Are tailgate assists necessary on an aluminum tailgate?

[BG21Maverick]

As a new Maverick owner, I'll say that the tailgate does feel lighter than my F-150, known to be partial aluminum. Anyway. I enjoyed the second One of these assist, soft landing options but not the exposed. First one I put on, Parts rusted out and failed within a couple years. And looked bad. I'm waiting till they make one that's back behind the tail light, if not, I'll probably buy other little knick knacks that I don't really need. Enjoy the ride.

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[moab53]

Are tailgate assists really necessary on an aluminum tailgate? Really curious on why some people need these.

Edit: I had assumed its aluminum, based on my Ranger being aluminum. Is it steel or aluminum? Funny thing, my Ranger tailgate isn't dampened but my glovebox is!

For me the weight of the tailgate is not an issue. As others have mentioned, its a matter of convenience. Seems like half the time I'm dropping my tailgate my hands are full so i can easily open the latch with my finger while holding a bag of groceries and step back as it lowers then put my stuff in the bed.

Also, its just a more controlled opening. Even if your hands aren't full, you can pull on the latch and step away to get stuff while it lowers.

Now, my dad who's in his 80's, he said it is the best add-on he could ask. And, its such a cheap add-on as I got the same brand Ford sells via Amazon for like $30. Install was tricky with the bolt and self-tightening screw that is inserted into the tailgate.

 

[Shakesbear]

The only reason I installed one is because my 4 year old granddaughter can reach the handle and I'm afraid she's going to get busted in the head when I'm not looking

But this is how children learn: you tell them why they shouldn't do it, and if they don't believe you and do it anyway, then they learn the hard way not to do it again

 

[commadorebob]

It feels nicer to have the dampener. Little addition makes the truck seem more polished.

 

[bighap]

Completely unnecessary in terms of weight. I understand if you are concerned about a kid bonking their head, but I can lower my tailgate with 2 fingers, not lose a tie down point, and not have to stand there and wait for my tailgate to lower.

 

[Bob The Builder]

IMHO, no.

 

[SLINGSHOT]

Totally unnecessary.

 

[ThisWas]

Is it steel or aluminum?

My XL's tailgate is steel. I tested the tailgate, hood, and front fender with a refrigerator magnet; only the hood is aluminum.

 

[Lone Star Proud]

It is well worth the price to prevent the tailgate from slamming down if it slips out of your hand. I would consider it a safety issue solved with it's installation.

 

[ndmiller]

Essentially first pickup truck, XLT w/Luxury Package. Opened it and it slipped out of my hand banging into my thigh. I thought to myself, well that's stupid it comes down uncontrolled and got the device the next day. FWIW I've had controlled piston hoods and tailgates on every SUV (Lexus) I've owed for decades, so could be considered automotive spoiled.

 

[GotKT]

Easy to open and close with one hand. If worried about it slipping use two hands.

Had it on my Amazon wishlist for around $20 before the truck arrived. Then the price went up to $40+. Decided to pass and spent the money on other useless items for the truck.

 

[dalola]

All Mav T/G's are steel. The only aluminum body panel on the Mav is the hood.

I personally find the T/G damper to be totally unnecessary, but I certainly am not going to belittle anyone who wants one.

 

[RonFLA]

It's about as 'necessary" as tailgate lettering.

 

[Maverickman74]

No it does not. Honestly any one having trouble with the tailgate is the embodiment of the collective American becoming way too soft. For the people worried about kids getting hurt from opening the tailgate. While your concerns for your children are valid. Kids do also have to learn and should be taught(before harm is done) the realities of dangerous things. If they dont you will end up with a population that is becoming even more, too soft. There are plenty of vehicles that open up when you glance their way. The entry level vehicle of a company that brands itself as "tough" just doesnt need it for the smallest lightest tailgate in the market.

 

[kmish203]

Do you like soft close drawer guides and cabinet hinges? What about soft close toilet seats? None of them are necessary but to most it makes the user experience a little bit better.

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