Tailgates have been a staple of truck beds since they were first introduced. From helping you load cargo to keeping your possessions safe and secure, tailgates are a must-have for any truck. But as they get subjected to heavy-duty use, they can suffer from issues like sagging and wear over time. So what’s the solution? Invest in a tailgate assist!
Tailgate assists provide an easy way to easily open and close your truck bed gate, reduce stress on your gate, and protect it from further damage. With so many options out there, where do you start? We’ve rounded up the highest-rated tailgate assists of 2025, so you can make an informed decision. Here, we’ll cover everything from budget-friendly options to premium models, so we have something for you, no matter your needs.
If you’re like most people, you hate having to get out of your car to open the tailgate. It’s just one more thing to do, and it can often be a pain. With Orion Motor Tech’s Pickup Tailgate Assist, that all changes. This helpful accessory makes it much easier and safer to open your truck’s tailgate, and it installs in minutes with no drilling or tail light removal required. Compatible with 2015 to 2021 Ford F150 models, this is a must-have for anyone looking for a bit more convenience.
The heavy-duty construction is electroplated to provide outstanding strength and durability, while the riveted mount plate ensures years of satisfied use. What’s more, you can also attach an optional ball mount plate for even greater convenience. Not only does this tailgate assist make it easier to open and close your truck’s tailgate, but it also makes sure that the drop rate is safely and smoothly controlled. It even works hands-free, making it ideal for the whole family, and that is why we have chosen it as the best overall option out there.
Ever heard that dreaded sound of your tailgate slamming shut? Let’s face it, tailgates are heavy — and they don’t always stay open when you need them to. Now with Winunite’s Tailgate Assist, you can say goodbye to that sound forever!
This steel-made tailgate assist is designed for 2004 to 2014 F150s (not flare-side models) and comes with easy-to-follow instructions and all the hardware you need, including a flat screwdriver. No additional drilling is required! With this tailgate assist, you can conveniently open and close your tailgate at any time — it safely controls the drop rate of the tailgate and allows it to glide down slowly. Plus, the bonus of a one-year replacement warranty means you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
As helpful as tailgates are, sometimes they need a little extra help as well. That’s where the DEE ZEE Truck Tailgate Assist comes in! This heavy-duty tailgate helper is designed to make your life just a little bit easier by allowing you to open and close your truck’s tailgate with one hand and controlling the release rate, so you don’t have to worry about that loud bang.
Plus, this pick is designed to ease the strain on the cables and hinge point by not free falling. It’s also super easy to install because no drilling is required — just use the vehicle application checker for specific parts for your year, make, and model truck! Made from the highest quality materials, this product is designed to give you years of reliable service. So ditch the hassle and get this tailgate assist for an easy and safe tailgate operation.
Sometimes the most difficult thing about tailgating isn’t the food, it’s figuring out how to keep your tailgate from slamming shut. Especially if your hands are full; then, it can be downright dangerous. But with this tailgate assist, that’s all a thing of the past!
This easy-to-install accessory helps you lower your truck’s tailgate safely and easily, without all the hassle and danger. The tailgate assist is mounted on the driver’s side, so it’s always within reach, and it comes with all hardware necessary for installation, including a T20 Allen wrench and a T45 Allen wrench. It’s also compatible with most Dodge and RAM trucks, and it’s backed by a 12+1 month replacement service.
What if there was a world where you would never have to worry about your truck tailgate dropping ever again? We present the Youxmoto Truck Tailgate Assist, a revolutionary addition to your beloved truck. This incredible tool is specifically designed to control the drop rate of your truck’s tailgate, allowing it to stay safely in place no matter what.
Installation is easy, with outstanding quality and only basic tools are required. It fits perfectly on most tailgates from Ford and Lincoln, allowing you to enjoy a safer and more secure ride. The package includes one shock, a ball mount plate, a Torx wrench, a blind nut, and a blind nut tool, ensuring that you have everything needed for installation out of the box. So no more worrying about your truck’s tailgate ever again!
