Best Tailgate Assist (Review) – Top Picks & Complete Guide
People often face difficulties with the tailgate of their vehicle. When opened, its freefalls until caught by cables. Are you also the one experiencing difficulties with your vehicle’s tailgate?
The tailgate is a very important part of a pickup/ truck and, like every other part, equal attention should be paid to it. There are efficient solutions for dropping tailgates. All you need to do is search and analyze.
However, a better option is to consider the ones reviewed by us. If you want to research on your own, go through our guide to find the best tailgate assist.
Best Tailgate Assist in 2020
A freely falling tailgate is not good because it decreases the life of mounting hardware or cables used during the process. Such a tailgate might also lead to minor accidents. Moreover, the sound produced when it drops is very disturbing.
But there is a solution to all this, tailgate assist or small hydraulic damper. It is a shock absorber (or strut) attached directly to the tailgate as well as the bed. This tool slows down the downward movement of a tailgate. The market is full of different types of tailgates for different vehicles but selecting the one most suitable for your vehicle is a bit difficult. Don’t worry, the ones reviewed by us are the best.
Comparison Table of Best Tailgate Assist
Name |
| Ratings | Latest Price |
Gorilla-Lift 40101042GS |
| ||
Dee Zee DZ43301 |
| ||
Double Barrel RA27C |
| ||
Buyers Products 5201000 |
| ||
Ford FL3Z-99406A10 |
| ||
Dee Zee DZ43200 |
| ||
Dee Zee 43300 |
| ||
Hopkins EASYLIFT |
| ||
Sangyue Zebra10017 |
| ||
Fenza TA-NP01 |
| ||
AEagle 200502 |
|
Our 10 Picks of Best Tailgate Assist
To help you get the best tailgate assist, we analyzed several options available in the market. We also interviewed a few buyers of this tool and analyzed the basic and essential task a tailgate assist should perform. After that, we finalized these best 10:
1. Gorilla-Lift 40101042GS – Makes the tailgate movement virtually effortless
Our primary pick is a double-sided tailgate lift assist from Gorilla-Lift. It is made to simplify the upward and downward movements of your tailgate. The most attractive feature is that it allows you to use only one hand for raising or lowering the tailgate.
The tailgate available in your vehicle and other vehicles might not weigh the same. Sometimes when you purchase an assist, it proves to be useless just because your trailer is either lightweight or heavy. With Gorilla-Lift, this is not a problem because it is adjustable according to different weights and sizes of tailgates.
This assist is made to neutralize the complete weight of your utility trailer’s heavy ramps or tailgates. It makes raising or lowering of heavy trailers virtually effortless. This double-sided assist is usually recommended for a 4 – 6 ft. tall tailgate and having 300 lbs. as the maximum weight.
Whether the side rails are a round tube, angle iron or square tube, it easily gets installed and increase the life of your trailer gate.
- Best for tall tailgates up to 4-6 ft.
- Being double-sided, it makes the process to lower or raise the tailgate almost effortless.
- Easy and quick to install.
- Looks attractive because the lifting system is completely enclosed inside a casing.
- Can be operated with a single hand.
- Available in selected colors only.
Bottom Line
Gorilla-Lift 40101042GS is a very useful product for everyone looking to simplify their interaction with the tailgate. It is compatible with almost every 4-6 ft. tall tailgate.
2. Double Barrel RA27C – A High-Quality Patented Lift Assist
Our next pick, RA27C, is a patented product from the house of Rack’em Mfg. It is a double barrel trailer gate lift-assist having a chain to complete the process. The most amazing thing of this assist is that you have to use only a single finger to move it upwards or downwards.
To efficiently deal with heavy gates, it is given an exclusive double spring design that provides extra power for the lift. It is compatible with open trailer rails having a height of 10” – 15” but the height at which it performs excellently is 12”.
