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Old Oct 13, 2025 | 06:59 PM
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Tailgate Steps

Any recommendations for an aftermarket tailgate steps/ladder for a 22’ F-250? I think mine sets a tad higher than stock having the extra HD suspension for camper but I need something to make it easier to get into the bed.
 
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Old Oct 13, 2025 | 07:08 PM
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Have you considered looking for a used tailgate with the factory option?

I use a foldable bumper step more than the tailgate step, and the bed corner makes a good handle. I have not used any of the aftermarket ladder options but some look promising.
 
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Old Oct 13, 2025 | 08:25 PM
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I keep one of these behind the back seat on the drivers side, easy to access.


 
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Old Oct 13, 2025 | 10:59 PM
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Amp Research Step

I have a 17 F250 SC LB 4X4 and I have one of these. Around $329 now. One of the best investments I’ve done on the truck. It’s completely stock with stock tires and wheels. With it extended down it’s 17 inches from the ground to the top of the step. My short wife at 5 foot uses it all the time and she has no problems. I use it all the time too.


Very sturdy and stable. I highly recommend it. A lot of people complain about the price. You get what you pay for. This is heavy duty and well made. Not some cheap stuff.
 
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Old Oct 14, 2025 | 06:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Beast 17
I have a 17 F250 SC LB 4X4 and I have one of these. Around $329 now. One of the best investments I’ve done on the truck. It’s completely stock with stock tires and wheels. With it extended down it’s 17 inches from the ground to the top of the step. My short wife at 5 foot uses it all the time and she has no problems. I use it all the time too.


Very sturdy and stable. I highly recommend it. A lot of people complain about the price. You get what you pay for. This is heavy duty and well made. Not some cheap stuff.
My last Ram came with one from the factory, didn't think I'd like it as much as I did, though it was practically useless in winter when it was caked with ice and snow. That said, I'd likely get one again in the future.

OP any of the solutions you've been presented with are a good way to go, the factory tailgate with step is handy unless you NEED to have the tailgate up (I have run into this a few times, like when hooked to a trailer). The corner under-bumper step is nice but when attached to a fifth wheel or gooseneck can be harder to use - there are aftermarket ones, and I believe Ford sells an OEM one (or at least they do for '23+, not sure if they do for '22 and previous). The folding step, while it takes up room in the cab, is nice because you can use it ANYWHERE around the truck that you may need to.

The choice is yours but these are pretty much your choices.
 
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Old Oct 14, 2025 | 08:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Beast 17
I have a 17 F250 SC LB 4X4 and I have one of these. Around $329 now. One of the best investments I’ve done on the truck. It’s completely stock with stock tires and wheels. With it extended down it’s 17 inches from the ground to the top of the step. My short wife at 5 foot uses it all the time and she has no problems. I use it all the time too.


Very sturdy and stable. I highly recommend it. A lot of people complain about the price. You get what you pay for. This is heavy duty and well made. Not some cheap stuff.
Same here. I have had them on my last two trucks.

Bob
 
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Old Oct 14, 2025 | 11:53 AM
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I’m looking at this ladder, made for tailgates, to put on the bow of my boat to make getting in and out easier when beached. https://www.beech-lane.com/tailgate-ladder
 
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Old Oct 14, 2025 | 12:01 PM
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5 gallon bucket in the bed. The uses are nearly endless.
 
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Old Oct 14, 2025 | 12:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Beast 17
I have a 17 F250 SC LB 4X4 and I have one of these. Around $329 now. One of the best investments I’ve done on the truck. It’s completely stock with stock tires and wheels. With it extended down it’s 17 inches from the ground to the top of the step. My short wife at 5 foot uses it all the time and she has no problems. I use it all the time too.


Very sturdy and stable. I highly recommend it. A lot of people complain about the price. You get what you pay for. This is heavy duty and well made. Not some cheap stuff.
Does it work with the tailgate down?
 
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Old Oct 14, 2025 | 12:46 PM
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Originally Posted by d_smith84
I’m looking at this ladder, made for tailgates, to put on the bow of my boat to make getting in and out easier when beached. https://www.beech-lane.com/tailgate-ladder
This is what I have been looking at. My primary concern is that they look pretty flimsy. They also are no use with the tailgate up - which is not that big a deal since I use the trailer hitch and bumper step now.
 
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Old Oct 14, 2025 | 01:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Stumper2
Does it work with the tailgate down?
Yes they will. They stay mostly outside the tailgate. Granted it's straight down, so you've kind of got to watch what you're doing so you don't miss it (otherwise you're going all the way to the ground), but yes, they work with the tailgate open or closed. The only time they're harder to use is if you're hooked up to something like a fifth wheel or gooseneck that is wider than the box of the truck.
 
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Old Oct 14, 2025 | 02:32 PM
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Same scenario for me. I just use a short aluminum step ladder, works great. Can use it around other things also.
 
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Old Oct 14, 2025 | 03:49 PM
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The space behind the drivers side rear seat is not good for storing anything. That folding step stool fits there, but not much else.

At least in my truck that's the way it is.



 
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Old Oct 14, 2025 | 11:53 PM
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Amp Step

Originally Posted by Stumper2
Does it work with the tailgate down?
Yes. Going up into the bed is easy. Just have to step around the tailgate support cable. Going down you have to pay attention to your foot landing on the step as you’re going down. Once you have done this a couple times you’re good. Like others mentioned pay attention. They also make them for the side of the bed also. They are not flimsy and they don’t move around. If I remember correctly they are rated for 300 lbs. I’m over 200 with zero issues. I’m not a young man either and I’m too old to be falling down (66) so stability was number one on my list.
 
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