Most people buy a tailgate assist expecting a hand to lift the gate for them. That is not what the part does. A tailgate assist is a bolt-on damper, usually a gas strut, that catches the tailgate as it drops and slows it to a controlled descent. It removes the slam and the free-fall, and it lets you stop the gate with two fingers. It does not add lift power.
That distinction matters most on the gates this roundup is built around. A step-side or half-door truck tailgate, or any gate with an integrated step and grab handle, carries far more momentum than a standard bed gate. Released from latch, it can fall hard enough to be a crush hazard and genuinely hard to lift back up. Owners on F-150 Forum and RamForumz describe exactly this, and the fix is a damper matched to the gate rather than a generic strut.
We went through the current crop of assists for pickup beds and trailer gates, checked the fitment ranges against the real complaints in owner forums, and ranked them for heavy-duty use. This is our guide to the best tailgate assists for heavy tailgates in 2026, covering the pickup dampers separately from the trailer lift assists, since the two categories get mixed together constantly and solve completely different problems.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Heavy Tailgates in 2026
Dee Zee DZ43301 Ram
- Fits 2009-2018 Ram 1500 plus 2500/3500
- One-hand controlled drop
- Vehicle-specific no-drill install
Dee Zee DZ43102 Chevy
- Fits 2007-2018 Chevy/GMC 1500
- Smooth controlled drop
- 15-minute install
The Dee Zee DZ43301 takes the top slot because it pairs the largest review base in this group with a vehicle-specific bracket that avoids drilling, and it is the unit Ford itself sells on several trucks. The GORILLA-LIFT scores highest on stars and is the only true lift option here, which makes it the pick for steel trailer gates rather than pickup beds.
All 10 Tailgate Assists Compared in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Dee Zee DZ43301 Ram Tailgate Assist |
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| GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided Trailer Tailgate Lift |
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| Dee Zee DZ43102 Chevy/GMC Tailgate Assist |
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 Vepagoo Tailgate Assist Ram 1500/2500/3500 |
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 OMT Tailgate Assist Shock Ram 2009-2026 |
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 ECOTRIC 2-Sided Trailer Gate and Ramp Assist |
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 Rough Country Tailgate Assist Ford 2015-2026 |
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 Buyers Products EZ Gate Tailgate Assist |
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 Gledewen Trailer Gate Lift Assist XLB10 |
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Check Latest Price |
 VEVOR Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist 180 lb |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Dee Zee DZ43301 – Best Tailgate Assist Overall for Heavy Ram Gates
Dee Zee DZ43301 RAM Tailgate Assist / ‘09-‘18 RAM 1500/2019+ RAM 1500 Classic / 2010+ RAM 2500/3500
Vehicle-specific Ram damper
Aluminum shock
No-drill install
3-year warranty
Pros
- One-hand controlled drop with no free-fall
- Reduces load on cables and hinge
- Vehicle-specific bracket means no drilling
- Nutsert ships with thread lock applied
Cons
- End caps and ball-socket clips can loosen over time
- Tailgate cable can bind near the shock on some Ram setups
The DZ43301 is the part I would put on a Ram that gets worked hard. It covers 2009-2018 Ram 1500, the 2019 and later Ram 1500 Classic, and 2010 onward 2500 and 3500 models, which means most heavy-duty Ram gates in circulation fall inside the range without modification. The mounting hardware, shock and nutsert all come in the box, and the nutsert already has thread lock on it, so you are not hunting for a separate tube of Loctite halfway through the job.
Owners consistently describe a smooth one-handed drop and less strain on the tailgate cables and hinge, which matters on a heavy gate where the cable is carrying part of the load every time you open the bed. F-150 Forum owners running similar Dee Zee dampers report units holding up for 4, 6.5 and 7 years, with one transferring the part between two trucks, which is the kind of longevity evidence missing from star ratings alone.
The shock itself is aluminum and the whole unit weighs 16 ounces, so nothing about the package suggests weight capacity on paper. That is normal for this category. The way to judge a damper is where it starts catching the gate and how much of the stroke it holds, not what the listing claims. On a stock half-door or step-side Ram this one catches early and holds through most of the travel.
The weak spot is long-term hardware. A minority of owners report the shock end caps and ball-socket clips loosening on earlier revisions, and a few Ram owners note the tailgate cable occasionally binding right at the shock. Dee Zee carries a 3-year limited warranty, which is longer than most of the field. If your gate has an integrated step and grab handle, this part slows the descent but will not turn a 100-pound gate into a light one.
