Tailgate step
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,122
Likes: 657
From: NH
You mean you have to preform a mechanical action in order to have a reaction? No electric motor or solenoid that you request to preform the (and quite tedious I might add) action?? No processor to take the input and decide wither or not it should allow the output to occur?? The horror, next thing you will want me to do is leave the driver's seat to open the tailgate. That is it, I'm cancelling my order and going to Fiat!!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,711
Likes: 12,851
From: Wyoming
No, 2" is about all it will pop out. Enough to make it easy to grab. Mine wasn't popping out at all. There would be a very small movement, maybe 1/16" and that's it. Certainly not enough to get your fingers in there.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 95
Likes: 2
From: North Carolina
Sounds like mine is acting as expected. I am concerned with dirt getting in the tailgate. We were camping and had sandy shoes on. My son and I climbed up in and there was sand on the step and everything. I pushed it in and could hear it all falling when I closed. I need to take a closer look and see what the interior looks like. See how mud and water drains out.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 817
Likes: 18
I am considering ordering a truck with the tailgate step, I had no idea that such a simple idea could become complicated...my impression (having never owned one) was that you simply grabbed it, pulled it and dropped it. I had no idea that it has a button to deploy it...this has me re-thinking it now. Sounds like there are a number of factors that can mess it up in the tailgate...reminds me of my 2008 Mountaineer with the retractable running boards, a terrific option that worked well for a year+, then needed constant lubrication, then deployed and retracted at random while driving, the dealer was unable to remedy any of the issues, the factors didn't help either, finally was able to position them in the up position after many attempts and left them there. In the final months of owning the vehicle the cast housings deteriorated to the point (the units dropped and were hanging) that I had to remove them to avoid a driving catastrophe. I am disappointed to think that if I get the tailgate step I may re-live the running board debacle... perhaps this is why not everybody offers the tailgate step...
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Metro-west Boston
If there were widespread problems you would certainly know about them - these tailgate steps have been around for a few years in the F-150's. I have one on my F-250 and use it every day, many times and day and have had zero issues with it.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 115
Likes: 2
I am considering ordering a truck with the tailgate step, I had no idea that such a simple idea could become complicated...my impression (having never owned one) was that you simply grabbed it, pulled it and dropped it. I had no idea that it has a button to deploy it...this has me re-thinking it now. Sounds like there are a number of factors that can mess it up in the tailgate...reminds me of my 2008 Mountaineer with the retractable running boards, a terrific option that worked well for a year+, then needed constant lubrication, then deployed and retracted at random while driving, the dealer was unable to remedy any of the issues, the factors didn't help either, finally was able to position them in the up position after many attempts and left them there. In the final months of owning the vehicle the cast housings deteriorated to the point (the units dropped and were hanging) that I had to remove them to avoid a driving catastrophe. I am disappointed to think that if I get the tailgate step I may re-live the running board debacle... perhaps this is why not everybody offers the tailgate step...
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,122
Likes: 657
From: NH
I am considering ordering a truck with the tailgate step, I had no idea that such a simple idea could become complicated...my impression (having never owned one) was that you simply grabbed it, pulled it and dropped it. I had no idea that it has a button to deploy it...this has me re-thinking it now. Sounds like there are a number of factors that can mess it up in the tailgate...reminds me of my 2008 Mountaineer with the retractable running boards, a terrific option that worked well for a year+, then needed constant lubrication, then deployed and retracted at random while driving, the dealer was unable to remedy any of the issues, the factors didn't help either, finally was able to position them in the up position after many attempts and left them there. In the final months of owning the vehicle the cast housings deteriorated to the point (the units dropped and were hanging) that I had to remove them to avoid a driving catastrophe. I am disappointed to think that if I get the tailgate step I may re-live the running board debacle... perhaps this is why not everybody offers the tailgate step...
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 817
Likes: 18
Thanks FIRST3QUARTER and TROVERMAN...I suppose you're right, the good would outweigh the 'bad'...thanks for the explanation on the mechanics of the step, so it is as fairly simple as I had imagined, makes me wonder why the need for the button in the first place, it's not as if the step can go anywhere during transit, gravity will keep it in its place, if they were/are going to get 'fancy' and complicate things, why not have a mechanism similar to some kitchen cabinet doors where you simply push-in slightly to release, then push-in again to latch...
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,711
Likes: 12,851
From: Wyoming
I wouldn't order a truck without the tailgate step now. It's sooooooo convenient. I was one that had mine replaced because the button wouldn't pop the step out as far as it used to. It still worked, just not quite like it was supposed to. I could have lived with it but it was under warranty so I had them replace it.
Love my retractable running boards. Very nice feature that I think makes the truck look even better.
Love my retractable running boards. Very nice feature that I think makes the truck look even better.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 817
Likes: 18
Thanks, HRTKD, I suppose one could get very used to the step...how long have the boards been in operation? they were very nice when I had them, I don't think they'd be an option for me as I will be looking at the 'XL' model...
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 817
Likes: 18
Just a side note, with mine, they too were from AMP Research, supplied to FoMoCo, but when I approached an AMP authorized installer I was told that they did not have access to the components to work on my steps...either they were 'custom tweaked' to Ford's specifications, and he was telling me the truth or they knew they were a lost cause and got rid of me that way.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,122
Likes: 657
From: NH
Thanks FIRST3QUARTER and TROVERMAN...I suppose you're right, the good would outweigh the 'bad'...thanks for the explanation on the mechanics of the step, so it is as fairly simple as I had imagined, makes me wonder why the need for the button in the first place, it's not as if the step can go anywhere during transit, gravity will keep it in its place, if they were/are going to get 'fancy' and complicate things, why not have a mechanism similar to some kitchen cabinet doors where you simply push-in slightly to release, then push-in again to latch...
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 741
Likes: 2
From: IA/GA/HI/FL/VA/CA/ME
Haven't had any issues with mine or the one in the previous truck. This is a better design than the other one. But both will let debris (gravel/sand/mulch) down into the tailgate. That's my only issue with them. I wouldn't own a truck this high up without the step. Unless there was an integrated step in the bumper like on GM trucks. Even then, it's a ways up on these trucks!