Some people love them, while others hate them. There’s no denying the fact that tailgate steps are a helpful aftermarket addition to some trucks, including the popular Ford F150.
It isn’t easy to lug heavy items into the pickup bed by yourself. Even if you have helping hands available, one person is on the truck while another leverages the product from below.
When a tailgate step is available, you’ll have more leverage for loading while lowering injury risks or potentially damaging the truck.
It is possible to add a tailgate step to an F150, but there are some crucial factors you’ll need to know before starting this project.
How to Add a Tailgate Step to Your F150
An older model Ford F150 can have a tailgate step added to it by using one of two common techniques. Aftermarket products can be DIY installed, added by a trusted mechanic, or finished at the dealership. There is also the option of removing the existing tailgate for one with this desirable feature.
Why invest in a tailgate step for an older Ford F150? This integrated feature provides several benefits and features that make using the truck much easier.
Here is an overview of what to expect when making this investment.
| Tailgate Step Benefit | Why This Ford F150 Tailgate Benefit Is Important |
| Grab Bar Inclusion | The Ford tailgate step and aftermarket alternatives include a grab bar to enhance user safety. Holding onto it while using the step makes it easier to maintain balance while moving into the truck to load or unload items. |
| Lifting Mechanism | Ford includes a button that releases the step for use after lowering the tailgate. That makes it easier to get into the bed when you have one of the taller F150 models. |
| Clamp Pockets | Newer F150 tailgates offer this feature on both sides, making it easier to secure clamps to the truck. You can use them to hold various materials in place while working on them, including lumber. |
| Streamlined Look | The tailgate step and other features stow securely inside the unit, ensuring that they’re only seen when they need to be used. |
| Fasten Loads | Updated tailgates for the Ford F150 include cleats mounted to the sides, making it easier to add tie-downs for larger items. If the tailgate must remain open when transporting long materials, you can secure the load to ensure compliance with local regulations. |
When looking at tailgate steps from Ford, you can select from a couple of options.
The first is an integrated step, which tends to be the most popular choice. It’s a factory-installed item on specific F150 models, so it isn’t available universally.
If you select the Limited model, you’ll receive a power tailgate with a work surface and a tailgate step as standard features.
If you buy a Platinum, King Ranch, or Lariat model, the powered tailgate is an optional choice.
The F150 XL and XLT models feature an optional integrated tailgate step without power.
You can also find a tailgate step available with the Ford Super Duty.
The other option is a bumper step attachment you can add to the truck bumper on the F150 model. This feature gets installed below the tailgate. You would step onto it to enter or reach into the truck’s bed.
You can buy a 12-inch or a 24-inch bump step that installs to protect y9ur bumper from dents or rear-end collisions. Unlike the integrated design, there isn’t a stowaway feature with this addition.
Some aftermarket providers offer a retractable bump step that streamlines your look. You’ll need to check with the manufacturer before installation to ensure the product is compatible with your F150 and complies with local regulations.
How to Choose a Tailgate Step for a Ford F150
When you want to own a truck with a tailgate step and a grab bar, you’ll need to purchase a Super Duty or a Ford F150.
If you already own an older model that doesn’t offer a step-up feature, you can purchase a bumper step or look for a compatible integrated tailgate.
The AMP Research BedStep Bumper Step is an excellent option to choose for the Ford F-150. It hands low enough to provide the support you need while offering a retractable design that gets out of your way.
The installation only adds ten pounds of weight to the truck, but it can support up to 300 pounds.
It uses a non-slip design that quickly retracts or flips down with a simple foot nudge. The product uses a high-strength aluminum alloy, stainless steel pivot pins, and self-lubricated bushings so that F150 owners enjoy all-year support.
Each BedStep comes with a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty. Although the step can catch some slush and snow, adding mudguards to the truck can prevent some of these issues.
The rear step only fits the driver’s side of the truck. You’ll want an impact wrench available to put on the bumper bolts. Other tools might snap or slip, leading to potential injury.
How to Install a Ford F150 Tailgate Step
Tailgate step installation combines the instructions from the dealership or your aftermarket product. Each situation is potentially different, so please refer to the included installation or repair guide or your owner’s manual before attempting this modification.
