how about the weatherguard step that goes in the tow hitch?

 

I have the step spencerpj shows and it works pretty good. I am 70 years old and 230# and would prefer if it were more robust in its construction. Lighter, younger folks would likely be fine.

 

It's funny when I bought the truck and was done with all of the paperwork and I was going over final delivery inspection with my salesman, I asked him what that square was on the tailgate. He was surprised and he never showed me during the sale. I had no idea you could ever get that for a truck. Great salesman huh!

 

It's pricey, but the is the best solution I found. I looked at all kinds of options. I call it my old man step.

 

If I didn't have a topper, and needed a step, the Amp Research style step might be my preference. There is one thing missing with this type of step. The post or assist handle that pulls from the tailgate. It can be a deal breaker for the assist one might need to get into the bed.
A note of caution about the Ford step: I have a bad habit of jumping backward when I get out of the truck bed. My medical needs increased a lot one day when I did this with the step extended. (Mental relapse) The step ripped the skin on both shins in a manner to make one invent new bad words. Took a long time to heal too! Just a cautionary bit of info.

 

Amp step here too. Works great. Tucks better than the cheaper alternative that I found when searching.

 

Thanks to all, looks like I will order the Amp, I like the fact that drilling into the gate is not required.

 

Make sure the bolts are long enough. When I installed mine several years ago I found that there were only a few threads holding it on. This is also the bracket that holds the trailer hitch on. I had to replace the original bolts with longer ones. They may have updated this by now, at least I hope so. This could be critical if you do any towing.

 

Highly recommend this step. Easy install, tucks away. I cannot climb in and out of the bed, too many broken bones in leg and back over the years. This solved the problem.

 

I'll agree with that - I use the driver's side rear upright on my Leitner ACS rack as the handhold, without it I would be less steady