Who the DZ43301 suits
It suits Ram owners who want the factory-style experience without a dealer trip, and the drilling-free install is the deciding factor for anyone who does not want to cut into a bed rail. It is also the sensible pick for a work truck where the gate gets dropped with a load in the bed several times a day and the hinge and cable take the punishment.
For anyone with limited upper-body strength, the controlled drop is the whole point. A gentle descent means you can stop the gate mid-travel rather than catching it at the bottom, which removes the hardest moment of the operation.
Who should look elsewhere
If your Ram has a factory electric tailgate or a MultiPro-style bed, this passive damper is the wrong mechanism entirely. Owners of electric and frameless-window doors need the truck’s own electronic drop, not an aftermarket shock. Those who need genuine lift assistance, not damping, should read the trailer section of this guide instead.
Watch the fitment year range carefully. The 2019 and 2020 Ram 1500 kept the old body style and is covered as the Classic, but a current-generation half-door gate is not. Check the truck before ordering rather than assuming the range covers it.
2. GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided – Best Lift Assist for Heavy Steel Trailer Gates
Genuine GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist
Universal trailer 2-sided lift
300 lb pull force
Fits 12-24 in. rails
Powder-coated alloy steel
Pros
- Moves 175-250 lb steel gates with one finger
- Highest rated in this group at 4.8 stars
- Adjustable lift force suits many gate weights
- Fully enclosed housing protects the mechanism
Cons
- Installation can run 2-4 hours with vague instructions
- Wheel wells may need shorter bolts than supplied
- Highest cost among the assists reviewed
This is the only genuine lift assist in the group and the highest-rated product we looked at. Where a pickup damper fights gravity, the GORILLA-LIFT uses a cable-and-lever mechanism on both sides of the trailer to put real upward force on the gate. Owners with welded steel utility and commercial gates in the 175 to 250 pound range describe lifting them with a single finger, and for anyone whose back is the limiting factor that is the difference between using the trailer and avoiding it.
Adjustment is the key feature. It fits side rails from 12 to 24 inches and gates from 4 to 6 feet, so one kit covers a wide spread of trailer builds, and the lift force can be dialled to suit the gate weight rather than fixed for a narrow range. The powder-coated alloy steel housing is fully enclosed, which protects the moving parts and keeps hands away from the mechanism in use.
Serviceability is unusually thoughtful for this category. The spring and cable components are sold separately, so when a cable goes after several years of use you replace the cable rather than the whole assembly. That matters on a part intended to sit outdoors on a working trailer for a decade.
The friction points are installation. Owners report 2 to 4 hours of fitting, with instructions that some describe as vague, and wheel-well interference on certain trailers that calls for shorter bolts than the ones in the kit. Plan the bolt lengths before you start. This is also the most expensive assist we reviewed, so it earns its cost on a genuinely heavy steel gate rather than a light aluminium one.
Who the GORILLA-LIFT suits
It suits anyone with a steel trailer gate heavy enough that lifting it hurts, and the 300 lb pull force covers most utility, equipment and dump-style trailer gates. It also suits commercial users who open and close a loaded gate dozens of times a day and cannot afford a back injury on the job.
It is equally suited to a tailgate that doubles as a loading ramp, where the two-sided support keeps the ramp steady as you drive equipment up to it. Nothing else in this list adds upward force at all.
Who should buy something else
Do not fit it to a pickup bed. This is a trailer part with no vehicle-specific bracket, and a pickup tailgate uses factory hinges and cables that a lever-and-cable trailer system will not work with. If you want a pickup damper, use one of the vehicle-specific units further down this list.
Skip it if you are not prepared to spend a few hours on the install or if your trailer’s side rails sit outside the 12 to 24 inch range. A lighter aluminium gate will barely notice the difference, so the money goes further on the heavier steel builds.
