Adding the tailgate step?

[vst]

Is it possible to add the tailgate step to a regular tailgate or would I have to just get a new one with a step? I’m getting a camper and the step would be super useful.

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[obert]

Pretty sure you would need a new tailgate.

 

[{tpc}]

If you can get the cap off the top and see if there is space inside it may be possible. But I am guessing even if you can find all the parts needed, it’s probably not cost effective. May be easier and less expensive to find someone who wants to swap in the same color or an entire tailgate from a junkyard.

I imagine it’s like the mobile office pieces for the center console. Cheap if you order it at the time of build but crazy expensive if you want to do it after.

 

[2515050]

It does require a different tailgate, but if you can find one used I would highly recommend it. This is the first truck I've had with the option and I can't believe how much I've already used this little step.

 

[JohnTrigger]

I went with this. Works great.
https://www.roughcountry.com/product/manual-bed-step-pw049807

 

[BILDOZER]

The tailgate with the built in step is miles ahead if the bumper step.... Check the junk" salvage"" yards and get a tailgate with the built in step . you will definately like it better than the aftermaeket retractable bed step. Instalation of the new tailgate will be easier than the bumper step plus you can sell your "old" tailgate to offset the new one with the step. I have had both ane the built in step is the better option.

 

[Old Hat]

When I bought my truck used I didn't even know the tailgate step was a thing. Apparently the Toyota dealer didn't either as they didn't mention it in the listing.

While inspecting the truck my wife said "Hey, it looks like this opens something". Popped it and got a big surprise. Very useful and the pullout hand post adds safety when stepping up or down. Yes, you'll need the step specific gate, it is not possible to install the parts in a standard gate.

 

[Buyer2021]

If you can get the cap off the top and see if there is space inside it may be possible.

The entire tailgate 'shell' and internal structure is different with / without the step. It's not possible to add the pullout step to a tailgate that didn't have it as OE.

 

[{tpc}]

I have the step but yet to use it. At first I had issues with it staying latched. I fixed that issue, only to have one of the screw heads that hold the latch pop off while driving down the road.

I went to a bunch of different stores, and the dealer looking for this screw. No one had it. Apparently it must only come with the entire latch assembly. I could have taken it to the dealer under warranty, but it was easy enough to purchase a set of screws on Amazon and fix it myself.

The long and short of it is, I’m not sure the step is worth it. We shall see..

 

[Ken_DBA]

I have an STX without the tailgate step. I added the Amp BedStep Bumper Step to my truck based on previous experience with the same style of step on a Nissan Titan. Pro: The step is available with a trailer connected to the truck. Con: it picks up dirt in the winter.

 

[Redmanronnie]

I thought I had to have a tailgate step but glad I went with a AMP Research BedStep. Easy to extend and retract with foot. Also can hold onto bed side when entering and exiting and can use with trailer attached.

 

[Mash150]

@vst You should be able to find a used step tailgate for a 21. However some are powered up and down gates and I believe there are also manual gates with the step as well. Can you use either one; IDK . Colour of course could present an issue unless you are willing to get it painted . Good luck

 

[Buyer2021]

I have both the OE Ford tailgate step and an aftermarket bumper step (Amp Research clone). Each serves different purposes, each with pros and cons for different types of bed access situations.

Both are very useful, IMO, but neither is a complete substitute for the other for all situations.

I’m getting a camper and the step would be super useful.

If referring to an in-bed camper with a rear door, IMO the tailgate step would be the more useful of the two types.

 

[Buyer2021]

However some are powered up and down gates and I believe there are also manual gates with the step as well.

I think you'll find there are

• Manual tailgate with step
• Manual tailgate with viscous damping and step
• Power-open tailgate with step
• Power open-and-close tailgate with step

Depending on the source-truck's trim level and options

Looking at the Workshop Manual it seems all have physically different fittings on the passenger side of the bed itself at the tailgate pivot, and some have components (damper) inside the passenger side of the bed itself under the taillights. The different power versions have different wiring and switches, too.

Probably best, IMO, if looking for a 'take-off' tailgate to swap, to ensure that it has the same type of 'powering' features as the OE stepless tailgate being replaced. That to avoid unanticipated complications with the swap.

 

[Xman]

I thought I had to have a tailgate step but glad I went with a AMP Research BedStep. Easy to extend and retract with foot. Also can hold onto bed side when entering and exiting and can use with trailer attached.

I have the AMP Research BedStep and love it. I use it quite often with the tailgate up. My neighbor has an F150 Lariat with the step built into the tailgate and comments that he wish he didn't have it. It makes the tailgate heavier and is tired of the effort it takes to close. He is amazed how light and easy my tailgate is to operate.

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