You might have heard that some tailgate assists move heavy tailgates almost effortlessly. Double Barrel RA27C is one of them. It is capable to reduce the pressure of 200 pounds to less than 5 pounds. And if the tailgate of your truck/ pickup weighs more than 200 pounds, you can go for two such assists.
A feature we liked most about this tool is that it consumes only 54” of rail space which is least in the industry. This and many other features make it unique.
- The only tool in the market that uses a chain to assist in lifting.
- Requires only a finger to operate.
- Reduces the pressure of a 200 pounds gate to below 5 pounds.
- Being a patented product leaves no room for quality issues.
- Efficient design makes it suitable for almost all open trailer rails with 10” – 15” height.
- Installation instructions are not sufficient.
Bottom Line
Double Barrel RA27C is one of the best tailgate assists in the market. This patented tool uses a chain to prevent the tailgate from freefalling. If you are looking for an efficient and high-quality product, go for it.
3. Buyers Products 5201000 EZ Gate Tailgate Lift Assist – Patented design and silent operation
Buyers Products 5201000 EZ Tailgate Lift Assist is at the third position in our list. This one also bears a patented design which helps in reducing physical strain caused because of lowering and lifting the tailgate of a trailer.
This tailgate assist reduces the weight pressure up to 90 percent and if your tailgate weighs around 180 lbs., one such kit is enough. And if your vehicle has a square or round tubing, you don’t need to purchase mounting hardware from the market because it is included in the package.
Noise is usually a problem with tailgate assists. The manufacturers of EZ Gate tailgate lift assist have found a solution and included anti-rattle spring in it which leads to quieter operation. Coming to the compatibility of this tool, it can be used on almost all standard open trailers having a square or round tubing.
- For a standard installation, it comes with mounting hardware.
- Features anti-rattle spring for silent operation.
- Patented design helps in reducing the physical strain and is also an assurance of quality.
- Mounts easily on the side (square or round) tubing.
- Backed by the “Buyers Products” experience of more than seven decades.
- Some users face issues with the supplied bolts.
Bottom Line
5201000 EZ Tailgate Lift Assist is backed by the 70 years’ experience of Buyers Products. It is best for reducing the 90 percent weight pressure of tailgates weighing up to 180lbs. It also promises a silent operation.
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4. Ford FL3Z-99406A10 – Genuine OEM Part for Ford F-150
The fourth in our list is Ford FL3Z-99406A10. It is a tailgate shock assembly from OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). So, you don’t need to worry about quality. Just focus on other important features.
This tool is best suitable for Ford F-150 launched between 2015 – 2018. This model is quite new, finding an aftermarket assist for it is difficult. But with FL3Z-99406A10, the OEM part, you don’t need to look for an aftermarket product.
This, being from the house of Ford, will fit your vehicle perfectly. During our research, we found that it is one of the least returned and repaired the tailgate shock assembly.
When it comes to installation, detach the tailgate and replace the factory-fitted latch with the steel one provided with it. Use the same T-50 bolts. Remember, you might require another person while removing the latch. Now, install the shock absorber rod and it is ready to work.
- Being OEM part, it keeps the worries about quality away.
- Best suitable for the latest models from Ford.
- Higher satisfaction rate; very few customers return it.
- Made from high-quality steel.
- Lightweight and durable.
- Might require assistance from another person during the installation.
Bottom Line
Ford FL3Z-99406A10, being an OEM part, is a reliable and high-quality product. It is one of the very few tools which protect the buyer’s investment. If you are looking for a tailgate assist that makes your recently purchased F-150 truck more useful, it is the one.
5. Dee Zee DZ43200 – Best for Ford F-150 (2004 – 2014)
Our next pick is also for the Ford F-150 truck but older models, the ones launched between 2004 – 2014. It is from Dee Zee and besides quality, another reason for including it in our list is the popularity of F150 trucks.
Dee Zee is known to produce high-quality truck accessories since 1977. DZ43200, the gas shock dampener, represents their expertise in this field. This tailgate lift assist is specifically designed for F150 from 2004-2014. The best feature of this tool is that it works with the prevailing cable setup of your vehicle. It perfectly fits in the existing holes, no drilling required.
