First Mod of 2025 XLT - tailgate assist

[Snowbird]

Say, when you install tailgate assist on the world's lightest tailgate, what problem are you looking to solve? In turn, what problems are you creating?

I encourage all new Maverick owners to wait and drive the vehicle as-is before adding stuff beyond basic protections. You'd be mighty surprised at all the accessories you thought you needed but really don't.

I used to think like you. This is my 7th truck. All the others were work trucks, I was a carpenter. 6' 4" and full of musle, as the song goes. Never had a tailgate assist. Scoffed at the thought of putting one on the world's lightest tailgate.

And then I did. Now EVERY time I open that tailgate I think, man this is sweet!

Sponsored

 

[Bad Samaritan]

Say, when you install tailgate assist on the world's lightest tailgate, what problem are you looking to solve?

It slams if you are not careful.

 

[Clarkdonbran]

I used to think like you. This is my 7th truck. All the others were work trucks, I was a carpenter. 6' 4" and full of musle, as the song goes. Never had a tailgate assist. Scoffed at the thought of putting one on the world's lightest tailgate.

And then I did. Now EVERY time I open that tailgate I think, man this is sweet!

I got mine because I don’t want it to slam DOWN on anything UNDER it.

 

[lm126027]

I added the strut, but have found that occasionally the cable gets caught on the top of the strut. Thinking maybe that replacement cable will help. Will have to look into.

 

[umpkey]

Good first addition. It appears you are in the beginning stages of accessoritis. It is incurable and only gets worse!

Yes it is a rabbit hole you will never be able to get out of. LOL

 

[Rcrew]

That's like asking why you would install those soft-close toilet seats even though toilet seats are incredibly light. It's the cheaply obtained convenience of not having to lower it manually. I also usually have my hands full when opening…

Exactly why soft-close toilet seats are awesome, having your hand(s) full at the instance of use…

 

[Lone Ridr]

Say, when you install tailgate assist on the world's lightest tailgate, what problem are you looking to solve? In turn, what problems are you creating?

I encourage all new Maverick owners to wait and drive the vehicle as-is before adding stuff beyond basic protections. You'd be mighty surprised at all the accessories you thought you needed but really don't.

I didn't know my Lariat wasn't equipped with a tailgate assist until I was dropping a load at the junkyard. When the gate slammed open, 3 to 4 guys turned around and looked startled as was I. I was embarrassed. I cursed Ford for being so cheap not to install one. All my previously-owned Colorados and Tacomas opened slowly. I added the assist cylinder for less than $20. Now I'm happy. Money well spent IMO.

 

[Toddman45]

Easy first step, looking forward to adding more this weekend. Have a dashcam to get hardwired, a bed cover to install, and going to try adding either a charging cable to the phone holder or try for wireless charging on the mat area. Lots of easy adds before I open up ForScan to poke around. Hopefully someone adds ACC to their XLT soon so I can tag along that process.

This is my first Maverick, so I have no idea what is new to the 2025. Will try to share anything that might be useful for others!

Edit: this one is OMT https://a.co/d/5xoWpKq

I installed the DeeZee version on my 24. Judging from your photo it looks like you don't have the part that mounts to the right of the tail light installed properly. Also a lot of reviews showing that one you bought failing within a few months do to rust.

I'm honestly surprised all OEMs don't include or offer their own version of this hidden somewhere like my 16 F-150 had. It was hidden underneath the passenger side tail light out of sight.

 

[Radiogaga]

Did you install the top bracket slightly crooked, or did it pull like that when you dropped the tailgate? I installed mine completely straight and it pulls forward when the tailgate drops. I can't get it any tighter with the tools I have.

Is that common? Doesn't seem to affect how the assist works.

Edit: this one is OMT https://a.co/d/5xoWpKq
[/QUOTE]

 

[kxpqzt]

Did you install the top bracket slightly crooked, or did it pull like that when you dropped the tailgate? I installed mine completely straight and it pulls forward when the tailgate drops. I can't get it any tighter with the tools I have.

Is that common? Doesn't seem to affect how the assist works.

Edit: this one is OMT https://a.co/d/5xoWpKq

[/QUOTE]
It will lead to more rubbing against the cable, so definitely recommend tightening that bolt down to keep it in position. Mine slipped like this quite a bit, but I snagged an actual T50 torx bit from Lowe's and got it tightened appropriately.

 

[Jpalmer1]

Easy first step, looking forward to adding more this weekend. Have a dashcam to get hardwired, a bed cover to install, and going to try adding either a charging cable to the phone holder or try for wireless charging on the mat area. Lots of easy adds before I open up ForScan to poke around. Hopefully someone adds ACC to their XLT soon so I can tag along that process.

This is my first Maverick, so I have no idea what is new to the 2025. Will try to share anything that might be useful for others!

Edit: this one is OMT https://a.co/d/5xoWpKq

Which brand tailgate assist is that?

 

[kxpqzt]

Which brand tailgate assist is that?

Edit: this one is OMT https://a.co/d/5xoWpKq

Sponsored