3. Dee Zee DZ43102 – Best Value Damper for Chevy and GMC Heavy Gates
DZ43102 Tailgate Assist fits 07-18 Chevy/GMC 1500 & 07-19 HD 2500/3500
Chevy/GMC 1500 and HD fit
Powder-coated bracket
3-year warranty
16 oz shock
Pros
- Installs in about 15 minutes with hand tools
- Smooth one-hand drop with no slamming
- Pre-threaded nutsert removes the thread lock step
- Vehicle-specific fit requires no drilling
Cons
- Tailgate opens a few seconds slower with the damper
- Fitment chart can be wrong for certain model years
If you drive a 2007-2018 Chevy or GMC 1500 or a 2007-2019 2500 and 3500, the DZ43102 is the shortest path to a controlled drop. Owners install it in roughly 15 minutes with hand tools, and the bracket is made for the truck so nothing gets drilled. The powder-coated alloy steel handle and shock assembly come with all mounting hardware in the box.
The 4.8-star average across more than 4400 reviews comes from a very consistent experience: the gate comes down smoothly under one hand and stays down quietly. For a Silverado or Sierra with a heavy gate, or an HD model carrying a lot of gear in the bed, that is the entire job description met.
The pre-threaded nutsert is a small detail that saves real time. Without it you would be applying thread lock to a fastener buried in a bed rail with limited access, and getting it wrong means the strut works loose over time. Dee Zee builds the improvement into the kit and backs the part with a 3-year limited warranty.
Two drawbacks are worth planning around. The damper slows the gate’s opening, so the first few inches take a couple of seconds longer than stock, which some drivers dislike until they realise it is the slam they no longer hear. More seriously, the published compatibility chart has been reported as inaccurate for certain model years, including 2017 Silverado 1500 owners. Confirm your year before ordering.
Who the DZ43102 suits
It suits Chevy and GMC owners who want a part that fits the first time without drilling, and the HD fitment makes it a strong match for one-ton trucks whose gates are heavier than the 1500’s. It is also the easiest install here for someone who has never taken a bed rail apart.
For a family truck where the tailgate is opened constantly and slammed shut by teenagers, it removes most of the noise and the pinched-finger risk in one bolt-on part.
Who should look elsewhere
Ram owners and Ford owners need their own vehicle-specific units, and neither this nor any other cross-brand damper will bolt to a Ford tailgate bracket. If your truck has an electric or MultiPro-style drop gate, an aftermarket strut is not the mechanism you want.
If you need real lifting power because closing the gate is what tires you, a damper will not solve that. Look at the trailer lift units, or talk to the dealer about an electric retrofit, rather than fitting a second shock.
4. Vepagoo Tailgate Assist – Budget Pick for 2009-2024 Ram Gates
Vepagoo Tailgate Assist for Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 2009-2025
Fits 2009-2024 Ram trucks
Electroplated 45# steel
T20 and T45 keys included
Pros
- One of the lowest-cost assists in this group
- Slows the drop and prevents slamming
- All hardware plus T20 and T45 keys in the box
- No-drill installation
Cons
- Thin cable spacer lets the tailgate cable bind
- Weak nutsert tool leaves the insert slightly loose
- Thread lock not included in the package
The Vepagoo covers the widest Ram span of the budget dampers, running from 2009-2018 Ram 1500 through 2010-2024 2500 and 3500 and the 2019-2024 Classic. The electroplated 45# carbon steel body resists corrosion, and the kit ships with T20 and T45 keys, two ball mount plates, a nutsert tool and the shock itself.
Owners confirm it does the core job. The drop slows to a soft-close rather than free-fall, the slam disappears, and the whole thing goes on without drilling. For a Ram owner who wants the damping effect and not much else, it does what it promises.
The recurring complaint is the cable. The included rubber cable spacer is too thin on some setups, letting the tailgate cable bind between the shock and the bed side. Several owners solve it themselves by enlarging the pad, but that means sourcing a part before the install is finished. A RamForumz owner reported a Dee Zee unit with a similar problem, where the cable did not fold up properly and jammed while the gate was closing.
The second issue is the nutsert tool. It is weak, and the insert stays slightly loose after tightening, which is exactly the failure that eventually lets a strut work loose on the road. Thread lock is not in the box, so buy a small tube before you start.
Who the Vepagoo suits
It suits a Ram owner on a budget who mainly wants the bang to stop, particularly on a work truck where the gate takes more abuse than a show truck. Because the keys and hardware are included, you are not buying a toolkit to fit it.
It also suits anyone who already has a thin-cable issue and is comfortable swapping the rubber spacer for a thicker one during the install. Fix that first and the part performs well.
