Comments on: Studebaker Had The Tailgate Step Before Ford

By: Bill

Bill — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:23:57 +0000

The DEBO Step pull out tailgate step is the best solution on the market. It can also be used as a “hitch step” by pulling out part way. Go to the website and watch the video! First introduced at the SEMA Show 2005, The DEBO Step has been around longer than Ford’s,…..but not Studebaker.

By: Admin (Jason)

Admin (Jason) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:27:44 +0000

Mike – Looks cool. Thanks for sharing.

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:03:12 +0000

There were a number of steps before Ford’s. A couple are designed to mount using the Toyota hardware and the factory stamped holes. The Amp Research step and the DEBOStep.

We just came out with a DEBOSidestep. It mounts in front of the rear wheel so that you can unhook your goose neck trailer or access your tool box.

By: Admin (Jason)

Admin (Jason) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:58:29 +0000

TXTee – I think that’s what most people do. I’d be curious to see what the take rate is on the tailgate step now…I’ll see if I can find out.

By: TXTee

TXTee — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:34:44 +0000

The step would be great if I could train my dogs to climb using it but that’s all I’d want it for. If I’m carrying anything that heavy where I need balance, I place it on the tailgate and slide it in then hop in and maneuver the item.

By: Admin (Jason)

Admin (Jason) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:49:05 +0000

TXTee – The pole is tough…it rests on the tailgate when not in use, so it’s hard to slide cargo across the tailgate and into the bed. However, without the poll, the step would be hard to balance on if your hands are full. I think it’s a decent idea, but I don’t know…sometimes simple, while imperfect, is better. The step Norm mentioned (which I believe first debuted on the Titan) seems like a perfect fit. It helps you climb in – nothing more. Perhaps if Toyota added a drop-down step to the tailgate and a small grab handle that was recessed, you would have a way to pull yourself up without a big pole being in your way. Or maybe if they just recessed the pole instead of letting it stick way out…

By: TXTee

TXTee — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:31:06 +0000

Wow, I never noticed the pole until Mickey said it. That’s a bit awkward but probably some safety feature Ford had to include so they wouldn’t get sued if someone slipped/fell. Either way, it’s an okay option but not that big of a deal. The AMP aftermarket for Tundra sounds nice though.

By: Admin (Jason)

Admin (Jason) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:32:17 +0000

Norm – Good call. That’s a nice add-on. Just as Goofbaltech says, it’s an after-market step from AMP.

By: Goofbaltech

Goofbaltech — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:41:24 +0000

The back step for your tundra is not built by Toyota. It’s just an ‘officialy’ endorsed aftermarket product. It’s made by a company called AMP Research. The same folks who make the motorized running boards.

By: Norm Arntzen

Norm Arntzen — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:48:06 +0000

What about Toyota’s retracting step for the Tundra? I installed one on my Tundra and it works fine. The dealer didn’t seem to know about it, it seems I was the first guy to order one. The unit is spring loaded and cam operated and goes up or down with a touch of the toe. In two steps you can be up in the bed or on the tailgate.