Everything EXCEPT Tailgate Step!
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
Everything EXCEPT Tailgate Step!
I have found the exact truck I want. It has everything I want, EXCEPT the tailgate step. I normally wouldn't worry about the step, but these trucks are really tall, and I use the step constantly in my other truck whenever we use the truck for trips. I load firewood in and out of it when pulling the camper. I load bikes in it when going camping and to the beach. I do use the step. Not daily, or even weekly. But, it is very nice to have. I know this sounds silly, and if the truck weren't jacked up in the air from the factory, I wouldn't even ask such a question.
1). Would this simple thing keep you from buying a truck and would you keep looking until you find exactly what you want, or
2). How expensive would this be to change out down the road? I have no idea what these tailgates cost.
1). Would this simple thing keep you from buying a truck and would you keep looking until you find exactly what you want, or
2). How expensive would this be to change out down the road? I have no idea what these tailgates cost.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 108
Likes: 6
I have found the exact truck I want. It has everything I want, EXCEPT the tailgate step. I normally wouldn't worry about the step, but these trucks are really tall, and I use the step constantly in my other truck whenever we use the truck for trips. I load firewood in and out of it when pulling the camper. I load bikes in it when going camping and to the beach. I do use the step. Not daily, or even weekly. But, it is very nice to have. I know this sounds silly, and if the truck weren't jacked up in the air from the factory, I wouldn't even ask such a question.
1). Would this simple thing keep you from buying a truck and would you keep looking until you find exactly what you want, or
2). How expensive would this be to change out down the road? I have no idea what these tailgates cost.
1). Would this simple thing keep you from buying a truck and would you keep looking until you find exactly what you want, or
2). How expensive would this be to change out down the road? I have no idea what these tailgates cost.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,559
Likes: 531
From: DFW
The factory tailgate steps are very expensive as a separate purchase ($2 or $3k I think). Tailgate theft is an issue in the great state of TX. My truck doesn't have one (a tailgate step)...I wish it did but there is no-way I'd pay for one apart from the truck. I'm gonna go to Camping World or Lowe's/HD and buy a good collapsible step-stool to leave in the bed and maybe bungee it to the bedside or something. I wouldn't walk away from a truck because of the step. Either get the dealer to add it, rat-hole some $$ and pick one up down the road, or buy a step alternative. But, get the truck!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,217
Likes: 4,221
From: Kaysville Utah
I have not taken the tailgate apart on a '17 or newer to see how the step fits/works. But I did take my 11 and 15 tailgates apart to remove the stripper pole and replace the humped plastic with the flat plate that the Non-Step tailgates used.
All the parts were interchangeable. It was pretty easssssy to convert one to the other. Look on the parts list and see if they actually use different P/N for the base tailgates. Chances are you can buy the step and plastic trim and swap it out.
but I have not done the research
All the parts were interchangeable. It was pretty easssssy to convert one to the other. Look on the parts list and see if they actually use different P/N for the base tailgates. Chances are you can buy the step and plastic trim and swap it out.
but I have not done the research
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 298
Likes: 5
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.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Like super duty 532 says. Just get the amp step. I have an 18 on order and opted out on the factory step. The amp step is more convenient. Just a quick flip and the step is lowered or raised. Have had one one my 05 GMC 2500 for years and love it .