I think the tailgate step comes in very handy, I wanted it from the moment I saw it debut on the SuperDuty. Anything that makes life easier is a plus! (side steps weren't an option on a Platinum 5.5', so no idea if they are worth it or not though I suppose it depends how often you use your bed - which I rarely do).

 

I had both the man step and side steps on my 09 fx4. I didn't use the side steps much, but I can see where the guys with the tool boxes could get a lot of value out of them. I loved the man step, and that's the one thing my 10 doesn't have. So I lug around a small step ladder for making climbing in the bed easier. Helps when I'm cleaning the truck, too.

 

Back when I was young I would have thought the same thing, but this old paratrooper's knees really appreciate the man step.

 

I'm also one who bought my '10 as is off the lot....not really caring about having the rear step. But I have to say - I love having it. Not to mention the grandkids having easy access to the bed (no, I do NOT drive them around in it). They just enjoy sitting in the back. If you are "this" close on the fence as to getting it or not...I say go for it. You won't regret it.

 

As one of the previous fellas said, as soon as I saw this option, I knew I had to have it! And yes, the older you get the less attractive,, or maybe I should say, 'more painful' it is having to jump up on the tailgate! That 'man step' is one great addition! I wouldn't have purchased my truck if it didn't have it.

 

So, I just saw the post on the X-Treme Toyz truck at SEMA and noticed it has an AMP Research retractable step under the rear bumper. My truck didn't come with the tailgate step either and I'm thinking of getting one of these (it'll be next year though)
I see it's listed at Amazon for $180.
This step looks pretty solid and the information states it deploys and retracts with a "bump of the foot".

http://www.amazon.com/AMP-Research-7...6739444&sr=8-1

I wonder if one of these could be installed under the front bumper too?

 

Count me in too. My truck came with the man step, so I took it as is.
Now I'm glad I have it.

 

Except for losing ground clearance, that'd be a good idea. I need an a$$ jack just to peer into the engine compartment on my XLT 4x4. Not to mention trying to check fluid levels.

 

I like the step a lot - very happy to have it. I just think the pole is a bit embarrassing.

 

I love the step, but ditched the pole. Put the flat bedliner on the tailgate. The pole and raised section in the bedliner is a pain if you have to slide something heavy out of the truck (like a shortblock).

 

I have a buddy who's had his awhile. It doesn't sit all the way down now, so the tailgate looks odd, because it's not smooth all the way across. Maybe that's just him, but that steered me away from looking into it.

 

I to regretted not getting the tail-step until I got this:

http://www.debostep.com/

 

$150.00?

 

He just didn't close it properly. You have to slam it into place with some force. If you're too timid, it clicks down to stay, but it doesn't latch all the way in so it's flat.