{"product_id":"rough-country-tailgate-assist-for-ford-f-150-f-250-f-350-smooth","title":"Rough Country Tailgate Assist for Ford F-150\/F-250\/F-350 - Smooth","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the Rough Country Tailgate Assist is examined for owners of 2015-2025 Ford F-150, F-250, and F-350 trucks who want a safer, smoother tailgate operation. The bottom line: this simple, bolt-on damper replaces a sudden slam with a controlled, one-handed drop, making loading and unloading easier and reducing the risk of injury or damaged cargo. Installation is straightforward, and the unit is built from plate steel, so it feels substantial in use. For anyone tired of wrestling a heavy tailgate, this is an effective, low-effort upgrade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmooth, One-Handed Operation:\u003c\/strong\u003e The damper provides a controlled, slow lowering action so the tailgate never slams and can be operated with a single hand when carrying gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade for Ford Trucks:\u003c\/strong\u003e Custom-designed for driver-side tailgates on F-150, F-250, and F-350 models to work with the factory cables and original geometry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt To Last:\u003c\/strong\u003e Constructed from durable A1018 plate steel, the component resists the repeated stresses of daily truck use on and off road.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEasy Bolt-On Installation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Includes required hardware and installs without drilling or permanent modification, so most owners can fit it in minutes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBacked by Warranty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rough Country includes a three-year warranty, giving added confidence in the product's durability and performance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tailgate assist is ideal for truck owners who frequently load and unload tools, gear, or passengers and want to avoid tailgate slams or the need to use two hands. It especially suits owners of 2015-2025 Ford F-150, F-250, and F-350 trucks who prefer a simple, reversible DIY upgrade that integrates with factory cables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who should look elsewhere include owners needing a passenger-side solution or people who suspect their tailgate issue is caused by bent cables or structural damage rather than lack of damping. Also, if corrosion resistance in coastal environments is a primary concern, consider inspecting finish options or additional coatings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides consistent, controlled tailgate lowering that prevents sudden slams.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolid build from A1018 plate steel gives a reassuring feel and longevity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFast, no-drill bolt-on install uses factory cables and basic hand tools.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree-year warranty adds peace of mind for long-term ownership.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome buyers report mixed fit results, so careful fit verification for specific trim levels is recommended.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurability opinions vary among users, so heavy-duty or commercial users should inspect mounting and finish over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFitment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFord F-150, F-250, F-350 (2015-2025) driver-side\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOperation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSmooth, controlled tailgate lowering\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA1018 plate steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInstallation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBolt-on; no drilling required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWorks with factory tailgate cables\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWarranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3-year warranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rough Country Tailgate Assist is a practical, value-minded upgrade for most Ford truck owners who want safer, one-handed tailgate operation without permanent modification. It combines a sturdy steel build with easy bolt-on installation and a three-year warranty, making it a good choice for everyday truck use, though buyers should confirm fit for specific trims.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this replace both tailgate cables?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnly one tailgate assist is required per truck and it is designed to work with the factory cables rather than replace them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs drilling required for installation?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, the unit is a bolt-on installation and includes the necessary hardware so drilling or permanent modification is not needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the warranty period?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe product is covered by a three-year warranty from Rough Country.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rough Country","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48256695140571,"sku":"B0DC24VT3L","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71bAOdUqZTL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778297371","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/rough-country-tailgate-assist-for-ford-f-150-f-250-f-350-smooth","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}