Tailgate Assist mod recommended?

[710-oil-614]

No, TA is not recommended. Installation issues, malfunctions and replacement tie-down required for very little gain in function. The shock will also not last and will need replacement. Unless you really need it due to advanced age or disability, I'd skip it. Look around and you will see all kinds of posts reporting issues. No TA here and never attempted. $0 cost incurred. Judge for yourself...

All tailgate assist issues are due to improper installation.

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[commadorebob]

From all the ones I have seen from various resellers, They are all about the same quality and more than likely from the same China mfg's. SO don't pay more for a name brand.

Yeah, but when the name brand is only $30, I recommend avoiding the ALL CAPS Chinese brands. Name brands have a name to protect. So even if they are made in the same factory, the quality has to be there. The all caps brands will literally just disappear and pick a new name when their ratings drop to 1 star.

 

[CNJFF]

I never had a need for it but ended up with one anyway (Dee Zee). Nice? Yes. Required? Not for my usage. I still try to catch the tailgate when it opens forgetting I have the damper.

I went through the trouble of painting mine black.

 

[Master Blaster]

All tailgate assist issues are due to improper installation.

Nope, most are due to poor construction. The Chinese products are all the same, sold under different labels. They all have poor stir-welding that breaks after a while.

 

[710-oil-614]

Nope, most are due to poor construction. The Chinese products are all the same, sold under different labels. They all have poor stir-welding that breaks after a while.

I've had zero issue with two Dee-Zee tailgate assists. Chinese products are all over your vehicle.

 

[dumbcomputers]

I've had zero issue with two Dee-Zee tailgate assists. Chinese products are all over your vehicle.

Some of Dee-Zee stuff is also made in China but usually they have better quality control/standards.

 

[710-oil-614]

Some of Dee-Zee stuff is also made in China but usually they have better quality control/standards.

I know it is made in China. So are numerous other parts and materials in the Maverick.

 

[dumbcomputers]

I know it is made in China. So are numerous other parts and materials in the Maverick.

My apologies..I actually misread your post.

 

[Lane]

The tailgate assist that I bought was one of the cheaper noname ones off Amazon. Two years in and no problems other than its fasteners rusting (aargh). Needed? No. but I appreciate it every time I open the gate. I can open it with one finger when my hands/arms are full, and it works to prevent that BANG!!! from dropping the gate.

Be aware that installation of the tailgate assist requires removal of the factory tie-down bracket on the driver's side of the gate which interferes with the strut. But it's a shame to lose a tie-down point. I made a replacement tie-down for mine.

Works well and clears the new strut and no issues with the cable. Enjoyed making it enough that I keep making more. I have a thread here in the For Sale forum if anyone would like one. Don't lose a tie-down point!

I know it is made in China. So are numerous other parts and materials in the Maverick.

This Maverick part is made in the USA by a fellow Maverick owner. That probably doesn't matter much to most people these days, but it means something to me.

 

[scott1070]

I keep seeing ads for tailgate assist. Is this recommended for my new Maverick?

No

 

[710-oil-614]

The tailgate assist that I bought was one of the cheaper noname ones off Amazon. Two years in and no problems other than its fasteners rusting (aargh). Needed? No. but I appreciate it every time I open the gate. I can open it with one finger when my hands/arms are full, and it works to prevent that BANG!!! from dropping the gate.

Be aware that installation of the tailgate assist requires removal of the factory tie-down bracket on the driver's side of the gate which interferes with the strut. But it's a shame to lose a tie-down point. I made a replacement tie-down for mine.

Works well and clears the new strut and no issues with the cable. Enjoyed making it enough that I keep making more. I have a thread here in the For Sale forum if anyone would like one. Don't lose a tie-down point!



This Maverick part is made in the USA by a fellow Maverick owner. That probably doesn't matter much to most people these days, but it means something to me.

I haven't missed that tiedown point yet.

 

[Enchalada]

I keep seeing ads for tailgate assist. Is this recommended for my new Maverick?

If you keep seeing the ads, you must have been recently researching it!

Any aftermarket items are personal preferences, such as LED lights, window tint, dash cams, tonneau covers, etc.
Tailgate assist is also one definitely worth getting it at ~$30.

 

[MaverickDragon]

Do you need a tailgate damper?
Not really. If you're okay that the tailgate bangs down when it slips out of your hand opening it.
It's certainly a nice to have when you want to prevent that when your hands are full.

I wonder if having the tailgate bang down hurts the plastic tabs holding the lock mechanism, but I'm sure that a gentle open of the tailgate doesn't hurt them.

Do you need soft close kitchen cabinets? No, if you don't mind them slamming shut.
Are they a nice to have accessory in both cases?
For me, yes, but that's a per user choice.

Like many items on the truck, there are nice to haves vs. need to haves.
You need brakes but you don't need cruise control.

If the damper is installed, the stupid stock bottle openers that catches on the tailgate cables every time you close the tailgate needs to be removed on one side or replaced with one that doesn't, and I replaced both with ananchor points that works just as well for $15 from Jeffy B's Chinese auto parts.
I might miss the ability to open a bottle with a cap, but then I haven't needed to do that since the twist top became common in the 1970's.

 

[asylus]

I have forgotten about this mod since it seems like it should have been there from the factory after I installed it. I have no real need but it was a want.

Anyone noticed the screw starting to rust? What is the best way to address this?

 

[uga]

Just imagine having a small child nearby and you accidently drop the tailgate................

YES, for the small amount of money get one !

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