Everything EXCEPT Tailgate Step!
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 8
Well, my mind is made up. I went by the local dealership today and played around with some unlocked trucks on the lot while there was no one working to bother me. I'm going with the truck without the tailgate step. I'm 6'1", and the tailgate step is almost useless. It comes almost up to my crotch and is near impossible to step up on without grabbing the granny handle. I'm going with the Amp Research bumper step, which is 6-7" lower, and easier to get up and down on. I loved the tailgate step in my last two trucks, but seeing this one in action, the truck is just too high to use it easily.
That being said, how well do these trucks drive compared to a 2016 Super Duty? I love the way my 2016 drives (when it hasn't been in the shop). Does the height affect how well these trucks handle vs the prior body style?
That being said, how well do these trucks drive compared to a 2016 Super Duty? I love the way my 2016 drives (when it hasn't been in the shop). Does the height affect how well these trucks handle vs the prior body style?
Steering will be stiffer until it loosens up. Some trucks need more caster added. Ride should be firmer, but more controlled and smoother overall than the 15's. Less vibration and bouncing as well. But firm, very firm.
Solid build, likely the best American vehicle I've ever driven.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
Good to hear. Like I said, I love my '16. It's just had the same problem over and over and over, and they are just putting me into a new truck and I'm not having to come out of pocket to get the new truck. No way I can turn it down. I do look forward to some of the features on the new truck. The new body styles are great looking.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 397
Likes: 8
From: SW New Mexico
Don't worry one bit about not having the factory step. Go buy this. It's easier to use. I pull a gooseneck trailer. I can't use the factory step so I bought this one. I NEVER use Fords. I like this one way better.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,946
Likes: 1,359
From: NY/Canada border
I both a 2014 and a 2016 before buying my '17. These trucks are miles ahead of the old model. Much better ride quality and a quieter cab in my opinion.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 315
Likes: 32
I have both the factory tail gate step and the AMP step (moved from last truck that had no factory step) on my 18 and I like the ease of use of the AMP step better. Added bonus is I can use the AMP step when I am pulling my trailers (utility, gooseneck dump, and toy hauler) which I cannot do with the Ford step.
New User
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: LaPorte TX/Hot Springs AR
For those that have the Amp Research step, would you say you are just as happy with it as the factory tailgate step, or do you still wish you had the tailgate step? They are willing to install the Amp bumper step for me to make the truck have everything I want. I just don't want to get a truck this expensive and not be completely satisfied with it. Thanks for all the feedback and help.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,353
Likes: 4,388
From: SW VA
IMHO if you want it so much I would just get a truck with it from factory. One alternative is the AMP Research retractable tailgate step. I have it on my lifted F150 and like/use it a lot. It is mounted underneath the bumper on the driver side. It is not very noticeable from the rear when tucked in. Costs about $250.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 315
Likes: 32
Had a 14 and 16 F350. My 18 drives better and has less road noise (maybe better insulation?) than the previous gen trucks. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the new one!
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2017
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I also bought a truck without my must have tailgate step. I either go up and over using the tire's or climb the drop hitch to bumper and over the tailgate method. The amp step was my original plan but I honestly don't need it. BTW, I'm 58 years old.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 303
Likes: 35
Ill be ordering a new truck soon and will order it with the tailgate step for the sole reason of making a profit on it. I tow a 5er and use a v-gate (or no gate) and the factory tailgates are more of a liability than a benefit. You also reduce your trucks weight and improve 5er towing aerodynamics without the factory tailgate (when towing a 5er the factory tailgates catch a huge amount of air). I have found that the without a tailgate, the step in the "step bumper" is about the right height to get in/out of the truck (the factory tailgate step is still too tall on a 350 4wd). But there are so many people out there looking for tailgates with steps that a person could probably make $1000 bucks profit by selling a brand new one (trading for a stock gate without the step).
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PCorbs
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May 4, 2011 01:48 PM