupid.

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Well, I'd agree with you on the pole. But the step can be handy if you use it. I haven't used it a lot, but when I did I was glad that I had it.

Ruger said:

Well, I'd agree with you on the pole. But the step can be handy if you use it. I haven't used it a lot, but when I did I was glad that I had it.

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Agreed, the Step is awesome, IMO. I'd like to see someone walk 2 full 5 gallon cans into the back of their bed without the step....

Big Blue said:

Agreed, the Step is awesome, IMO. I'd like to see someone walk 2 full 5 gallon cans into the back of their bed without the step....

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It's not possible unless you have a multi-million dollar contract with an NBA team. The alternative, of course, is to put the cans on the tailgate, climb into the bed, and then pick the cans back up again to put them where they need to go. It's not bad, but it is less efficient.

In the event that you have a really, really heavy object (rock, tree stump, etc.) and you're working to get it into the bed, being able to put one foot on the step may make the difference between success or failure. Also, if you are loading or unloading a number of objects and are repeatedly going back and forth from the truck bed to the ground, the step will save a lot of energy and trouble.

I think that the design of the step is what makes it a good option, because it's truly optional. Unlike so-called bed extenders, the Ford step is completely unobtrusive when not in use. There's no drawback (except the poll) to having one.

I have bad knees from two many thousands of miles walking pavement. I love the step, and didn't think that I would. I could not care less about the stripper pole, though.

I removed the handle but left the step. You will also need screws for the panel. They're shorter.

You can purchase the tailgate cap moulding from Ford, or an aftermarket one on ebay. The after market are generally chrome. Like everyone else said, the step is very useful. I would only take it off if for some reason you were trying to drop weight. The pole can be handy if you have kids that need assistance climbing up. My dad has a bad back and uses the pole all the time on his platinum. I recently bought a new raptor with a step and I'm happy to have it however, my last raptor had no step and the gate was about half the weight. The step gate is actually more expensive.

I never thought I would like the step... but after loading my first dirtbike in the bed, SOLD! Hand little bastid! Now just remember to fold the grippy part DOWN before you try to slide it back into the tailgate.

The stripper pole thing is freaking useless. Maybe when im 60 I'll have a greater appreciation for it though. I was thinking about taking it and the plastic off and getting the inside of tailgate rhino lined to match my bed. Not sure if theres any big gaping holes under there though. The plastic cover they have on there combined with the stupid pole make the tailgate SUCK for sitting on.

Does the step and pole come standard on all models of the raptor?


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No, it's an option.