New Tow Vehicle - Ecoboost!

[MilCop4523]

I can just imagine it works fine in warmer climates but where there is snow and ice... it would be a back breaker to use.

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by bean

I have the AMP bed Step2 (side bed step) on my 2012 F150.
I would have rather had the Ford OEM version (heavier duty), but Ford doesn't offer them on the 5.5' bed.

They are nice, but kinda expensive for what they are.

I have the Tailgate step, but I might get the Amp rear bed steps they look useful (don't have to put the tailgate down).

Bean

Yes, the Ford Side Step is really heavily built. With the rear step, I also like the fact that I can get up into the truck with the tailgate up. Can't lower the tailgate while towing; and sometimes need to get in there at a reststop. I also think it is a much simpler arrangement. It is a one-step deal vs the three-step arrangement on the Ford factory step. I live in MN and don't see weather as a factor in it's usefulness. It will occasionally get plastered with snow or slush though . . .

[mtnguy]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

Can't lower the tailgate while towing; and sometimes need to get in there at a reststop.

Hey Bob, I can't lower my tailgate while towing either.......I gotta drive, and I doubt that I could run that fast anyway.

Seriously, I have my hitch shank extended enough so that the tailgate will clear the tongue jack when the truck and trailer are in a relatively straight line.....can't do it if the truck and trailer are at a sharp angle.

Instead of using the front pin holes on the receiver and back pin hole on the hitch shank, I use the front pin hole on the receiver, and the front pin hole on the hitch shank. It only moves the ball back about 1", but that gives me enough clearance to lower the tailgate in most situations. Doing that with heavier tongue weights probably wouldn't work, as using the front hitch shank pin hole reduces the maximum load limit from 1400 lbs. to 1000 lbs.

Using the back receiver pin hole and the rear (or even more so, the front) hitch shank hole would even move the ball back further, but I do try to keep the coupler as close as possible to the truck for weight distributing reasons........any more move back and that might upset the apple cart.

I have a tonneau cover over the bed, so that setup allows me to lower the tailgate and retrieve items near the back of the truck without having to mess with the tonneau cover.

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by mtnguy

Hey Bob, I can't lower my tailgate while towing either.......I gotta drive, and I doubt that I could run that fast anyway.

HA! You're too funny!