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I just use the step in either side of my bumper. One of the advantages of aftermarket. Never used the tailgate thingy -- afraid I will break it, seems pretty flimsy.
I once had a loaded up F150 FX4 with factory tail gate step and "stripper pole" rail. Goofiest thing I ever saw.
Fast forward to the modern day. The AMP Research step is much more functional for me. Combined with the factory running boards that go nearly to the rear wheel I can do what I need to do. Granted, the AMP is not cheap. I had a Bestop TrekStep on my 2014 and 2016 Super Duties. Same quality as the AMP for about $75 less. But last I knew Bestop had never designed one for the 2017 and up trucks.
Looks like RAM has incorporated an AMP type step. If someone could make one that swiveled for use from side or rear that would get my vote. I wouldn't buy a truck based solely on rear step, but that would be the best of all worlds for me.
I think the baby boomers, which I am one, are driving all of this over the top catering to the near geriatric set. If I had a step gate, sadly I would for sure use it. For now though, I give thanks to the Lord every time I hoist my old fat *** into the bed unassisted, without a step. Use it or lose it fellas!
LOL. I'm height challenged, "round" and less nimble as I was in my youth . I feel like a seal doing tricks at the zoo when I'm trying to get in the bed without a step..
A barn door design was used by FORD 20 years ago on the 1999 Excursion. Granted, it did not fold down like a conventional tailgate, but those doors sure made it easier to access the Excursion's rear interior space.
True, but the Excursion is a SUV whereas the BLACKWOOD was a Lincoln styled F150 SuperCrew and just like the Excursion, the barn doors didn`t fold down flat like a regular tailgate.
the ram one looks good and functional, I think the gmc is too complicated. I think the Honda Ridgeline had a tailgate similar to the new ram one but it was one piece.
I just question the strength, loading a wheeled 1000lb+ object across the tailgate...I like the Ford Step and 'Dodge' copy of the Ford 1960s 'Magic Doorgate Tailgate', I just question the latter's structural integrity.
I once had a loaded up F150 FX4 with factory tail gate step and "stripper pole" rail. Goofiest thing I ever saw.
Fast forward to the modern day. The AMP Research step is much more functional for me. Combined with the factory running boards that go nearly to the rear wheel I can do what I need to do. Granted, the AMP is not cheap. I had a Bestop TrekStep on my 2014 and 2016 Super Duties. Same quality as the AMP for about $75 less. But last I knew Bestop had never designed one for the 2017 and up trucks.
Looks like RAM has incorporated an AMP type step. If someone could make one that swiveled for use from side or rear that would get my vote. I wouldn't buy a truck based solely on rear step, but that would be the best of all worlds for me.
The AMP Research step, and 'stepping' should be nowhere near the tailgate support cables, they are a tragedy waiting to happen...
Lots of good points raised in that post. I'm not praising the GM or Fiat tailgates by any stretch of the imagination, and I've mentioned this before, but the remote-open tailgate on my KR is the most useless "convenience" I've ever come across.
Love when I pick up someone at airport and can remotely open the tailgate for them to throw their luggage in bed and just keep on truckin.
LOL. I'm height challenged, "round" and less nimble as I was in my youth . I feel like a seal doing tricks at the zoo when I'm trying to get in the bed without a step..
What we really need for someone to invent a tailgate that folds down as one piece, or the whole thing opens as a door in one piece depending on which handle you pull. Oh, wait, my 1969 Galaxy 500 Country Sedan station wagon already had that.
Yes. That's just like my 1969 worked before rust got the best of it. It was actually pretty useful. I find it funny how it's now 50 years later and it is a "new innovative idea."