Ford tailgate step vs aftermarket bumper step?

[BuffaloBill]

Does anyone have experience with the tailgate step compared to a folding bumper step like this one below? I'm in the process of putting together my list of options, and since I've never had a truck, I don't have experience. I would mostly need to access the bed when transporting bikes and for camping. Nothing to tow (yet). I'm assuming the tailgate step would not be usable with a trailer.

https://www.stage3motorsports.com/75308-15-15-20-f150-bestop-rear-trekstep-bumper-step.html

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[TNKIRK]

Does anyone have experience with the tailgate step compared to a folding bumper step like this one below? I'm in the process of putting together my list of options, and since I've never had a truck, I don't have experience. I would mostly need to access the bed when transporting bikes and for camping. Nothing to tow (yet). I'm assuming the tailgate step would not be usable with a trailer.

https://www.stage3motorsports.com/75308-15-15-20-f150-bestop-rear-trekstep-bumper-step.html

I have owned a 2013 Ford F150 from new......They are awesome.........I highly recommend the factory step

 

[jrog540]

I fully agree with Terry recommending the factory step. I've had one on my 2012 F-150 and it is just what is needed to get in and out of truck bed. The factory step includes a folding handle along with the step so you can pull yourself up into bed and also the handle is something to grab on to steady yourself on. As an 80 year old, I need all the steading I can get.

 

[daemonic3]

I LOVE the factory step, but basically only use it for sitting on the tailgate (as a footrest) since I have a shell.

You mention towing and that is a really great point... I cannot even drop the tailgate all the way when my trailer is attached, as the tongue jack is in the way, let alone use the step. I had to physically LIFT my huge labradors into the truck bed with the tailgate partially open and it sucks! (but I digress...)

So if towing is a key time you would need to access the bed, you would need a step like the one pictured so you can climb onto the bumper and in. Hadn't even considered that issue myself!

 

[BMWtoF150]

I have had both. My 2017 Lariat had an Amp Reasearch bumper mounded step. It worked great, no issues getting in and out of bed. My 2021 has a built in step. It is very nice and really easy access t the bed. They both work great.

 

[discothan]

Does anyone have experience with the tailgate step compared to a folding bumper step like this one below? I'm in the process of putting together my list of options, and since I've never had a truck, I don't have experience. I would mostly need to access the bed when transporting bikes and for camping. Nothing to tow (yet). I'm assuming the tailgate step would not be usable with a trailer.

https://www.stage3motorsports.com/75308-15-15-20-f150-bestop-rear-trekstep-bumper-step.html

When the tailgate is down, it will block this bump step.

 

[john.noonan]

I would not trade the factory step on my 2019 F150 for any other solution.

 

[CindyC-IL]

is it possible to get the factory step added after delivery?

 

[UGADawg96]

I think @PungoteagueDave has both the tailgate step and the aftermarket bumper step. I recall a post in another thread a few months back.

 

[sysop]

To answer OP, no, the factory step cannot be used with a trailer attached. If the trailer doesn't have a jack that's in the way of the tailgate coming down, use the trailer frame as a step. If the trailer will not allow the tailgate to drop, then the aftermarket step mounted out on the corner would be the only option.

Also, I agree with everyone above, the tailgate step is better than anything you can add.

To CindyC-IL: No, it is a factory option. If your truck doesn't come with it, you must change the entire tailgate to get it as the structure inside the tailgate is entirely different.

 

[CindyC-IL]

To answer OP, no, the factory step cannot be used with a trailer attached. If the trailer doesn't have a jack that's in the way of the tailgate coming down, use the trailer frame as a step. If the trailer will not allow the tailgate to drop, then the aftermarket step mounted out on the corner would be the only option.

Also, I agree with everyone above, the tailgate step is better than anything you can add.

To CindyC-IL: No, it is a factory option. If your truck doesn't come with it, you must change the entire tailgate to get it as the structure inside the tailgate is entirely different.

Thank you sysop for the response.
Is there recommendations as to which after market step is recommended.

 

[UGADawg96]

I think @PungoteagueDave has both the tailgate step and the aftermarket bumper step. I recall a post in another thread a few months back.

Thank you sysop for the response.
Is there recommendations as to which after market step is recommended.

Here was the post:
https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/amp-research-bedstep-installation.4862/

 

[ocwill1]

I have had both on my trucks. Tailgate step is nice, get it when you buy. You can add the bumper step for when you cannot/do not want to put down tailgate, get get into bed with the corner step very easily.

 

[KEVINL]

Something to keep in mind, you cannot add the after market bumper step when you have dual exhausts.

Found this out the hard way today after trying to install a 2023 Trekstep rear mount step.

 

[Tinman1227]

Yes - AMP brand all the way

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