With this assist, your Ford F-150’s tailgate slowly goes down and you can close it with just one hand. This tool makes the whole process so easy that even a child can do it.
While installing, remember this one mounts towards the driver’s side. Yes, this is the single tailgate assist you need to install on your F-150 truck. Another great feature this tool has is that it is tested for tough use.
- High in quality and tested extensively for tough jobs.
- Prevents additional expenses because it fits existing drill holes and all necessary hardware is included in the package.
- The gas shock dampener mechanism smoothens the movement of a tailgate.
- Backed by the Dee Zee experience of more than four decades.
- Only one tailgate lift assist is required per vehicle.
- Some users face durability issues in the long term.
Bottom Line
Dee Zee DZ43200 is made to fit the F-150 model of Ford launched during 2004 – 2014. Since only one assist is enough for a single vehicle, it is safe to go for this affordable and high-quality solution.
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6. Dee Zee 43300 – Perfect solution for Dodge Pickup
Our next pick is also from Dee Zee and it is suitable for full-sized Dodge Pickup launched between 2002 – 2006. It provides great assistance when you want to easily move your truck’s tailgate up or down. With Dee Zee 43300, free fall or dropping off your vehicle’s tailgate becomes a history.
The most impressive feature of this tool is its ability to function smoothly. You can operate it with a single finger. In other words, this assist is so easy to operate that even a child can do it. Next time, if your hands are full and you have Dee Zee 43300 installed in your truck, don’t worry.
Another benefit of this assist is that you don’t need to install two assists on both the sides of your tailgate. Only one assist is enough for a vehicle. When it comes to quality, it is rigorously tested for rough handling.
Installing it is also not a problem and you don’t need to drill, not even purchase any additional hardware. All hardware required for mounting comes is included in the package.
- Made to perfectly fit full-sized Dodge Pickup (2002-2006).
- Can easily handle rough daily use.
- No drill installation required. Fits in the existing holes.
- Only one assist is enough for one pickup/ truck.
- Easily operable, even with a single finger.
- Not suitable for heavy tailgates.
Bottom Line
If finding a perfect tailgate assist for pickup trucks for your Dodge pickup launched between 2002 -2006 is your aim, we suggest considering Dee Zee 43300.
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7. Hopkins EASYLIFT – The powerful torsion bar
We have Hopkins EASYLIFT at the seventh position in our list. It is known to lift up to 80 percent weight off your vehicle’s tailgate. In other words, it makes your tailgate operable by one hand.
EASYLIFT does not work on the shock mechanism. It is a torsion bar made up of solid spring steel and having a “U” shape. You can install it in the space between the tailgate and the truck’s bed.
The best thing is that it installs in just 20 minutes on most full-sized pickup trucks. All you have to do is drill one hole on the truck’s bed and another one on the tailgate’s bottom. This bar will slide into both holes.
Coming to the compatible models, you can install it on different vehicles from Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge, Ford, and Toyota. One thing we want to inform you is that it doesn’t control the tailgate’s drop rate but it simplifies the opening and closing of the gate. Also, it avoids wear, prevents hinge damage, and minimizes injury risk.
- The “U” shape of this torsion bar reduces the weight pressure up to eighty percent.
- Makes the tailgate operable with just one hand.
- The solid spring steel build makes it durable and sustains rough usage.
- Compatible with a variety of trucks and similar vehicles.
- Proper installation instructions help it install in just 20 minutes.
- Not made to control the drop rate of a tailgate.
Bottom Line
EASYLIFT is easy to install on almost every truck having a hollow bed. Whether you own a vehicle from Ford, Chevy, GMC or any other brand, this tailgate lift assist will perfectly fit it.
