Tailgate ladder/step - which do you have?

I’m a FOB (fat/old & bald) guy and are not enjoying crawling into the bed of my truck.
What do you have or are considering?
A folding step under the bumper, a ladder attached to the tailgate, nothing? Or you carry something in the bed?
Come on, even without a lift the tailgate/bed is not a simple easy step up into while carrying items.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/bed-entry-tailgate-down.95365/

 

I shopped quite a bit before buying my Bestop Trek Step. It functions exactly like the "OEM" Amp Research model but has a larger step pad and is more slip resistant at a better price.

 

Tell me about your LED bumper lights

 

Amp step here. Worth every penny, and it's rock solid. I cut the bracket already on the truck, clean, quick install.

 

I just stepped up on the tire and over. Even with 34.6" tires.

 

My tailgate step.

 

Hand made for about 15 bucks (used scrap 10 ga. And 1/2 " rebar from work and welded, only bought the paint can. Took about 3 hours)

 

I've had 'em for several years. They're Ridgid's D2-Dually with their Diffused Lens pattern. Came with all the hardware and really quality harness with lighted switch. So simple to wire,even I was able to do it! That first saw-cut into the bumper will have ya' sweatin' but it goes alright after that!

 

Never seen one sold in that config. Can you walk me through the modifications you did? Or are you just from south of the equator?

 

I have the amp step for the rear bumper on my 2016 and LOVE IT. Almost don't want to upgrade to the an aftermarket bumper just because of the the step.

 

I have the OEM step that I added. It folds out in a way that it's perfectly positioned for me to use it whether the tailgate is up or down. It's perfect for my use.

 

The Bedstep,? (I think can’t remember.) Amp Research. works flawlessly.

 

AMP step here.
My previous truck, a 2013 F150, had Fords first iteration of their tailgate step which was integrated in to the inside face of the tailgate. It sucked if you were carrying sheets of anything or were trying to slide something out of the bed. Not long after Ford integrated it in to the center space of the tailgate and the inside of the tailgate, when lowered, is smooth and even with the bed.

 

Amp research is what I chose. Piece of cake to install. Strong and convenient.

 

I searched and found this one. It’s been great. The best parts are the swivel option and the wide steps.

 

Link?

 

Off Amazon.
Issues were they didn’t send any instructions and short one bolt. I used my own and put lock nuts on the back, did not us the screw nut anchors they sent.

 

I have a Westin that works great. Folds up and clamps down without any vibrating noise!

$135 Westin 10-3000 Truck-Pal Tailgate Ladder,Silver

https://www.amazon.com/Westin-10-3000-Truck-Pal-Tailgate-Ladder/dp/B00180UVGO

 

I step on the tire and also use the corner step in the RC bumper. You tire steppers could also use one of these:

 

I like this one but I do worry about the space it will take when folded. With the shortbed real estate is at a premium and it looks like this extends quite a bit into the bed when the tailgate is up. How far does it extend? Also, does this use existing screw holes in the tailgate or do you have to drill new ones?

 

I took the rear plate off the tailgate and used my drill press to drill four holes.
I used the screw and hole already there for the strap.

 

Shawn474,
It extends about 5-6" into the bed. You will need to drill holes. I installed mine w 4 self taping screws that can be removed and reinstalled easily if need be. Make sure you mount it close to the edge or top of tailgate so it clears and will (or can) extend almost vertical when deployed, this allows for lower or uneven ground.

 

I’ve got a 12” lift so I went with the AmpResearch step. Only if it was power like my running boards.