The bumper steps are good on a stock height truck, not so good if you lift the truck and/or add larger tires. They also aren't really designed to do what the tailgate step is designed for. The bumper steps are more for reaching into the bed with the tailgate up. The tailgate step is made for climbing up into the bed with the tailgate down.

 

I had Ford OEM Retractable Bed Side steps installed on both sides of my 2018 Super Crew. FWIW, the surface area of the step measures about 9" x 5" and if I remember correctly, is rated for about 500 lbs (i.e., IMO the step is heavy duty).

I installed an AMP Research BedStep Retractable Bumper Step on the rear bumper and it measures about 11" x 6" and is rated for 300 lbs. The major benefit of this particular AMP step is that it allows me to climb into the bed when the tail gate is down.

I have found the OEM bed side steps to be very useful as I have a DiamondBack bed cover with a DiamondBack bin installed which serves as a tool box. I installed the AMP step before I got my DiamonBack, and it made it easy to climb into the bed of my truck. If I need to remove the DiamondBack to haul something, the bumper step will be there if I need it.

Having said that, I wish I had the factory tail gate step, but I bought my truck off the lot and it was not available.

 

At 64 years old I consider the tailgate step a requirement, especially with a spay-on bed protector. I use my step all the time and my knees (which are sore from playing way too hockey) are thankful. I also have the side steps and like most people hardly use them, mostly when I clean the rear window, or when securing the front on a large load. I likely would not order a truck with the side steps.

 

I have no issues stepping on top of a 33" tire, so there would be no issue using a corner bumper step. I used the Avalanche steps all the time when stepping onto the open tailgate. I've lived with both and simply prefer the bumper corner steps. YMMV

 

Looking at lot trucks, I didn't care if it had a tailgate step or not. Really, didn't care, just looked for all the other stuff I wanted and then it would either have the step or not. Why? Because I had never even used one before. I've used and my family has trucks without a step and it's perfectly fine, and I'm not that old yet and still physically active so I have no problem hopping in and out.

Get the tailgate step.

It's worth it. It's cheap, it doesn't weigh that much, and if/when you don't use it, it's like it's not even there. And remember that you won't be the only one wanting in/out of the bed.

 

I didn't need a tailgate step until I got old.

 

Guess you need to qualify what old is to you. I just turned 60 today and am nowhere close to "needing" a tailgate step. But I am physically very active and fit. I am sure there are plenty of youngsters here who would qualify me as old! They will get there sooner than they think they will.

 

51 and arthritis in both knees. Yeah, I have all the steps and glad I got them. I even use the man-pole. I don’t care anymore.

 

My last two SuperDutys had the tailgate step. That was a must have for me on the new-to-me F150. Too expensive to retrofit. My truck has the side steps and as it was said there is one on each side.

I don’t think the side steps are as useful as the tailgate step and don’t see me using them much. In fact I might take them off. Haven’t decided yet.

 

side steps are great for getting stuff from front of the bed. tailgate step 50/50 depends on how truck is parked.
tailgate assist needs to be like GM, power up. getting it down is not problem