Who should buy something else
Skip it if you want the strut to stay put without thinking about it, since the loose insert and missing thread lock are the weak points. Anyone planning to keep a truck for many years should weigh that against a part that carries a longer warranty.
It also does nothing for lift. If closing a heavy Ram gate is the frustrating part, a second damper can actually make closing harder rather than easier, and you need a lift mechanism instead.
5. OMT Tailgate Assist Shock – Broadest Ram Fitment and Two-Way Action
OMT Tailgate Assist Shock Compatible with 09-26 Ram 1500 2500 3500, Black
2009-2026 Ram fit
Electroplated 45# steel
14.4 in. lift height
1-year warranty
Pros
- Controls the drop and helps push the gate closed
- Broadest Ram year range in this group
- No drilling and no taillight removal
- Nutsert tool and threadlocker included in the box
Cons
- Cable clip can catch and unseat the strut
- 1-year warranty is shorter than most rivals
The OMT is the only damper here that reaches the 2026 model year, covering 2009-2018 Ram 1500, 2019-2024 Ram 1500 Classic and 2010-2026 Ram 2500 and 3500. If you are buying for a newer Ram or plan to keep the truck through the next few model changes, that extended range is the reason to look at this one first.
It also works in both directions. Most dampers only slow the descent, but this one assists the closing stroke as well, which is a real help on a heavy 2500 or 3500 gate. Installation needs no drilling and no tail light removal, and the box includes the ball mount, mount plate, cable clip, Torx wrench, nutsert, nutsert tool, threadlocker and instructions.
The hardware package is more complete than most competitors at this level. Having the nutsert tool and threadlocker supplied removes the two steps most commonly skipped on other kits, where a missing tool leads to a loose insert and a missing bottle leads to a strut working loose under vibration. The AISI 1045 steel with an electroplated finish holds up well against corrosion in winter road salt.
The failure mode to know about is the cable clip. It can catch on the shock and unseat the strut from its ball mounts, which owners report when a cable moves out of position. Inspect the routing after fitting and after the first few open-and-close cycles. The 1-year manufacturer warranty is short compared with the Dee Zee units, so keep the receipt.
Who the OMT suits
It suits Ram owners with a heavy-duty gate who want help both opening and closing, since the two-way action matters most on a 2500 or 3500 where the gate weight is at the top of the range. The complete hardware kit also makes it a good choice for a first-time install.
It is the right pick for anyone holding a newer Ram who finds most aftermarket dampers stop their coverage years before their truck does.
Who should look elsewhere
If your priority is warranty length, a one-year term is thin for a part mounted to a truck that sees weather and vibration every day. Longer-warranty dampers exist for the same trucks and cost only a little more to begin with.
Those with half-door or step-side gates on a Ram should note the fitment list covers the standard gate shapes only. Verify the gate design matches before ordering, because damping a heavier gate well is a different job.
6. ECOTRIC 2-Sided Assist – Heaviest Capacity for Utility Trailer Ramps
ECOTRIC 2-Sided Assist System Tailgate Utility Trailer Gate&Ramp w/
Universal 2-sided trailer lift
400 lb capacity
Alloy steel construction
Enclosed mechanism
Pros
- Handles trailer gates and ramps up to 400 lb
- Adjustable lifting force for different gate weights
- Attaches to square round or angle side rails
- Yellow powder-coated steel resists rust
Cons
- Heaviest kit here at 33.1 lb and requires drilling
- Manufacturer recommends professional installation
- Limited instructions for the cable routing
The ECOTRIC handles 400 lb of load capacity, which puts it alongside the GORILLA-LIFT at the top of the range for trailer work. Unlike a pickup damper it adds genuine upward force, so a heavy gate or a full-width ramp rises instead of needing to be dragged up by hand. The 2-sided arrangement keeps the gate level as it lifts.
It fits open utility trailers with side rails from 12 to 24 inches and gates or ramps from 4 to 6 feet, and the mounting ends work on square tube, round tube or angle rails. That last point matters, because trailer frame construction varies widely and a kit that only fits one profile sends you back to the parts counter. The lift force is adjustable to suit the weight of your gate.
Build quality is solid. The alloy steel is finished in yellow powder coat, which resists rust on a trailer that sits outside, and the lifting mechanism is fully enclosed for safety around hands and cargo. The kit includes 59 inches of wire rope for the cable run.
