Adding a tail gate step
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4wd Low
Joined: Sep 2012
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Adding a tail gate step
I have a 2021 ford f350 xl with the 6.2l engine. I bought the truck used and have been using it a bunch for small objects. The truck currently has no step in the tail gate and I would like one. My father's truck has one and I really like it. I found a step for sale and was wondering if this is something I can just bolt in with a different trim piece or would I be better off spending some serious cash on a new tail gate?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Itinerant
I believe the tailgate itself is different structurally so the step can't be added. A tailgate with a step in it would be needed.
Personally wouldn't have a truck without the tailgate step. The bumper step isn't the same.
Personally wouldn't have a truck without the tailgate step. The bumper step isn't the same.
Last edited by scraprat; Jun 6, 2026 at 05:29 AM.
Trailering
Joined: Dec 2025
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2018
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I know for a fact the steel tailgates had a different internal webbing for extra strength for the step, I would have think same would apply to the aluminum, probably has even more reinforcement.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
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Having the steps in the corners of the bumper, means you can simply grab the corner of the box, put a foot in the well, and haul yourself up, regardless of what's sticking out the back of the truck (as long as it's narrower than the truck, obviously). I find the bumper steps easier to use than the tailgate step (they're always ready, no pushing a button or pulling out the handle) and elected NOT to spend the extra for the tailgate step that would never get used.
Will I regret that choice someday? Maybe. But that's something I'll deal with at that point.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Itinerant
Having had both, if you have the tailgate step with no bumper steps, it's great. Awesome even. Until you need to get in the bed but you've got something sticking out past the tailgate when it's down, so you can't access or use the step.
Having the steps in the corners of the bumper, means you can simply grab the corner of the box, put a foot in the well, and haul yourself up, regardless of what's sticking out the back of the truck (as long as it's narrower than the truck, obviously). I find the bumper steps easier to use than the tailgate step (they're always ready, no pushing a button or pulling out the handle) and elected NOT to spend the extra for the tailgate step that would never get used.
Will I regret that choice someday? Maybe. But that's something I'll deal with at that point.
Having the steps in the corners of the bumper, means you can simply grab the corner of the box, put a foot in the well, and haul yourself up, regardless of what's sticking out the back of the truck (as long as it's narrower than the truck, obviously). I find the bumper steps easier to use than the tailgate step (they're always ready, no pushing a button or pulling out the handle) and elected NOT to spend the extra for the tailgate step that would never get used.
Will I regret that choice someday? Maybe. But that's something I'll deal with at that point.
When I build a truck or scan the new truck ads on the internet if it doesn't have a tailgate step, upfitter switches or 7.3 with 3.73 gears it's a fast pass.
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Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Chaz
Like 1 out of how many thousands of Super Duties have caps on them? I would argue they should remove the step.
Someone in my warehouse dropped my 2025 king ranch tailgate saturday. He was bitching how heavy it is. Like no big deal buddy thats only $1,500.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Itinerant
What steps are you arguing that they should be removed?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
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I'll admit that there is a market for the tailgate step...but for my uses it's not worth the extra money.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Itinerant
I can understand that, but if you're going to turn your truck into an SUV/van, maybe you should have bought the SUV/van...Kidding, kidding. Though a case could be made that an Excursion would be right for you.
I'll admit that there is a market for the tailgate step...but for my uses it's not worth the extra money.
I'll admit that there is a market for the tailgate step...but for my uses it's not worth the extra money.
Super cab for the need to be clean items and the wife/ dog when not on the job sites.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Chaz
The tailgate step. Wasted weight.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2018
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Its called a Flex Step tailgate. And there are two different tailgates, for example, when I looked up my neighbor's 2018 F350 XLT that has the Flex Step tailgate. The internals are different, the parts, etc, would be prohibitive.
You might look at pick and pull, or online for used year Flex Step tailgate for your truck. Some might have put utility beds on some fleet trucks and delete the bed, or some accident (front end totals).
Cost too much to get another tailgate for Flex Step, then all the components, and assemble, and have painted.
You might look at pick and pull, or online for used year Flex Step tailgate for your truck. Some might have put utility beds on some fleet trucks and delete the bed, or some accident (front end totals).
Cost too much to get another tailgate for Flex Step, then all the components, and assemble, and have painted.
