Tailgate Assist Kits: Do They Really Make a Difference? | The One-Handed Truck Upgrade You Didn’t Know You Needed
You know that moment when you’ve got both hands full of tools or groceries, and you just know that dropping the tailgate is going to be a loud, jarring, two-handed ordeal—and you hope nothing falls out when it slams down?
TLDR; Yes, tailgate assist kits genuinely make a big difference for most truck owners. They use a gas strut to catch your tailgate and lower it slowly and smoothly with just one hand, preventing that sudden, jarring slam . Some premium kits even assist with lifting the heavy tailgate back up, effectively reducing its weight by about 50% . The catch? The quality varies wildly, with cheaper kits prone to breaking after a few months, especially on work trucks . For around $35–$150, a good kit is a fantastic upgrade—just don’t go for the absolute cheapest option.
Key Takeaways
- One-Hand Operation: A quality kit lets you lower your tailgate with one finger, controlling the drop so it doesn’t slam down . This is a game-changer when your hands are full.
- Two Types to Know: Basic kits just control the drop (damper). Premium two-way kits also help you lift the heavy gate back up, making closing effortless .
- Quality Matters a Lot: Cheaper kits are notorious for breaking, especially the mounting hardware . Premium brands like ARB and Rough Country are much more reliable .
- Easy DIY Install: Most install in 10–45 minutes with basic hand tools, and many require no drilling .
- Protects Your Truck: By preventing sudden drops, the kit protects your tailgate hinges and hardware from impact damage, helping maintain your truck’s value .
- Check Fitment: These are vehicle-specific, and some kits don’t fit newer models with different tailgate designs .
What is a Tailgate Assist Kit, Anyway?
It’s like having a gentle hand catch your tailgate every time you open it.
A tailgate assist kit is a simple aftermarket accessory that mounts to your truck’s tailgate and bed. At its heart is a gas strut—the same kind that holds up your car’s hood or hatchback. This strut acts like a shock absorber, controlling the speed at which your tailgate drops .
Without a kit, when you pull the release handle, the tailgate falls under its own weight. It slams down hard, making a loud bang and putting a lot of stress on the hinges and cables . With a kit, the gas strut “catches” the gate and gently lowers it in a smooth, controlled motion .
Damper vs. Damper & Lift Assist
It’s important to know there are two main types of tailgate assist kits :
- Tailgate Damper (Drop Control): This is the most common and affordable type. It only controls the opening of the tailgate. You unlatch it, give it a slight push, and the strut guides it down softly. It prevents the slam but doesn’t help with closing .
- Tailgate Damper & Lift Assist (Two-Way): This is the premium option. It has a strut that also assists with closing the tailgate. It effectively reduces the tailgate’s weight by about 50%, so you can lift it with one hand with much less effort . This is a huge benefit for owners who find the tailgate heavy or difficult to manage.
The Benefits: Why You’ll Love It
Here’s what you get for your money.
Effortless, One-Handed Operation
This is the main selling point. With a tailgate assist, you can unlatch the tailgate and let it go, and it will lower itself gently and safely. It frees up a hand, which is invaluable when you’re carrying a heavy load .
Protects Your Tailgate (and Your Ears)
The loud slam of a tailgate dropping isn’t just annoying; it’s also damaging. Over time, the repeated impact can damage your tailgate’s hinge pins, cables, and other hardware . A kit cushions this impact, extending the life of your truck’s tailgate and maintaining its value .
Safer for Everyone
If you have kids, pets, or just clumsy friends helping you load the truck, a tailgate assist is a great safety feature. It prevents the tailgate from slamming down unexpectedly, which can cause serious injuries .
It’s a Budget-Friendly Upgrade
For such a significant improvement in daily convenience, these kits are remarkably affordable. You can find a good quality kit from a reputable brand for anywhere from $35 to $150, making it a fantastic value for the money .
The Catch: Know Before You Buy
It’s not all smooth sailing. Here’s what to watch out for.
Quality is a Major Factor
The most common complaint about tailgate assist kits is that they break. Cheap kits often use low-quality mounting hardware that fails after just a few weeks of use . Reviews are full of stories about bolts pulling out, brackets snapping, and the whole mechanism just falling off . For many users, the kits don’t even make it past the 30-day return window . If you lower your tailgate dozens of times a day for work, a cheap kit is a recipe for disappointment . However, premium brands like ARB and Rough Country generally earn much more positive reviews for their build quality and reliability .
Fitment Isn’t Guaranteed
Even when a kit says it fits your truck, it doesn’t always. Newer models, in particular, might have different tailgate cable designs or hinge geometries that the cheap kits don’t account for . For example, one Ram 2500 owner bought a kit that fit his year, but the tailgate cable put direct pressure on the strut, popping it off its mount and making it useless . It’s a wise idea to check owner forums for your specific truck to see which brands work best .
Sometimes, Slower Is Slower
The controlled drop is great, but for some, it’s actually a downside. If you’re used to yanking the handle and having the gate drop instantly, the 2-3 second controlled descent can feel slow. One forum user mentioned they just stood there waiting for the tailgate to drop, which they found inconvenient . It’s a minor annoyance for most, but something to consider if you’re in a rush.
Comparison Table: Top Tailgate Assist Kits
| Model / Brand | Type | Best For | Key Features | Price Range | What Owners Say |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARB Tailgate Assist | Two-Way (Damper & Lift) | Overall Quality & Durability | Smooth open & assisted close, easy install, vehicle-specific | ~$130-$150 | “Piece of cake to install,” “genuine one-finger exercise” |
| Rough Country Tailgate Assist | Damper (Drop Control) | Value & Reliability | Easy bolt-on, controlled drop, 3-year warranty | ~$35-$45 | “Game changer,” “no more slamming,” but some install hiccups |
| Orion Motor Tech (OMT) | Damper (Drop Control) | Budget | Cheap, fits many Ram models | ~$30-$40 | Mixed reviews: some work great, but many break or don’t fit |
Chart: Tailgate Assist Comparison by Key Features
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Will a tailgate assist kit help me lift my tailgate?
Only if you buy a “damper and lift assist” kit (sometimes called a two-way kit). Basic damper kits only control the drop .
2. How long does it take to install one of these?
Most kits take between 10 and 45 minutes to install, requiring only basic hand tools . Many are bolt-on with no drilling required.
3. How long do tailgate assist kits last?
The gas strut itself is expected to last around 3 to 6 years, depending on your climate and use. However, the mounting hardware on cheaper kits can fail much sooner—sometimes within weeks .
4. Do all tailgate assist kits fit my truck?
No. They are vehicle-specific. Double-check the kit’s fitment for your exact year, make, and model. It’s especially important for newer trucks, which can have different tailgate designs .
5. Which brand is the most reliable?
ARB and Rough Country are both frequently praised for their build quality and long warranties. ARB is a leader in two-way systems, and Rough Country’s products are a great balance of price and performance .
6. Can I install a tailgate assist kit myself?
Yes, they are designed for DIY installation. The instructions are generally clear, and the process is straightforward. It’s a good idea to watch a YouTube video if you get stuck .
References
Tailgate Assist & Truck Accessory Resources:
- 4×4 Works – Tailgate Assist Kit Guide
- 4x4AT – Tailgate Damper and Lift Assist
- Truckman – ARB Tailgate Assist System
- Repco – Toyota Hilux Gas Struts Guide
Have you ever dropped your tailgate and wished it would slow down? Or are you already a tailgate assist convert? Drop a comment below and share your experience!