The trade-offs are weight and effort. At 33.1 pounds this is the heaviest kit we reviewed, and it requires drilling rather than bolting to an existing fitting. The manufacturer also recommends professional installation for this cable-and-roller setup, and buyers report the written instructions do not explain the cable routing well enough to follow on their own.
Who the ECOTRIC suits
It suits builders and hauliers with heavy ramps as much as gates. If your trailer door doubles as the loading ramp, a 2-sided system with this much capacity keeps it steady under a machine or a pallet jack rather than letting one side sag.
It is also a good match for a mixed fleet where the trailer frame profile is unknown before you order, since the mounts cover square, round and angle rail in one kit.
Who should look elsewhere
Skip it for a pickup bed, and skip it if you are not comfortable drilling trailer steel and routing cable under load. The manufacturer itself points toward professional fitting for this one.
Owners of lighter aluminium gates will get less benefit and a heavier install than they need. For an aluminium gate in the lighter range, a smaller single-sided unit is a more sensible match.
7. Rough Country Tailgate Assist – Best Bolt-On for Ford F-150 and Super Duty
Rough Country Tailgate Assist for Ford F-150/F-250/F-350 Super Duty Truck 2WD/4WD (2015-2026) – Smooth, Safe & Controlled Tailgate Lowering
2015-2026 Ford F-150 and HD fit
58 in. extended length
A1018 plate steel
3-year warranty
Pros
- Driver-side bolt-on with no drilling
- Works with factory tailgate cables on 2015 and later
- A1018 plate steel built for truck duty
- Backed by a 3-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Rivnut install may need a nut-insert tool not included
- Ford-specific fitment does not cross to Ram or Chevy
The Rough Country covers 2015-2026 Ford F-150, F-250 and F-350 in both 2WD and 4WD, mounted on the driver side. Because it was designed to work with the factory tailgate cables on those trucks, it installs without cutting or drilling anything and clears the cable path as the gate opens and closes.
Owners of 2015 and later Fords describe a clean, quick bolt-on and a controlled drop that removes the bang. MaverickTruckClub members running Rough Country units report easy installation and no rust after several weeks of exposure, which is worth noting on a part mounted under the bed lip.
The damper body is A1018 plate steel, a heavier grade than the plated sheet steel used on many budget units, and it extends to 58 inches to cover the full gate travel. A 3-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship is the second-longest in this group, behind Dee Zee.
The catch is the mounting fastener. The rivnut-style fitting can need a separate nut-insert tool to install cleanly, and that tool is not included in the box. If you do not have one, borrow it or pick one up before you start. The other limitation is obvious: this fits Fords only, so it does nothing for a Ram or Chevy owner even if the bolt pattern looks similar.
Who the Rough Country suits
It suits F-150 and Super Duty owners who want a bolt-on that respects the factory cable routing, which is where many cheap dampers interfere with the moving parts. For a heavy F-150 gate with a step and grab handle, the controlled descent removes the drop that owners complain comes down too fast.
It also suits anyone with a warranty-minded mindset, since 3 years of coverage is longer than most of the field and the mounting hardware is included.
Who should look elsewhere
Do not expect lift assistance from it. Owners on F-150 Forum make the point clearly that both factory and aftermarket assists only prevent the sudden drop. If lifting the gate back up is your problem, this part does not address it.
Ford owners with frameless-window tailgates or an electric drop gate need the truck’s own system instead. And anyone who wants to avoid an extra tool for the rivnut should confirm they already have one.
8. Buyers Products EZ Gate – Best for Utility and Equipment Trailer Gates
Buyers Products 5201000 EZ Gate Tailgate Assist, Reduce Physical Strain With Trailer Tailgates, Mounting Hardware Included, Handles gates up to 180lbs, Works On Most Standard Open Trailers
Trailer tailgate assist
180 lb capacity
19 lb kit
Fits 12-18 in. rails
Pros
- Patented design cuts lift and lower effort by up to 90 percent
- Handles tailgates up to 180 lb
- No-rattle spring insert keeps operation quiet
- One kit typically raises a full-width trailer ramp
Cons
- Included bolts too short for many trailer frames
- Missing or wrong-size hardware in some kits
- Requires drilling 5/16 and 1/2 in. holes
- 1-year no-labor warranty
The EZ Gate is built around a patented mechanism that cuts the effort needed to lift and lower a heavy gate by up to 90 percent. That is a much stronger claim than anything a pickup damper makes, because it acts on the lift as well as the drop. Owners of heavy utility gates report a real change in how much work the trailer is.
