Tailgate Modifications

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Ok, so I assumed my truck had the tailgate step when I bought it and it doesn't. After researching I realize the PITA and expense adding the factory step would be. Moving forward...

Collapsible step options : I've seen very inexpensive models and under bumper version. Is anyone tracking another option that may look better being both compact and decently priced?

Swinging tailgate: I think this would be a cool and unique option barring the wiring harness considerations and execution. Has anyone seen this on our trucks or anything applicable?
 

lka

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Ok, so I assumed my truck had the tailgate step when I bought it and it doesn't. After researching I realize the PITA and expense adding the factory step would be. Moving forward...

Collapsible step options : I've seen very inexpensive models and under bumper version. Is anyone tracking another option that may look better being both compact and decently priced?

Swinging tailgate: I think this would be a cool and unique option barring the wiring harness considerations and execution. Has anyone seen this on our trucks or anything applicable?
You’ll never use the step anyways. I’ve never even pulled mine out [emoji2378]
 

melvimbe

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Ok, so I assumed my truck had the tailgate step when I bought it and it doesn't. After researching I realize the PITA and expense adding the factory step would be. Moving forward...

Collapsible step options : I've seen very inexpensive models and under bumper version. Is anyone tracking another option that may look better being both compact and decently priced?

Swinging tailgate: I think this would be a cool and unique option barring the wiring harness considerations and execution. Has anyone seen this on our trucks or anything applicable?

I'd recommend trying to live without if for a while before doing any mod. I find the step to be a nice feature, but not 100% necessary. For one thing, the step sort of gets in the way if you're pulling something heavy out of the bed. It's not very big and isn't easy to balance on if you're carrying something heavy. The only time I've used mine is if in there to take off the cover or something, never if I'm loading/unloading something heavy.

But anyway, how does the swinging tailgate help as a step?
 
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IKA, never pulling out is solid advice. But, I have wanted to use it a few times when having a large amount of gear in the back. Then not having a handle to grab isn't much more than inconvenient rather than I need a step.

Melvimbe, it won't, in so many words, but with the tailgate wars going on between manufacturers I figured it would be a unique mod and allow me to use the bumper, rather than an additional step.
 
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The first time I used step, it was like seeing colors I've never seen before.
It gets used frequently, but I work out of my truck. I don't use the pole though, that's for old people. ;^)

Yeah, I can jump into the back but I try to operate but the "Work smarter not harder" idea as often as possible.
 

goblues38

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they make 1 million f150s every year. new body design started in 2017. has to be more then a few wrecked f150s in a junk yard with the step and your color.

3,000,000 trucks were made in the last 3 years. I would call around and just get a new used tailgate.
 

EricM

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The tailgate is nearly always ****** on everything in the junkyard, and they are always in super high demand. Finding a color matched, non-damaged, step equipped, 2015+ gate is gonna cost big money. $1500 minimum. It'll be cheaper than new from Ford, but not by a huge amount once you factor in fixing any damage/dents.
 

dirtgod

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Helps me a ton when loading my dirt bikes and gear — a lot easier to get the bike up one of the ramps with the step there vs. the old method I used of hauling a box to step on in my old truck
 
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