8. Sangyue Zebra10017 – Cheap yet efficient alternative to F-150 OEM part
Our 8th pick is Sangyue Zebra10017. It is a tailgate lift assist shock strut best suitable for Ford F-150 truck launched during the period 2015 – 2018. This is not an OEM part, but it delivers nothing less than one.
It’s working mechanism somehow resembles that of tailgate lift assists from Dee Zee. It is made to fit Ford trucks but can fit various other pickups and trucks. We suggest checking the credentials of your vehicle before buying.
When installing, mount it on the driver side. Remember, you don’t need to do any kind of drilling because it fits in the pre-existing holes.
We also want to inform you that this is not just a shock assist, but a complete tailgate lift assist shock kit and includes 1x Shock, 2x Ball mount plate, 1x Ball mount, 1x Torx Wrench, and 1x Gumwater in the package. With this, you won’t need to make any additional purchase.
- Equivalent to OEM part of Ford F-150 trucks launched between 2015 – 2018.
- Comes as a complete kit and prevents any additional purchase.
- Compatible with several other vehicles also.
- Minimizes the tailgate’s drop rate significantly.
- Painted exterior helps it last long.
- Novice users find it difficult to install.
Bottom Line
Sangyue Zebra10017 is the cheap alternative of OEM part for Ford F-150. However, it does not lack advantages and provides satisfactory results to the user. If you have Ford F-150 or similar vehicle and want an advanced tailgate assist at a lower price, this is the one.
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9. Fenza TA-NP01 – Latest and the best assist for Nissan Navara
We have Fenza TA-NP01 at the ninth position in our list. This shock assist is made to fit Nissan Navara NP300 launched between 2016 – 2019. We have it on our list because it smoothens the opening and closing of your truck.
This tool is designed to reduce the weight pressure of your tailgate by up to 95%. It means if the tailgate of your Fenza TA-NP01 weight 10kg, its pressure will be reduced to that of a 500 gm tailgate. Another advantage of this tailgate is that you can operate it with just one hand. Not only this, even kids can use the tailgate with ease.
Coming to the installation, you don’t need to drill any holes as it installs on the existing setup. Another benefit this tool provides is that it prevents you from making any additional purchase. All the accessories required for mounting it on your vehicle comes along with the package.
- Smoothens the opening and closure of a tailgate.
- Reduces the weight pressure by up to 95%.
- Prevents any additional purchase as all the mounting hardware is included in the purchase.
- Proper instructions make installation very easy.
- Can be operated with a single hand.
- No negatives by now.
Bottom Line
Since Nissan Navara NP300 launched between 2016 – 2019 is almost a new vehicle, very few tailgate assisting tools are available in the market. Fenza TA-NP01 is one of the best assists if you own a Nissan Navara.
10. AEagle 200502 – Cheap alternative for Ford F-150 OEM part
Our last pick is AEagle 200502. It is a tailgate assisting shock dampener made specifically for Ford F-150 trucks launched in between 2015 – 2018. This is one of the few assists which make opening and closing of your F-150 truck’s tailgate virtually effortless.
There are many assists in the market which require professional assistance or a lot of time to install. But installation is not an issue with AEagle 200502. You don’t need to drill any holes, just mount it on the driver’s side.
Though it is specifically marketed as an assist for Ford F-150 trucks, you can install it on other models also. For this, we suggest confirming the make, model, and launching year of your vehicle. Another positive thing with this assist is that all mounting hardware comes in the package. Yes, you will get 1x shock, 1x torx wrench, 2x ball mount plate, and 1x ball mount with your purchase.
- Made to perfectly fit Ford F-150 trucks (2015 – 2018).
- No need to drill extra holes for installation.
- Prevents additional purchase as all mounting hardware included in the package.
- Affordable and easy to install.
- Painted exterior prevents rust and increases its life.
- Some users complain that it doesn’t perform efficiently in cold weather.
Bottom Line
AEagle 200502 is one of the most affordable assists for Ford F-150 launched during 2015 – 2018. If you want to improve the drop rate and increase the life of your F-150 truck’s tailgate, go for this one.
