A tailgate assist is a valuable accessory for ute owners seeking convenience and safety in managing their vehicle's tailgate. It offers a solution to the common challenges of handling heavy tailgates, making it easier to open and close them with minimal effort.
What is a Tailgate Assist?
A tailgate assist is a system designed to control the descent and ascent of a vehicle’s tailgate. Commonly used in 4x4 utes like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, it enables effortless lifting and lowering of the tailgate through aftermarket installed gas struts.
How Does a Tailgate Assist Work?
Tailgate assists operate using components and gas struts. These mechanisms, part of a tailgate assist kit, help dampen the weight of the tailgate, ensuring smooth and controlled movement during opening and closing, especially for heavy tailgates on models like the Mazda BT-50 or Ford Ranger PX.
Do You Need a Tailgate Assist?
There are many scenarios where a tailgate assist can be beneficial. Whether you frequently load and unload cargo, want some added convenience, or have physical limitations that make handling heavy tailgates challenging, a tailgate assist can significantly enhance your experience.
Benefits of Having a Tailgate Assist
- Safety: A tailgate assist enhances safety by preventing the tailgate from slamming down uncontrollably, reducing the risk of injury.
- Convenience: It makes opening and closing the tailgate easier with minimal effort, especially for those with less physical strength or mobility issues.
- Vehicle Protection: The controlled movement helps reduce wear and tear on the tailgate and hinges, prolonging their lifespan.
- Improved Cargo Management: It allows for smoother handling of cargo, preventing sudden drops and potential damage during loading and unloading.
How to Install the Tailgate Assist
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing a tailgate assist on a Toyota Hilux 2021-2022. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth installation process.
Package Contains of the Tuff Terrain Tailgate Assist:
- 2 x rubbers
- 1 x easy up strut (passenger side)
- 1 x slow down strut (driver side)
- 6 x washers
- 2 x cable bolts
- 2 x cables
- 2 x friction nuts
Step-by-Step Installation Instructions
We start at the driver start.
Step 1: Remove the Steel Strap
- Begin the installation on the driver side.
- Remove the steel strap from the body by loosening the bolt (indicated by the red arrow in the image).
- Loosen the bolt for the light (yellow arrow) and remove the rubber (green arrow).
Step 2: Remove the Steel Strap and Bracket
- Remove the steel strap and the bracket from the tailgate.
Step 3: Remove the Rubber from the Tailgate
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Take off the rubber from the tailgate.
Step 4: Remove the Taillight
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Carefully remove the taillight to access the installation area.
Step 5: Install the Slow Down Strut
- Attach the cable to the strut bolt first, followed by a washer.
- Place the assembly through the factory hole as shown in the image.
- Tighten it with a locknut and washer.
Step 6: Remove the Factory Bolt from the Lock Assembly
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Remove the factory bolt from the lock assembly on the tailgate.
Step 7: Attach the Cable
- Replace with the special bolt provided.
- Put a thin washer against the tailgate.
- Attach the cable to the bolt.
Step 8: Install the Strut Bracket
- Remove the factory bolt from the hinge closest to the tub.
- Install the strut bracket as shown in the image.
- Ensure that the lip of the bracket sits under the hinge.
Step 9: Reinstall the Taillight Assembly
- Reinstall the taillight assembly.
- Complete the installation for the slow down strut on the driver side.
Step 10: Install the Easy Up Strut
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Repeat the above steps on the passenger side to install the easy up strut.
Personal Experience
From our experience, installing a tailgate assist on a 4x4 has had a significant impact on daily use. The kit has endured frequent trips to the beach and has been exposed to various weather conditions without a cover. It proved to be incredibly reliable. It makes handling the tailgate much easier and safer.
We recommend the Tail Gate Assist from Tuff Terrain