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Sitting in front of Wal-Mart waiting for my wife to grab a few things. I have thought and thought about the step, and the only thing I didn't like about it was the price.
It has a 20% off coupon on it right now through Amazon and I told myself yesterday that if the coupon was still there today I would buy it.
The added cost of the step over the ladder came to $100 and a total cost of $155. I don't know when the coupon would expire, so I bought it.
The added cost of the step is paying for the convenience of using the tailgate unobstructed and as we have grown accustomed to and adding a step that will save my knees over the years.
My 4×4 truck tailgate sits pretty high and having a step up or down is going to be a great addition to the truck.
I think you’re going to be happy with the step rather than the ladder. It’ll work with tailgate up or down, it stores out of the way. My guess is cleaning it up with high pressure water will keep it operating freely for years. *I’m interested to see how low it hangs when tucked in. *The coupon really helps justify the additional cost. *
I think you’re going to be happy with the step rather than the ladder. It’ll work with tailgate up or down, it stores out of the way. My guess is cleaning it up with high pressure water will keep it operating freely for years. *I’m interested to see how low it hangs when tucked in. *The coupon really helps justify the additional cost. *
I agree that the coupon does soften the blow of the price. The total came to $155 with tax, so a good deal down from the regular price up near $200.
I dissected videos and installation instructions between the Amp and Beststep. They were nearly identical in many ways. I searched for bad reviews about the Beststep and didn't see anything alarming.
I have not seen any in a while but there used to be a product called LPS. It came in three grades 1, 2 & 3 #1 being the lightest, about the same as WD-40 but it a lubricant and not just a moisture displacement.
Just DON'T use grease because it will hold on to ALL of the dirt which gets thrown or carried up into those pivot points by the tires and road spray. Stick with a light oil spray product. Personally, if I had to buy something, I would get either one of the Kroil products or a can of penetrating spray from Justice Brothers... don't try to rely on any of the WD40 or PB Blaster crap... even if you have to spray it monthly!
Since I have a steel shelf that I built which bolts to the side of the bed and runs over the wheel well and comes close to the tail gate and has legs that sit on the floor of the bed I just grab onto the back leg and pull myself up with that. I keep a piece of carpet to protect my knees on the tail gate. It's very easy and I am no spring chicken and my F350 is high in the back. If I ever decide to get a step though that folding one looks nice.
Since I have a steel shelf that I built which bolts to the side of the bed and runs over the wheel well and comes close to the tail gate and has legs that sit on the floor of the bed I just grab onto the back leg and pull myself up with that. I keep a piece of carpet to protect my knees on the tail gate. It's very easy and I am no spring chicken and my F350 is high in the back. If I ever decide to get a step though that folding one looks nice.
pic sir. Im a mechanicalism, but a pic will help with what ur describing
Pic as promised....I welded nuts onto the backside of the three pieces of channel that are bolted to the bed rail for easy installation then there are two legs on the front side with smooth plate on the bottom to rest on my carpet. It's full of junk right now but I use it for a big ice chest that I can access thru the side window that lifts up. I also keep a plastic bin next to the cooler with our dry food when camping or fishing in Mexico, it's handy to get to when you need a road snack too. It covers the wheel well making it possible to put things close to the side that the wheel well would otherwise prevent, plus I can stash a lot of stuff underneath. The angle iron sides do not allow the cooler to touch the side window plus bungees can be used in the drilled holes or anywhere in the expanded metal for rough road use.
That'll work Bigs.
Having a shell as well and primarily using the 02 as a wkend warrior, i rebuilt the bed with 2×4's. to crash on when wkend fishing. Metal getn WAY TO PROUD anymore. 50.00 for a 1.5x2.5x20ft stick of .063...its over the well as well so has enough of a catwalk. Got everything stuffed under but a metal folding table would do a job holding dinner, heater buddy..etc
Sorry SousWerner, back to ladder
The "Bestop" step arrived last night and it looks well made, sturdy and like it will be a good addition to my truck. The stepping surface has a very abrasive/grip feel to it and I have confidence in its ability to keep my feet on it while stepping up or down.
Not mounting it today though as it is 53 degrees and heavy sprinkling rain outside. The truck is under a carport (RV port actually), but I just don't feel like dealing with it today.
When I get it mounted and working properly, I will be sure to take some pictures of the orientation to the bumper and provide an honest opinion about the hardware, build quality and function of the step.
Looks like Bestop makes one which can be mounted to the side of the truck from the frame rail (in front of the rear tire, but different part number -- 7530315 is for the rear mount under the bumper, and either 7540315 or 7540415 for side mounting, depending on which side you prefer).
If I didn't have the wheel to wheel Iron Cross 3" running boards on the sides I would certainly entertain the idea of the side step. Since I do have the wheel to wheel running boards, I now have access to 100% of the bed from the ground and a safe way to get up and down onto and from the tailgate.
This is great information for those that see this thread in the future though Pete, thanks for sharing it with us.
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