no, Tailgate Assist is Ford's way of helping LIFT the 'weight' of the tailgate, not for dropping the tailgate - for LOWERING assistance, you can buy any aftermarket easy-to-install 'gas shock' type device - mine works great.

The Tailgate Assist is simply a 'wound' steel bar that provides weight control as you lift the gate UP to close it - the tailgate, on it's own, is heavy, so, this is just a way to offset that weight.

 

I have tailgate assist, it definitely slows the tailgate as it lowers.

 

Thank you for the information - I'll probably get the DeeZee item again - had good luck with it on my 2019 F-150

 

I was looking over my window sticker again and noticed that I was supposed to have tailgate assist - from what I was able to google this is supposed to slowly lower the tailgate (correct me if I am wrong) - mine definitely does not have this installed. The first time I opened tailgate it dropped like a rock - I had tailgate assist on old truck and just expected it to slowly open. Anyone else missing this feature?

I don't know how it could be missing - is it supposed to me installed by dealer? If that's the case, then it would make perfect sense since my dealer has made my purchase a real bad experience.

View attachment 12015

I was looking over my window sticker again and noticed that I was supposed to have tailgate assist - from what I was able to google this is supposed to slowly lower the tailgate (correct me if I am wrong) - mine definitely does not have this installed. The first time I opened tailgate it dropped like a rock - I had tailgate assist on old truck and just expected it to slowly open. Anyone else missing this feature?

I don't know how it could be missing - is it supposed to me installed by dealer? If that's the case, then it would make perfect sense since my dealer has made my purchase a real bad experience.

View attachment 12015

Have you checked to see if that feature is simply turned off?

 

Have you checked to see if that feature is simply turned off?

View attachment 12018

My tailgate only has an electrical lock. The hinge is not powered in any way nor are there any dampers to soften the drop.

Here is a picture from under the bumper

Just the plastic knob that the hinge rotates on is exposed.

Can't believe this is what the stickers claims is tailgate assist.

 

Yes you are missing the assist I had my dealer install it for free on my truck.

 

'Tailgate Assist' feature is simply a tortion bar, as part of all tailgates from Ford, to allow easier LIFT of the tailgate

F-150 2021-2025 "Tailgate Viscous Dampening Cartridge" is the OPTIONAL tailgate LOWERING option, which Ford sells separately.

https://www.ford.com/product/bed-tailgate-viscous-dampening-cartridge-p2749825347

 

Had the same issuedealer added the dampening cartridge for free. Makes tailgate lowering way smoother.

 

So many don't understand...

 

Mine is powered and goes up and down slowly.

 

I was looking over my window sticker again and noticed that I was supposed to have tailgate assist - from what I was able to google this is supposed to slowly lower the tailgate (correct me if I am wrong) - mine definitely does not have this installed. The first time I opened tailgate it dropped like a rock - I had tailgate assist on old truck and just expected it to slowly open. Anyone else missing this feature?

I don't know how it could be missing - is it supposed to me installed by dealer? If that's the case, then it would make perfect sense since my dealer has made my purchase a real bad experience.

View attachment 12015

I had the same problem with my 22 lightning. I had to contact the dealer I purchased it from and they remembered me for the price of the part and I had to install myself. It’s not difficult to do but dealers should install it. Mine was too far to return to them.

 

some trim levels have POWERED Tailgates, yes, but 'Tailgate ASSIST' is simply an included torsion rod, for those of us with 'regular' tailgates...for easier LIFTING of the heavy piece of metal... this is what Ford is referring to on their Window Sticker.

the rest of us also have to purchase, separately, a Gas Shock, designed for tailgates, for help in DROPPING the tailgate, so that it slows on the way down, and doesn't 'slam', or 'bounce', otherwise...

most of us easily confuse the term 'Assist' as alluding to LOWERING the tailgate, when Ford is using it to refer to LIFTING the tailgate.

 

Ford and my lousy dealership win on this - they keep pointing me in opposite directions - no one wants to take ownership nor has any clue what "tailgate assist" is - really? This is what you do for a living and you cannot (or will not) answer a simple question....


I'll just get this item - had it on my 2019 F-150 single cab, long bed - thought i would still be driving it except some idiot in a Mercedes SUV hit me so hard on the expressway that the insurance company deemed the truck as a total loss - bent the bed and frame - but the Mercedes looked a lot worse.

 

The same happened to me. I called Ford Customer Care and they arranged for my dealer to fix. It’s considered an mis-build.

 

Thank you, thank you - I was thinking it had to be some kind of oversight - didn't know there is actually a term for it. What really bothers me is that the dealer was no help - they must deal with these types of issues from time to time - and they couldn't figure it out ???

 

My tailgate is not powered - only locking.

The good soul that posted about the mis-build was spot on - I called Ford customer service and actually spoke to a very helpful person - actually opened a case to address the issue. When I asked her if this was something my dealer should have addressed, she said yes. I gave her an earful - how my dealer could not (would not) help - they said i would have to call Ford. This being the case she said she would speak to the dealer directly. I asked her to slap their hands. I guess it pays to be persistent.