Now that we have the best you can find regarding tailgate assists, it is time to personalize your purchase by becoming familiar with the rest of the options available. You should consider several factors when selecting the best tailgate assist for your situation, and in this section, we will discuss them in detail.
Types of Tailgate Assists
Double-sided tailgate assist
This is the most popular type and works by using two gas struts on either side of your tailgate. The struts hold up the tailgate in any position, allowing you to easily open and close it without struggling.
With a shock absorber
These are similar to double-sided tailgate assists but instead of gas struts, they use a shock absorber that dampens the motion when opening and closing the tailgate. This type is ideal for larger vehicles with heavy tailgates as it provides more stability than a double-sided tailgate assist.
With an easy lift handle
This type is designed with an easy-to-use handle that allows you to open and close the tailgate with one hand. It also helps keep the tailgate in place when opened, eliminating any risk of it slamming shut.
With a strut damper
Designed with a strut damper, these slow the tailgate opening or closing to prevent it from slamming shut. It also helps reduce wear and tear on your tailgate’s hinges and other components.
What Makes for a Good Tailgate Assist?
Vehicle compatibility
When looking for a tailgate assist, ensure it is compatible with your vehicle. Different tailgate assists are designed for different vehicles, so you want to ensure you’re getting the right one. Using an incompatible product on your vehicle is a recipe for disaster.
Single or double latch
Another important consideration is whether you want a single or double latch system. A single latch system has one pivot point, whereas a double latch system has two separate contact points. Single-latch systems are easier to install and operate, while double-latch systems provide more stability. Ultimately, the system you choose depends on your needs and preferences.
Ease of installation
Before buying a tailgate assist, think about how easy it is to install. Some models require extensive wiring and other modifications, while others are much simpler and can be installed within minutes. If you’re uncomfortable installing it, you may want to look for one with a warranty and/or installation instructions.
Weight limits
In addition to being durable, the tailgate assist must be able to handle the weight of your tailgate. Many tailgate assists have maximum weight limits, so check before purchasing. A good tailgate assist should support at least 300 pounds, but some models can support up to 500 pounds. This is especially important if you use the tailgate assist for heavier items, such as large coolers or camping gear.
Durability
Many tailgate assists are made from high-quality materials, such as aluminum or stainless steel, and are designed to withstand the elements. This means they’ll last longer and be more reliable over time. Additionally, make sure you read reviews from other customers who have purchased the same product to get an idea of its quality and longevity.
A tailgate assist is an aftermarket device that helps to reduce the effort of lifting and lowering a tailgate on vehicles with spring-loaded hinges, allowing for greater control of how quickly or slowly the tailgate opens. It also eliminates the need to latch and unlatch the tailgate manually for added convenience
A tailgate assist is connected to the vehicle’s tailgate hinge. It utilizes a counterbalancing system of weights and pulleys that take much of the weight off the user when lifting or lowering the tailgate. The device is designed to be adjustable to account for different tailgate weights and heights.
Yes, most tailgate assists are easy to install and require no special tools or modifications. Installation typically takes less than 10 minutes and can be done with basic hand tools.
Most tailgate assists are designed to be universal and will work with most makes and models of vehicles with spring-loaded hinges. That said, it’s important to check the specifications of your particular model before purchasing to ensure that it fits your vehicle properly.
Generally speaking, one tailgate assist will work for most vehicles. Still, if you have a larger or heavier-duty truck, it may be necessary to install two assists to balance the weight of the tailgate properly.
Using a tailgate assist can make lifting and lowering your vehicle’s tailgate much easier and more convenient while also saving time. It will also reduce the risk of manually straining your back from lifting and lowering a heavy tailgate. Additionally, it eliminates the need to latch and unlatch the tailgate for added convenience manually.
Yes, they are designed to be safe and secure. They’re typically made from high-quality materials and undergo rigorous testing for safety before being sold to the public.