Here is an overview of the process to follow so that you have a successful tailgate step installation.
1. Gather Your Tools
You’ll need tools that can loosen several bolts on your Ford F150. An impact wrench might be necessary.
It’s also helpful to have open-end and torque wrenches, a breaker bar, and a ratchet and socket set.
2. Configure the Tailgate
The tailgate must be configured for the step once you modify the F150. Before tightening any components, ensure the socket bolts and mount brackets work with the linkages.
They’ll need to be tightened to have the proper placement and fit.
Most steps require a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to 33 foot-pounds.
3. Attach the Mount
Use an open-end wrench to remove the truck’s stock bracket. The bolts can come out with a socket.
Use the new hardware included with the tailgate step kit, then attach the mount to the F150.
The torque wrench will need to tighten everything to 42 foot-pounds or the recommended amount in the instructions.
4. Install Step Pads
Determine where you want the step pad located. You’ll place the weld nuts into the slots and install the lower linkage slot.
Next, screw in the hardware from the bottom of the pads to have a tight fit. Avoid tightening them too far because it can cause damage.
It helps to have the footstep a bit loose to allow for adjustments and shifting.
Once you find the correct position, use the torque wrench to tighten the step pads.
How to Upgrade Your Ford F150 Tailgate
If you prefer an integrated look for your Ford F150, the only way to add a tailgate step is to purchase the part and replace your existing one.
The easiest way to accomplish this part of the process is to speak with local junkyards in your area. Since the integrated tailgate is on newer models, the supply tends to be limited.
Depending on your model year, some aftermarket options are also available. This investment is available more often for 2009-2014 F150s.
A great example of the integrated step comes from MBI Auto. Not only do you receive a steel rear tailgate shell with the integrated step, but the manufacturer also paints the product to match your truck’s color scheme.
You’ll need to message the color code, make, and model to ensure compatibility.
The MBI Auto tailgate shell comes with a lifetime warranty and a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
Once you have the product available, you can swap out the old one for the updated tailgate with the integrated step.
Remove the Tailgate
The bolt that holds each side of the tailgate must be removed first. You’ll need to prop it up to prevent it from falling.
Ford uses a Torx bit for this step. Once the bolts are removed, you can slide the tailgate out from the connector at a 45-degree angle.
Transfer the Items
New tailgates are typically sold as “shells.” That means you get the infrastructure you want, but it doesn’t come with any of the other products.
You’ll need to transfer the handle, lock, cover plate, connection bushings, and emblems.
Don’t forget about the latches on each side that keep the tailgate locked. Those components tend to be overlooked during this process.
Some items pop right into place, while others have hardware that you’ll need to use to fasten them appropriately.
Don’t tighten things too much at first, especially since you need to leave enough room for the connection rods.
Place the bushing on the main connectors as the final part of this step to replacing a tailgate on a Ford F150.
Install the New Tailgate
Once you have all the components in place, you can install the new tailgate on your truck. You’ll need to tighten all the bolts and use adhesive for the emblems.
It usually takes about 24 hours for the glue to dry. You can use the truck right away, but the new tailgate will look different without the cosmetics.
Is It Worth Adding a Tailgate Step to a Ford F150?
Tailgate steps make it safer and easier to access the truck bed of the Ford F150. It is a convenient feature that delivers several benefits, including options for a work area with some models. An older vehicle experiences these same advantages when the tailgate is replaced, or a step gets installed.
I was one of the last people to be on board with the tailgate step idea. Although I didn’t think it was useless, I’m more of a traditionalist.
Trucks have functioned well with the basics, so why try to fix something that isn’t broken?
When I went to the dealership a couple of years ago, the salesperson tried to convince me of all the benefits the step offers. “Nah,” I said. “I’m looking for something more basic.”
I ran into the problem of either buying a truck that was too small to meet my needs or one that came with an integrated tailgate. I sighed, chose the latter, and signed the paperwork.
It only took one use to convert me. Instead of crawling up or needing multiple people to manage a load, you have stability and balance immediately.
I highly recommend this upgrade for older F150s if you want to experience a similar increase in usability.