Who has one?

What do you like?

What don't you like?

Would you buy it again?

Would you not buy it again?

I am looking for a strong, reliable and convenient tailgate ladder/step that does not cost silly money like the Ford ones do. A couple of years ago when my steering gear broke at a campground and @AllaboutMPG came up to help me out, he had one like in the pictures below.



I was really impressed with it and he told me he had received it as a gift. I have been thinking about this modification/quality of life upgrade for quite some time and now that my knees are really getting bad, I am going to get one, just not sure which one yet.

This model/design is ~$50 on Amazon - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B003VDX5...v_ov_lig_dp_it

There is another version of this ladder on Amazon, not sure of the differences if there are any.

Out of all the designs I have seen, this seems like the best bang for the buck with longevity and safety in mind. There is one where the top, middle section of the tailgate is modified to become a step, but that is more work and cost than I am looking to put into it. I would like to have the Ford integrated step tailgate, but getting one in Harvest Gold and for cheap is impossible. Not many things are truly impossible, but that is...

Thanks for sharing your lessons learned and experiences with me on this.

 

Looks like thee PERFECT time for Santa to have brought you a welder, Sousaclaus. Theres about 25 bucks in old stock metal there at any supply house(not depot or lowes).

 

I hear ya brother, but I am still building my wood shop in the basement and until that is done, no major purchases, like a welder. I would like to have a Miller 211 or a Hobart one day, but that is not happening before I need the ladder for the tailgate. Besides, safety and longevity of the ladder is key, and my welding skills would not be "goodenuff" for quite some time I am sure.

 

Since I have a camper shell I'm in and out of the bed from the back frequently. Also in my late 50's and not as limber as once was. Have had the one in the picture above for several years now. Would buy it again in a heartbeat. Wanted a later model tailgate with ladder built in but $800+ was more than i wanted to spend.

The screws that mount the plate to the tailgate are cheap China junk and you will snap the heads off screwing them in. Half dozen stainless from local hardware or what you have on hand. The strap that holds the step to the tail gate when not in use lasted about 2 years. I always have 1 inch webbing around for projects so just replaced it with some heavy duty. If you don't have any Amazon sells it cheap!!!

 

Can you find a newer tailgate that has the integral one?

I think tailgates up to like 2016 will fit our beds.

 

Thanks for your insight Paul, I do appreciate it.

The problem is the cost involved in buying a newer tailgate with the step integrated, then having that tailgate painted to match the truck color of Harvest Gold. I would easily be in the $1,000 range and just don't see that in the budget. I would love to have one like that, but the cost does not outweigh the benefit.

 

All that **** your watching on your new tablet, gots you looking sideways, TitsMcGee...that tailgate ur referring to is whats been mentioned in all the previous post..lol

 

Going to give this thread another day or two before placing an order.

I appreciate any input or ideas.

 

 

When I thought that would be cool, Strange Brew (Bob and Dog McKenzie) was on TV...

 

I bought this one over 6 years ago. It functions well and I'm pleased with it. It detaches easily if you want it entirely out of your way. I like the grab handle to make it even easier to get up into the bed.
Surprisingly, it's made in the USA. For the money it's made well enough. Some minor details could have been improved, but those things would increase cost.

Could I have fabricated something myself? Sure. But my time is far more valuable than the $90 I spent on this.

 

This is what I have works great.

 

I second the version arcticcatdan provided. Not that I have one, but I used one a friend has and it is slick. Doesn't get in the way of loading/unloading from the bed and it is a good height when deployed.

 

You getn paid to post on fte? If not, considering your time spent on here, some of it can be managed in a way to fab the ladder
Havnt checked out latest posted link but the binuya posted step id go for than the trailer ladder

 

Is it useful when the tailgate is down? I always thought those rear bumper steps were for when the tailgate was up/closed and you could reach into the bed using the step. I haven't ever viewed it as a step up onto the tailgate and then into the bed.

Leaning toward the ladder like I originally posted, but I can still be swayed.