It handles gates up to 180 lb and fits side rails from 12 to 18 inches in round or square tubing. The no-rattle spring insert keeps the mechanism quiet during operation and reduces wear, and in most builds a single unit is enough to raise a full-width trailer ramp, which keeps the install simpler than a 2-sided system.
The alloy steel body carries a black powder coat, and the mounting hardware is included. Buyers Products also receives credit for replacing missing or incorrect parts when contacted, which softens one of the recurring complaints below.
That complaint is hardware quality. Owners report the included carriage bolts are too short and have too few threads for many trailer frames, and some kits arrive with a missing cable pulley bracket or clamps of the wrong size. You will need to drill 5/16-inch and 1/2-inch holes and measure carefully before committing. The warranty is 1 year no-labor, which is short for a kit at this level.
Who the EZ Gate suits
It suits owners of medium-weight utility and equipment trailer gates in the 120 to 180 lb range, where a single-sided system is enough and a 2-sided kit would be overkill. It is also a sensible choice for anyone who wants lift reduction rather than just drop control.
For work-truck operators loading and unloading daily, cutting the lift effort by up to 90 percent is the difference between loading with the tailgate and not loading at all.
Who should look elsewhere
It will not carry a gate above 180 lb, so heavy steel commercial gates need a higher-capacity unit. It is also the wrong profile for angle-iron rails, where the fitment range specifies round or square tubing.
If you dislike drilling trailer steel, this is not the kit. Check your frame thickness against the supplied bolts before starting, or you will be mid-install and out of fasteners.
9. Gledewen XLB10 – Best Value 2-Sided Lift for Angle-Rail Trailers
Trailer Gate Lift Assist, Compatible with Utility Trailer Ramp and Tailgate
Universal 2-sided lift assist
400 lb pull force
Fits 12-24 in. rails
2-year warranty
Pros
- Lifts heavy trailer gates with one or two fingers
- Installs in roughly 30 minutes without altering the gate
- Adjustable lifting force suits different gate weights
- Fully enclosed mechanism with 4 ft. cable travel
Cons
- Included carriage bolts too long for angle-iron rails
- Instructions are poorly laid out and diagrams are hard to read
- Two cables are different lengths so drilling must be planned
The Gledewen XLB10 is the sleeper in this group. It carries a 4.7-star average with 400 lb of pull force, adjustable lifting force and a fully enclosed mechanism, at a fraction of the cost of the established name-brand equivalent. Owners of heavy utility ramps describe it as roughly the cost of a single branded unit for twice the capability.
Installation is reported at around 30 minutes with no modification to the gate itself, which is faster than most 2-sided systems. It fits side rails from 12 to 24 inches and gates or ramps from 4 to 6 feet, with up to 4 feet of cable travel. The manufacturer lists a 2-year warranty.
Performance is the reason to shortlist it. Owners report lifting heavy gates with one or two fingers, and the adjustable force lets you tune the system to the gate rather than accepting a fixed pull. The powder-coated alloy steel housing is fully enclosed, which protects the mechanism from the weather it will live in.
The caveats are practical rather than mechanical. The included carriage bolts are too long for angle-iron side rails, so you will need your own fasteners on that frame type. The instructions are laid out poorly with hard-to-read diagrams, and the two cables are different lengths, which means you have to plan your drilling positions carefully before cutting anything.
Who the Gledewen suits
It suits trailer builders and hauliers who want 2-sided lift capability without paying for the premium branded equivalent, and the adjustable force makes it forgiving across a range of gate weights. It is a strong option when the gate is heavy enough that one finger changes the day.
For anyone with mixed trailer stock, the universal side rail range and the enclosed mechanism make it a flexible addition to a fleet rather than a trailer-specific part.
Who should look elsewhere
If you are not comfortable planning cable routing yourself, the different-length cables and unclear instructions add hours. Owners with angle-iron rails should also source replacement bolts before starting.
Pickup owners should look elsewhere entirely. This is a trailer gate and ramp lift, and none of its hardware is designed to mount to a truck tailgate bracket.
