Chevy people used to call it a "Man Step". They didn't need no stinkin' "Man Step". Though they now have incorporated a "Man Step" into their trucks. Dunno about Dodge. Sorry, RAM. Anyway, Ford has for a few years had a very good "Man Step" available for their trucks. I sure wish I would have gotten one for this truck. Since it sits so much higher than my '11 did, partly due to the 4X4, partly due to the camper package, and partly just because Ford built them higher, I needed a "Old Man Step". There, I have officially renamed it. My search brought me to this: . I read the reviews, and ended up buying it. There are some negative reviews, mostly due to premature rust areas, and weak screws for the base plate. But overall it looked good. So I installed it today. Super easy installation. It took about 30 minutes. And so far, I like it. It's a little clumsy under my carport, but once out in the open, it does what it;s supposed to. It's a fairly clean setup and storage, and easily removable with a couple of quick disconnect pins. I will probably replace the storage strap with something better, and the little 2X2 piece of wood you see is my grab handle. I will find something better for that also. But for now, it works. For $49.00, I highly recommend.

The base plate is secured with sheet metal screws. I went to Home Depot and bought some self-tapping sheet metal screws with the hex head instead of philips head screws. It may or may not have been necessary, but it makes me feel better.


Here it is stored and strapped in. It's not in this pic, but I also have my "grab handle" (2X2 piece of wood for now) strapped in there. I was able to use two existing screws on the tailgate for the strap. Which is good...I hate drilling into a new truck!


Here's a picture with my "grab handle" in place. It actually works pretty good, but does look kinda redneck. It'll do until I find something better and neater.


And oh yeah...I got my hitch rails installed. Now to get it over to the camper and see what kind of height adjustments I need to make. Then a trip...a trip...we need to make a trip!

 

At least with that one you don't need a step stool to access the step on the OEM step. If Ford would have made that step as an option I would have picked it.

 

 

This ladder feels a little flimsy, so the jury is still out. I'm around 240 pounds, and it seems to hold me okay. But time will tell. Hopefully I will get at least a couple of years out of it.

 

That step is awesome. The handle is awesomer. As an old fat guy it would be easier to use than the current new-fangled tailgate step. It also makes a lot of sense for us gooseneck pulling guys. When hooking up I always have to go over the side or step on the landing gear pad and pull up on the trailer to get into the bed to hook up the chains and break away lanyard and drop the pin. With this step it would be easier for sure. Nice work!

 

The ladder looks good, however you need to be very careful to avoid bimetal corrosion when attaching anything to aluminum body panels. The screws need to be separated with a non conductive washer. There are many threads on this subject, I suggest you search for this, and follow the Ford guidelines regarding fasteners.

 

I loved the AMP bedstep I had on my Ram. I will buy one soon for my Ford. It can be used with the tailgate up or down, or with a trailer hooked up. It can be deployed or put up with your hands full too...just a flick of your foot.
I briefly looked at one of those tailgate ladders...but one would not work for my uses...

 

Another vote for the AMP, but the OP is happy with his new setup so that's what matters. On my 2016 F250 I had a TrekStep by Bestop. Same quality as the AMP in my opinion and about $75 cheaper. But last I knew they hadn't gotten around to making a model for the new body F250. Too bad.

 

How about that IDEAL brand 'goop' that is used in wire nuts when connecting copper and aluminum wire, or does that work exclusively with COPPER and aluminum...just a thought, maybe somebody reading this is familiar with the chemistry of it all...

 

Be SUPER CAREFUL not to trip on your tailgate support cable...wrap something bright around the cable (like flagging tape) and secure it with trimmed zip ties as a reminder that it is there...catching your foot on that and falling head first to the ground would be CATASTROPHIC !

 

I will definitely look into this more. Does the bedliner (spray-in) work any as a non-conducive element? I will look for non-conductive washers still. Thanks.

 

Yep...I am aware of the cable. It was one of the things I did not like about this type of ladder. But thanks for the reminder and tip.

 

I did look at the Amp step. And may still if this one does not work out in the long run. But that price...whiew!!

 

Yes, they are a bit spendy. I waited for a good sale to come around when I got mine. And even then, in my mind, if I put $0.50 in a jar every time I used it, I could pay for it in a year or so.
I don't put a lot of expensive items on my truck like most here (leveling kit/lift, shocks, tonneau covers, wheels, LED lights/headlights, etc.) ...so I figure I can get away with this one accessory