Steps for pickup bed access

[Highbeam]

The 2008 and newer Ford super duty trucks have a step that folds out of the tailgate and then stows away for zero wasted bed space. The 2008 tailgate will fit all super duties after 1999. It won't be cheap. Fact is, you 2008 owners might be careful that it doesn't get stolen.

 

[CurlyDave]

I climb up into the bed of my F-150 by reaching up and grabbing onto the lumber rack. I open the tailgate but step on the top of the bumper.

A lumber rack might not be the "look" you want, but I use mine several times per month: culvert, pipe, even lumber sometimes. When we go hunting it becomes a rifle rest...

 

[impdaddy]

The good thing about leaving your ball hitch on is that you can always check to see how much abuse your shins will take before they bleed. ROTFLMO.

 

[wedge40]

The good thing about leaving your ball hitch on is that you can always check to see how much abuse your shins will take before they bleed. ROTFLMO.

I also leave my ball hitch on, not only to use as a step, but if someone is not paying attention and happens to run into me, it'll minimize damage to my truck and maximize it to the other vehicle.
And it's true about the shins, but believe me you remember its there after smacking it a few times.

Wedge

 

[caver]

I bought a fold out step for my pickup on the web about ten years ago. I'll look and see if I still have the bookmark. It, and cab sidesteps and a tailgap filler were very handy purchases.

Here's the link
Tailgate Step: Bed Hopper

Thanks ragkar, that's the one Cabela's had for the tailgate,,,,I couldn't remember the name.

 

[rcrcomputing]

Wonder why they "ford in particular" make them so high? What's the point? I'm sure there is one..

 

[ragkar]

I forgot to mention that I solved the problem of things sliding forwards in my long bed pickup by using a grapple.
I use a four tine garden rake with the handle extended using pvc pipe.

lbrown59 I don't understand your concerns about my tailgate step. If you will follow the link that I posted, you will see pictures of it. It doesn't get in the way at all.

 

[tallyho8]

I climb up into the bed of my F-150 by reaching up and grabbing onto the lumber rack. I open the tailgate but step on the top of the bumper.

A lumber rack might not be the "look" you want, but I use mine several times per month: culvert, pipe, even lumber sometimes. When we go hunting it becomes a rifle rest...

You're the first person who I've heard call it a "lumber rack". Everyone I know calls it a "headache rack".

 

[Highbeam]

You're the first person who I've heard call it a "lumber rack". Everyone I know calls it a "headache rack".

In my part of the country a headache rack is simply the vertical barrier that protects the rear window from being broken out. Sometimes they are steel mesh, but usually louvered or something. I suspect the headache term came from the lack of a headache caused by the sunlight or the cargo on your head.

A lumber rack is the local term for the whole superstructure that allows you to carry twenty foot sticks of lumber or pipe above the truck on the rack. Also to tie down the large tall items like refrigerators.

 

[CurlyDave]

I have the same understanding of the meaning of the terms as Highbeam.

As I understand the origin, a headache rack prevents your cargo from coming forward and hitting you in the head.

My lumber rack does not have a headache rack as part of it, but it is just the right size for a 4' x 4' piece of plywood to fit into it and act as a temporary headache rack. This is not by accident, but is part of good design.