My xlt has a step and didn't have the dampener. I added it to both my 16 and 18. Not expensive and fairly easy to install.

 

Hit the tailgate release on the remote as you are walking up and skip the entire wait.

 

Ya, I've seen where others have stuck the OEM one on, didn't look hard at all. Seems like they're around $45-50. As you said, not expensive.

 

I love the dampener. I have the tailgate step on my '19 XLT and had to add the oem dampener to it. It goes behind the tail light so it's hidden, and it doesn't resist you on the way up like I've heard the deezee does. It was worth the cost increase, it is a remarkably better product than the deezee. I have a buddy with the deezee on his ram 2500 and it's junk in comparison to the oem ford unit, and they have to provide tape so that the deezee won't scratch the paint on the tailgate. The oem ford unit was 63 dollars on amazon compared to 30 for the deezee. On a truck I'll have for several years, that's worth the extra cost.

 

Needed an "Olde man step" due to a 28 inch inseam (some odd physical deformity I was supposed to be 6 ft). But I was cheap and wanted to build my own truck as desired, started with an XL. Anyway I added an to assist when needed.

Sure you'll find a more tasteful addition for your new F150! KM

 

I had one of those at one time, I slipped off it a few times, and that was the end of that. I've got one of these now,
https://www.harborfreight.com/step-s...orm-66911.html
It's OK, but I think the Tgate step will be better.

 

Love it. Only thing I dislike is the power release, but no power close option. I hear it's coming for the 21.

 

At some point I thought there might be two part numbers for the OEM damper. One with a step and a different one without, because of the added weight of the step.

I have the step and added the OE damper but it seems like it drops pretty fast, not as fast as without the damper obviously.

I'm going to find a couple VINs of Lariats with and without steps and see if its a different part number.

Mike

 

Good point Mike, it'd make sense. Would you post what you find, I like the dampener, even though mine is just the DeeZee.

 

I didn't even know the damper existed. I might get me one of them, looks cool.