You already understand how bulky contemporary tailgates are if you have a 4×4. It can be quite annoying when you have to keep touching a heavy tailgate every now and then, whether to pack camping gear, tools, recovery equipment or groceries.
And that is precisely why tailgate assist kits have become so popular among 4×4 owners as an upgrade. A tailgate assist system will make opening and closing the tailgate smoother, safer and easier to control.
The best part? The vast majority of kits are very simple to assemble at home using basic tools.
For a more technical account of the installation procedure, you may also read this informative guide on installing a tailgate assist kit on your 4×4.
What Is a Tailgate Assist Kit?
A tailgate assist kit is an aftermarket device that employs gas struts and brackets to minimize the weight and force of your tailgate when opening and closing.
Instead of:
- The tailgate dropped heavily
- Sudden slamming movement
- Struggling to lift the tailgate
…the assist kit creates a slow, controlled motion that feels much smoother and safer.
Most modern kits are designed specifically for popular 4×4 vehicles like:
- Ford Ranger
- Toyota Hilux
- Isuzu D-Max
- Nissan Navara
- Mitsubishi Triton
Why Installing a Tailgate Assist Kit Is Worth It?
It is also necessary to understand why many 4×4 owners believe this upgrade is worth the money before leaping into an installation.
1. Prevents Tailgate Slamming
Controlled lowering is one of the greatest advantages.
Heavy tailgates tend to fall violently without support, and this can be:
- Destruction - which is a matter of time.
- Mounting points and stress cables.
- Cause hand and finger safety hazards.
A tailgate assist slows the movement and prevents abrupt drops.
2. Makes Daily Use Easier
Tailgate helps in reducing the pressure of lifting and putting down the tailgate to operate it.
This can be particularly helpful at a time when:
- One-handed holding of equipment.
- Loading tools frequently
- Working or camping in the vehicle.
Most systems even allow easy one-handed operation.
3. Reduces Wear and Tear
The constrained flow reduces the force over:
- Hinges
- Tailgate cables
- Latches
- Mounting brackets
This will help increase lifespan and reduce the likelihood of costly repairs in the future.
4. Improves Safety
Tailgating with heavy cars is risky, especially when on rough roads or off-road. A tailgate aiding device reduces the risk of injury by limiting the descent rate.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
A certain installation process will differ for several models of cars, but the overall scheme will be similar.
Step 1: Park Safely and Open the Tailgate
Preferably, park your 4×4 in a flat area prior to this.
Then:
- Open the tailgate half.
- Make sure that the car is steady.
- Hardware: keep it around you.
This will give you safe access to the tailgate both sides.
Step 2: Remove the Factory Tailgate Strap or Bolt
The process of most installations starts with the support strap or factory mounting bolt removed.
You will generally have to:
- Undo the factory screw.
- Carefully remove the strap.
- Keep the original hardware aside
Some vehicles have Torx bolts, which can be harder to loosen.
Step 3: Install the Mounting Bracket
The kit will also have a bracket that links the strut to the tailgate or body.
During this step:
- Make sure the bracket is in place.
- Provided washers and bolts.
- Tighten everything securely
Positioning is very crucial, as when the strut is used improperly, it can strike adjacent panels or lights.
Step 4: Attach the Gas Strut
The actual installation succeeds this. The gas strut is likely to be entangled in:
- The body-side bracket
- The tailgate-side bracket
- As the strut is being attached, the tailgate starts being driven.
The majority of kits are clip-on, designed to be easily installed.
Step 5: Check Tailgate Movement
Before making it all tight:
- Slowly open and close the tailgate.
- Assess smooth movement.
- Ensure around parts clearance.
Tailgate now must descend slowly, upwards not so hard.
Step 6: Tighten and Recheck All Hardware
Once all is fine:
- Tie up any loose bolts.
- Recheck bracket stability
- Inspect cable alignment
A fixed kit has to be solid with no unnecessary movement or noise.
How Long Does a Tailgate Assist Last?
A good tailgate assist kit can be used for several years, when it is correctly used.
Lifespan depends on:
- Build quality
- Weather exposure
- Frequency of use
- Off-road conditions
A majority of the high-end kits are produced using corrosion-resistant materials which are applicable in harsh environments.
If you want to learn more about how these systems improve usability, check out our detailed guide.
FAQs
1. What is a tailgate on a ute?
A tailgate refers to a back door of a pickup truck or ute that opens up the cargo bay.
2. Are tailgate assists easy to install?
Yes, the majority of tailgate assist kits are easy to install as a DIY project and typically only require simple tools and take less than 30 minutes to put in place.
3. Can you install a power tailgate?
Yes, power tailgates systems can be installed as an aftermarket upgrade but are more sophisticated and more expensive than the standard assist kits.
4. How to install the tailgate lift support?
Installation of the tailgate lift supports requires the user to remove the factory bolts and mounting brackets, then attach the gas strut according to the kit instructions.
One of the most convenient, yet not too complicated, upgrades you can make to a 4×4 is installing a tailgate assist kit.
It enhances security, reduces tension, secures your tailgate components, and makes daily use much easier, especially when you need to pack gear, tools, or camping gear.
The installation process is also not as complicated as most people imagine. Most 4×4 owners can do the job at home without professional assistance with simple tools, time, and correct alignment.
Finally, a tailgate assist kit might be a minor addition to your car, but once you start using it regularly, you will soon discover you cannot do without it.