Is there a way to upgrade my tailgate without breaking the bank

Question
21

I honestly think that even if it cost a thousand bucks, that tailgate step is a must-have if you use your truck for work. I need to get in and out of the bed regularly, especially since my truck is lifted and I’m getting older. If I didn’t have it, I’d need a step ladder, which is just extra hassle

22

@Vega
OMG you’re right… I had one on my ’14 and didn’t think I’d use it, but I used it all the time. Now on my ’20, I miss it

23

@Vega
Yeah, I thought it was just a cool feature I wouldn’t use. Turns out I use it all the time for camping when I’ve got to load and unload a ton of stuff from the bed

24

@Vega
I just got one and keep it in the bed, though I rarely need to use the bed

25

Zephyr said:
@Vega
I just got one and keep it in the bed, though I rarely need to use the bed

Have you thought about a bedslide? It lets you slide everything you keep back there out without needing to climb in

26

I’ve read that the only way to get the OEM tailgate step is to find a tailgate that already has it. They aren’t cheap, but yours being white could mean finding a used one from places like LKQ is possible. I love my tailgate step and passed up on a truck once because it didn’t have one

27

Isn’t that the goodest boy

28

Bevin said:
Isn’t that the goodest boy

Yes, the goodest! She rides shotgun and I hacked the computer to shut off the seat belt alarms

29

Sage said:

Bevin said:
Isn’t that the goodest boy

Yes, the goodest! She rides shotgun and I hacked the computer to shut off the seat belt alarms

That’s very sad to think she’d be in danger in any crash

30

@Jory
Unfortunately that’s the risk with animals in a car. They can’t be protected like we can

31

I have a 2015 5.0 HDPP… the inside of the tailgate on the left is a little damaged, and the plastic top part on the right is slightly mangled. I’ve been thinking about replacing those, but wondered if there’s a budget-friendly upgrade. Can I install a tailgate pull-out step without replacing the whole tailgate? Any other suggestions or should I just stick with OEM

32

@Sage
I’d say go for the step. It’s something I didn’t realize I’d need, but I use it constantly

33

Ira said:
@Sage
I’d say go for the step. It’s something I didn’t realize I’d need, but I use it constantly

Could you just add the step or do you have to replace the whole tailgate? That’s an expensive piece

34

@Teal
I think some serious retrofitting would be needed to actually add the step, so you’d likely have to look at the whole tailgate

35

There’s a lowering kit available on Amazon that might help you. AMP gets good reviews for a bed step that goes right under the bumper

36

@Sage
I have that pull-out step. Honestly, it’s not worth it. The only time I’ve used it was to show it off to others

37

Nico said:
@Sage
I have that pull-out step. Honestly, it’s not worth it. The only time I’ve used it was to show it off to others

I use mine pretty regularly. These newer trucks have such a steep angle that unless you’re 6’6”, it’s tough to reach anything in the middle of the bed

38

@Emerson
Absolutely. If you use your truck’s bed, that step is very helpful. It’s a great addition

39

@Emerson
Totally agree. My firewood delivery in my 2015 XLT requires me to jump into the bed to unload, and I’m only 6’ tall

40

@Emerson
My neighbor got a ’99 Sierra for a beater truck, and I was surprised thinking, “Wow, I can actually reach into there.” Changes like that are wild over the years