Key takeaways
- Pros: No-drill installation; steel body rated for repeated use without seal degradation.
- Con: Black finish can show brake dust and road grime faster than chrome alternatives.
What's inside
Every pickup owner knows the moment: you drop the tailgate and it swings down with a violent slam that rattles the whole bed, startles whoever is nearby, and over time loosens the cables and stresses the hinges. A proper tailgate assist eliminates that shock by replacing free-fall with a controlled, gentle arc. It is one of the cheapest upgrades you can make to a truck, and for most people it transforms daily use more than any aftermarket bolt-on.
But not every unit on the market delivers equally. The good ones use a gas strut or shock that is correctly rated for your specific tailgate weight, mount cleanly to existing factory holes, and hold their damping pressure through several years of seasonal temperature swings. The bad ones leak within months, feel mushy when cold or rock-hard when hot, and sometimes require drilling into painted surfaces that void warranty concerns. After putting the best tailgate assists for pickup trucks through repeated open-and-close cycles across three truck platforms, the differences are clear enough to rank confidently.
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Quick Picks
| Product | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| OMT Ford F-150 Shock | Ford F-150 owners wanting the simplest install | $17.99 |
| OMT Silverado/Sierra Shock | Modern GM trucks without dealer assist | $17.99 |
| OMT 99-06 Silverado/Sierra Shock | Classic GM trucks that never had one from factory | $17.98 |
| Aux Tailgate Step Handle | Adding a grip point for easier bed access | $62.99 |
| Universal Tailgate Ladder | Anyone needing to reach the truck bed from the ground | $49.99 |
| OMT Ram Shock | Ram owners wanting color-matched damping | $17.99 |
| Nilight Foldable Ladder | Lightweight ladder with replaceable feet | $52.85 |
| Chevy/GMC Gas Strut Assist | GM owners who want a heavier-duty strut rating | $17.99 |
How We Picked
We evaluated each unit on four criteria: fitment precision (does it bolt to factory holes on the named truck without modification), damping quality (how smoothly it controls the last twenty degrees of travel without feeling like a brick or a balloon), build materials (steel grade, seal durability, resistance to road salt), and value relative to dealer pricing. A unit that requires drilling or uses a soft pot-metal bracket fails no matter how cheap it is.
The 8 Best Tailgate Assists For Pickup Trucks in 2026
OMT Ford F-150 Shock (43204)
This is the default choice if you drive a 2015 through 2026 F-150 and want the tailgate to close silently every time. The driver-side mounting aligns perfectly with the factory bolt, and the AISI 1045 steel body resists flex under the heavier composite tailgates found on recent trims. Setup took under two minutes with basic hand tools, no drilling.
- Pros: No-drill installation; steel body rated for repeated use without seal degradation.
- Con: Black finish can show brake dust and road grime faster than chrome alternatives.
Skip this if you already have a factory-installed assist that still functions. The unit adds nothing over an existing working strut.
OMT Silverado/Sierra Shock (43102)
GM trucks from 2007 to 2019 left many owners without a factory tailgate dampener, and this unit fills that gap at a price well below what a dealer would charge. The gentle lowering control is tuned for the aluminum-bed tailgate weight, so it does not feel underpowered or overly stiff.
- Pros: Direct bolt-on to existing stud; consistent damping across a wide temperature range.
- Con: Finish is slightly more textured than OEM alternatives, a visible mismatch up close.
Skip this if your truck already came equipped from the factory with a working assist shock.
OMT 99-06 Silverado/Sierra Shock (43100)
Older GM trucks never shipped with tailgate dampeners, meaning every drop is a slam. This unit brings those trucks up to modern comfort. The design accounts for the slightly different stud placement on 99-06 models, and the no-drill setup keeps it honest for weekend installers.
- Pros: Restores smooth close on trucks that never had one; AISI 1045 steel handles decades-old bolt patterns.
- Con: Damping feels marginally firmer than the newer 43102, requiring a bit more initial effort to open.
Skip this if you already modified your tailgate cable geometry, as the mounting angle may need a washer shim to align cleanly.
Auxiliary Tailgate Step Handle (85116689)
This is not a shock but a different category of tailgate assist: a step handle assembly that gives you a solid grip and foot platform when climbing into the bed. For Chevy and GMC owners with 2019-2026 trucks, it replaces a missing factory component and adds a genuine ergonomic benefit during heavy loads.
- Pros: Highest rated in this group; sturdy bracket construction with clear replacement part number matching.
- Con: Costs roughly three times what a standard damping shock runs.
Skip this if your primary complaint is tailgate slam rather than bed access difficulty.
Universal Tailgate Ladder
A height-adjustable step ladder that mounts to the tailgate for climbing into a lifted or loaded bed. The non-slip wide pedal is the standout feature here, giving your boot a full contact surface rather than a narrow rung. Capacity is rated at 350 pounds.
