Tailgate step $375, yes or no?
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 171
Likes: 3
Tailgate step $375, yes or no?
Almost ready for my 2018 order, on the fence about the tailgate step, this is not a work truck and a 50/50 daily driver.
I know the new trucks are tall and this helps, however I remember everybody removing the stripper pole on previous generation models?
What's y'alls take on this option?
I know the new trucks are tall and this helps, however I remember everybody removing the stripper pole on previous generation models?
What's y'alls take on this option?
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Antelope, CA
Tailgate step is a must have with these new trucks. I'm really happy I have one on my truck. I'm 6'4" tall and it would be very difficult to get into the bed without it. The handle I would never remove it is a big help.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,419
Likes: 694
From: Minnesota
For me it's a no. Problem when hauling sand/gravel etc. And I often need to get in the box when towing and the tailgate won't clear.
I buy an Amp Research step that goes "in the corner" and that I can use with the tailgate up.
I buy an Amp Research step that goes "in the corner" and that I can use with the tailgate up.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,934
Likes: 1,351
From: NY/Canada border
My truck came off the lot without one. I opted for the AMP Research step mounted under the bumper. Cheapest I found was $236 with free shipping and installed it myself.
I had a Bestop Trek Step on my last F250. Basically the same thing as the AMP but almost $60 cheaper. Someone tried to tell me it's because AMP has a metal step instead of "resin". Not true in my case. The Bestop was of the same quality as the AMP. Unfortunately when I shopped, Bestop didn't seem to have updated for the 2017 models yet.
Your call on whether to save yourself $140. I'm sure the factory unit is a little nicer, I had one a 2010 F150 FX4 although I didn't use it much back then.
I had a Bestop Trek Step on my last F250. Basically the same thing as the AMP but almost $60 cheaper. Someone tried to tell me it's because AMP has a metal step instead of "resin". Not true in my case. The Bestop was of the same quality as the AMP. Unfortunately when I shopped, Bestop didn't seem to have updated for the 2017 models yet.
Your call on whether to save yourself $140. I'm sure the factory unit is a little nicer, I had one a 2010 F150 FX4 although I didn't use it much back then.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 7
From: 46th State
I had a issue when I first got my new truck. I have short legs and the new 2017 Super Duty trucks are a bit taller in the rear-end compared to previous models. I couldn't reach the first step until I lowered the back-end by only 1.5 inches. That doesn't sound like much but it was enough for me to be able to get into the bed of my truck. I don't use them often but when I do the tailgate steps are handy to have.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Katy, TX
Well worth the money. I don't know why anybody would NOT want one. I can understand people possibly not using it often, but it is all integrated inside the tailgate now and the pole is no longer "in the way" like the older style.
Chris
Chris
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,334
Likes: 306
From: Mills River
We ordered the tailgate step option for our truck. I'm >60, 6'-7, and our truck is a relatively "low" 4x2, and I use the step and the "stripper pole" regularly -- for publicly acceptable applications, of course. 
Note that the pole is deployed separately from the step; see pictures posted below.
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
Note that the pole is deployed separately from the step; see pictures posted below.
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 328
Likes: 10
From: Outside of Austin
Yup, very handy to have. The best part is that it is all concealed when not in use. Seems like a better option than the AMP step as this is wider and does have the handle which is definitely an upgrade from the last version. Definitely worth it and was a must have for me.