2024 Rear Center Retractable Bed Step for Pro Access Tailgate

[L33der]

Just received my bed step today for the Pro Access Tailgate. Its pretty heavy duty. Here is a link to the installation manual if anyone is interested. It's made by Amp Research, same company that makes the other styles found on these trucks and many others.

Part #VRL3Z-17A958-A

https://fastly.truck-hero.com/images/ePIM/original/FORD_P702_MAT_Bed-Step_I-sheet.pdf

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[drchops24]

I'm interested in this, do you have any pics? How hard was it to do?

 

[gh8toes]

I ordered my 24 KR early so I didn't have to get the PAT. With the entire tailgate down, there is no step available to climb into the bed. With bad knees, I would have to roll myself in and then try to stand up. Until they install a pull-out step in the PAT like the old tailgate has, I see no use for a PAT. You may as well buy a station wagon or hatch back if you think you will be using that center door in the tailgate. Still waiting for stories of it having problems when people start loading ATVs and such on top of it. Full size drop-down tailgates have been the standard for decades and somehow people have been able to deal with them. If you need a step to get into the rear with the center door open, you may as well have the old style tailgate with a full pullout step. In reality, just how often do you use that center door rather than the full tailgate...?

 

[L33der]

I'm interested in this, do you have any pics? How hard was it to do?

I didn't install it yet, but plan on posting up some pics as soon as the rain stops.

 

[L33der]

I ordered my 24 KR early so I didn't have to get the PAT. With the entire tailgate down, there is no step available to climb into the bed. With bad knees, I would have to roll myself in and then try to stand up. Until they install a pull-out step in the PAT like the old tailgate has, I see no use for a PAT. You may as well buy a station wagon or hatch back if you think you will be using that center door in the tailgate. Still waiting for stories of it having problems when people start loading ATVs and such on top of it. Full size drop-down tailgates have been the standard for decades and somehow people have been able to deal with them. If you need a step to get into the rear with the center door open, you may as well have the old style tailgate with a full pullout step. In reality, just how often do you use that center door rather than the full tailgate...?

I use the Center door EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. It is very convenient especially when a Trailer is connected and I need to access the Tailgate. Also, my wife is 5 foot nothing and cannot reach anything in the bed with the regular tailgate down. This brings her about 3 feet closer to the bed with the center door open and she can access anything that is between the Tailgate extender. Before she wasn't able to and would have to crawl in on her stomach. On my 2019 F150, the tailgate would hit the tongue jack of every trailer I owned and also my 25' Travel Trailer. Several times, I have driven my RM250 right over the Center door with a ramp resting on it, no problems at all. I also had my Polaris Scrambler in there at one point with back tires resting on tailgate, no issues. I also sat on the RM250 with back tire directly on the center door and bounced up and down. No Flex whatsoever. My 250lb ass even jumped on it when I first got it, since I, like you, thought the same thing. I think the PAT is GOLD! Others may disagree until they try it in real world situations.

 

[SonarChief]

I ordered my 24 KR early so I didn't have to get the PAT. With the entire tailgate down, there is no step available to climb into the bed. With bad knees, I would have to roll myself in and then try to stand up. Until they install a pull-out step in the PAT like the old tailgate has, I see no use for a PAT. You may as well buy a station wagon or hatch back if you think you will be using that center door in the tailgate. Still waiting for stories of it having problems when people start loading ATVs and such on top of it. Full size drop-down tailgates have been the standard for decades and somehow people have been able to deal with them. If you need a step to get into the rear with the center door open, you may as well have the old style tailgate with a full pullout step. In reality, just how often do you use that center door rather than the full tailgate...?

It’s all about giving people different options….with the PAT center door I can very easily load heavy items into the back of the bed without putting that weight directly on the tailgate, as long as it fits through the center “door”. As far as longevity certainly that is a question, but also for people who tow, having the PAT will be a very useful tool. I certainly think the PAT should have been an option, but then if you truly don’t like it then you could buy a lower trim.

 

[MBabs382]

This is insane. the product notes say it is not compatible with dual exhaust, but the illustration in the instructions show a dual exhaust truck.

 

[Atvinstructor]

It fit and works great on lariat with dual exhaust.....the corner step version doesn't work with dual exhaust

 

[MBabs382]

Anybody have any success at getting their hands on one of these

 

[mwarc]

I have been unable to find one anywhere! even tried Ford direct. Any suggestions from anyone?????

 

[L33der]

VRL3Z17A958A is the part number. Several places appear to have it in stock, Levittown, Lakeland, Southlake, Donnely, etc. I got mine from Ford.com but the part number now turns up nothing on their site.

 

[L33der]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/388801446165 listed at $175.99 which is a steal and looks to be a genuine Ford/Realtruck AMP part. They won't last long at that price once everyone sees this.

 

[mwarc]

thanks!!

BTW, they changed the number, it is now VRL3Z17A958-c the C used to be an A

 

[mwarc]

Just got off the phone with Ford. Apparently the part is not available as there is an "engineering hold" on the part. Guessing that is why it was revised form revision A to revision C

 

[mwarc]

Just got off the phone with Ford. Apparently the part is not available as there is an "engineering hold" on the part. Guessing that is why it was revised form revision A to revision C

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