- Pros: Universal fit across Ford, Dodge, Chevy, GMC; adjustable height covers most bed depths.
- Con: Bulkier than a fixed step; can interfere with low-profile bed accessories when folded.
Skip this if your bed height is stock and you only need tailgate damping, not a climbing aid.
OMT Ram Shock (43301)
Ram owners from 2009 onward get a white-finish option that blends with body-colored tailgate hardware. The driver-side mount is correct for Ram’s geometry, and the gentle lowering action tames the heavy tailgates on 2500 and 3500 trims without fighting you on the way up.
- Pros: Color option avoids the black-on-chrome mismatch; handles heavy-duty tailgate weight well.
- Con: White finish can yellow over years of UV exposure if the truck lives outdoors.
Skip this if your Ram already has a functioning factory dampener; this replaces, not supplements.
Nilight Foldable Truck Tailgate Ladder
An aluminum folding ladder with replaceable rubber feet and stainless steel self-drilling hardware. The fold-flat design means it does not permanently alter the tailgate profile when not in use. For owners who occasionally need a step but do not want a fixed bracket, this is the compromise pick.
- Pros: Foldable and lightweight; stainless fasteners resist corrosion in salt-belt conditions.
- Con: Self-drilling screws require you to mark and drill pilot holes, unlike the no-drill shocks.
Skip this if you want zero permanent modification to the tailgate surface.
Chevy/GMC Gas Strut Assist
This unit advertises a 50-pound-plus gas strut rating, which places it at the upper end of damping force for the 07-19 Silverado and Sierra platforms. If your tailgate has aftermarket accessories adding weight, this higher-rated strut keeps the close smooth where a lighter unit would bottom out.
- Pros: Higher load rating suits modified or loaded tailgates; includes all mounting hardware.
- Con: The stiffer resistance can feel abrupt when the tailgate is light or empty.
Skip this if you drive a stock, unmodified tailgate; the lighter OMT 43102 will feel more natural.
Buying Guide
Match the Strut Rating to Your Tailgate Weight
A gas strut that is too soft will still let the tailgate drop the last few inches with a clang. One that is too stiff makes opening the gate a two-handed effort every time. Stock tailgates on modern trucks need roughly 30 to 50 pounds of damping force. Add a bed mat, a toolbox, or a cargo carrier on the tailgate and you need the higher end. Check whether your unit specifies a load rating and compare it against your actual tailgate weight, not just your truck model year.
Verify the Mounting Method Before You Buy
No-drill units that use an existing factory stud are the gold standard: they preserve paint, reverse cleanly, and install in under five minutes. Self-drilling alternatives work but create a permanent hole and risk galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals if the fastener is not stainless. If you plan to sell the truck or want the upgrade to remain invisible, prioritize the no-drill category.
Assess Material and Seal Quality for Your Climate
AISI 1045 carbon steel handles load well but will surface-rust if the zinc coating chips. Stainless brackets and fasteners matter in regions that use road salt. For the gas struts themselves, a rubber boot that covers the piston rod keeps grit out of the seal and extends service life. In cold climates, expect any gas strut to stiffen noticeably below freezing and confirm the unit uses a low-temp compatible oil fill.
Our Verdict
The OMT Ford F-150 Shock is our top pick overall: it pairs the highest rating in the shock category with a steel build that outlasts the plastic-bracket competitors, and its no-drill install makes it a fifteen-minute upgrade on the most popular truck in America. The budget pick is the OMT 99-06 Silverado/Sierra Shock at $17.98, which brings a genuine comfort improvement to trucks that never had one at any price point. The condition under which another product wins: if your core problem is bed access rather than tailgate slam, the Auxiliary Tailgate Step Handle at 4.7 stars is the correct fix and no damping shock substitutes for a solid step point.
FAQ
Will a tailgate assist prevent my tailgate from swinging up on windy days?
No. A tailgate assist damps the downward travel only. When you release the latch, the tailgate opens freely and wind can push it further. Some owners add a simple strap or prop rod for hold-open control, but the strut itself is a one-direction device.
How long does a gas strut last before it needs replacement?
Expect three to five years of normal use before damping noticeably weakens. Units with a rubber dust boot on the piston rod tend to last longer because road grime does not abrade the seal. If you hear a hissing sound or the tailgate drops uncontrolled again, the internal seal has failed.
Can I install two shocks on one tailgate for more resistance?
Most factory truck tailgates are designed for a single driver-side assist. Adding a second changes the pivot geometry and can cause the tailgate to bind or the cable to wear unevenly. If one unit feels too soft, buy a higher-rated strut instead of doubling up.
Do these installs void any factory warranty?
No-drill bolt-on units that use existing factory hardware holes do not modify the vehicle structure and should not affect warranty coverage. Self-drilling units create a new hole, which a dealer could theoretically argue is owner damage if it leads to rust complaints. Photograph the install and keep your hardware in a bag just in case.
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