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Things to Consider When Buying Best Tailgate Assist
If you want to buy a tailgate assist on your own, you should either be experienced or have at least the basic knowledge. Below are certain things you should consider while purchasing the best tailgate assist.
1. Determine the Purpose
The very first thing you should do is determine the purpose of this tool. Consider the following:
- If your vehicle does not have a preinstalled tailgate cable, you will require a tailgate assist that works as a tailgate cable and a shock absorber. Thus, you should go for a double-sided assist.
- If the tailgate of your vehicle drops frequently and you want to protect it, a gas shocker with socket and ball will work for you.
- There are some assists which use torsion energy and reduce the effects of their free-falling nature. It is possible because torsion energy keeps the velocity in limits.
2. Vehicle Model
This is very important. You should check whether the tailgate assist you are purchasing is compatible with your vehicle. Make sure it matches model number as well as the manufacturing year of your vehicle. Mostly, customers check the model but avoid the year which leads to increased returns and delays. If you want to get the best tail assist in the first go, check both things.
3. Installation Type
There are different types of tailgate assists in the market – some are easy to install and some require the help of professionals. Depending upon different installation types, here are some common ones:
- One-sided Gas Shock: In this kind of tailgate assist, the role of a dampener is played by a gas shock and you can install it on the driver side.
- One-sided Spring Shock: It this type, a painted spring is used as the dampener and it’s installation also takes place on the driver side.
- Two-sided Cable: This type of tailgate assist is made to install on both the rails of your truck/ pickup.
- U-shaped Torsion Bar: This u-shaped torsion bar is used to connect the tailgate and the truck bed.
4. Manufacturer
By the manufacturer, we mean whether it is manufactured by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or not. The tailgate assists from OEM are good in quality and most compatible with the relevant make and model of the vehicle. Moreover, buyers get proper support from the manufacturer and don’t face issues in installing them.
It doesn’t mean non-OEM tailgate assists are bad but some of them fail to satisfy the customers. Also, non-OEM assists are cheaper than their OEM counterparts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Tailgate assist is an extra but important component of a vehicle. Some questions might arise in your mind while purchasing the best one for your vehicle. Below, we are providing answers to some frequently asked questions about tailgate assists.
- Do I need a Tailgate Assist?
- Do all tailgate assists work on the same mechanism?
- I already have a tailgate assist but it is not working. Should I get it repaired or purchase a new one?
- Can I install a tailgate assist on my own?
- Will I get installation instructions with my purchase?
- Which tailgate assist should I choose?
- Should I go for OE or non-OE manufactured assist?
- Do all assists come with a ramp?
- If they are so important, why don’t they come pre-installed?
- Do I need to purchase mounting accessories separately?
If your tailgate falls freely and its functioning is annoying, you require a tailgate assist.
No, some use spring as the dampener, some have a cable to do this work, and some depend upon the gas shock.
It is better to purchase a new one.
Yes, most tailgate assists are made to be easily installed by the end-user.
Most manufacturers provide installation instructions. If they are not available with the one you purchased, consider the installation instruction videos on YouTube. There are many.
It purely depends upon the vehicle model and in which year it is made. Also, consider the budget and the mechanism suitable for you.
If you want to be 100% sure about the quality and better after-sales service, go for the one from OEM.
No, only selected models from a few manufacturers come with a ramp.
Their importance is realized with time. Some new trucks come with a pre-installed tailgate lift assist.
It depends upon the manufacturer. However, most tailgate assists come with mounting accessories.
Wrapping Up
The freely falling tailgate can injure or at least, annoy any vehicle owner. This type of tailgate is not good for the health of your vehicle also. The only way to avoid all such issues is to install a tailgate lift assist in your vehicle. To get the best tailgate assist, you can either research on your own or purchase any of our top picks. Rest assured, a tailgate assist will significantly reduce the tailgate drop rate.
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