10. VEVOR Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist – Lightest and Cheapest Fix for Smaller Trailer Gates
VEVOR Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist, Max 180 lbs Load Capacity, Compatible with Open Utility Trailer Tailgate and Ramp, with 10 to 24 Inches Heights Side Rail and 4 to 6 Feet Height Tail Gate or Ramp
180 lb capacity
Fits 10-24 in. rails
1.7 mm steel tube
Powder-coated finish
Pros
- One-finger lifting of welded steel gates and ramps
- Installs in 10-30 minutes with basic drilling tools
- Complete kit with rollers springs cable S-hook and fasteners
- Lowest weight in this group at 14.6 lb
Cons
- Cable and roller failures are hard to service with no spare parts offered
- Support limited to online chat with no working phone line
- Spring noise during operation
The VEVOR is the entry point for a lighter welded steel gate. It lifts gates and ramps up to 180 lb one-handed, fits side rails from 10 to 24 inches and gates from 4 to 6 feet, and installs in 10 to 30 minutes with basic drilling tools and no professional help. The full accessory kit, rollers, springs, cable, S-hook and fasteners, ships in the box.
Construction is reasonable for the money. The frame uses 1.7 mm thickened carbon steel square tube with a wear-resistant powder coat, and the lift runs on a 7-core tear-resistant steel wire cable measuring 1.47 meters. At 14.6 pounds it is the lightest kit here, and it carries a 4.5-star average from 260 reviews.
The gap between this and the others is parts support. Owners report that when the cable or rollers break, replacement parts are not readily offered, and customer support is limited to an online chat with no working phone line. On a part that lives outdoors on a trailer, expect a cable replacement to end the product’s service life rather than a repair.
Spring noise during operation is the other repeat mention. It is functional rather than dangerous, but it is audible at the wrong moments. Neither issue affects the lift itself, which owners of small and medium utility trailers report doing exactly what it should.
Who the VEVOR suits
It suits owners of small and medium utility trailers who want a welded steel gate to become a one-hand operation without a large install. It is a sensible weekend project, since the whole job is drilling and bolting with the fasteners provided.
It also suits anyone who wants the lift function to test before committing to a heavier-duty 2-sided system on a lighter gate.
Who should look elsewhere
Skip it if a broken cable would end the product for you. Without readily available replacement parts, long-term serviceability is the real limitation here, and heavier commercial users should weigh that heavily.
Anyone needing genuine heavy-duty capacity past 180 lb should move up to a 300 or 400 lb unit. And because it requires drilling, it suits trailer owners rather than anyone hoping for a no-drill fit.
How to Pick a Tailgate Assist for a Heavy Gate
The wrong category is the most common mistake. Pickup tailgate assists damp the drop and are vehicle-specific, while trailer lift assists add upward force and are universal. A semi-truck tailgate and a 200-pound steel trailer gate have almost nothing in common mechanically, so decide which side of that line your problem sits on before comparing anything.
Estimate your tailgate weight before you buy
You rarely see the weight printed anywhere, so work from the gate design. A standard one-piece pickup gate is the lightest common configuration. A half-door or step-side gate is materially heavier because of the extra steel, and a gate with an integrated step and grab handle is heavier still. Owners on F-150 Forum report that a step-and-grab-handle gate comes down faster than a plain gate for exactly this reason.
Three checks will narrow it down. First, compare your gate against the vehicle-specific fit lists, since a part built for a plain gate may not reach the right catch point on a half-door version. Second, look for reviews that mention heavy or step-side gates specifically, because those are the only ones that tell you how the part behaves under real load. Third, if your truck has a factory assist, note whether it already slows the gate adequately and how it feels as the gate nears the bottom.
Gas strut, hydraulic damper or lift assist: which mechanism fits
A gas strut uses compressed gas to resist the gate’s weight across its stroke. That is what nearly every pickup damper in this list is, and it gives the smoothest, most predictable descent for a moderately heavy gate. The trade-off is that a single strut runs out of authority on the heaviest gates, which is why owners of step-side trucks report the gate still coming down fairly quick.
A hydraulic damper works the same way with oil instead of gas, giving slightly more consistent damping and better cold-weather behaviour, though slow grease can get sluggish in deep cold. An electric tailgate assist is the factory mechanism on newer trucks with powered drops, and an aftermarket retrofit of that type replaces the passive strut rather than supplementing it. For most pickup owners a vehicle-specific gas strut is the correct and cheapest answer.
A 2-sided lift assist is a different mechanism entirely. Cable over a lever, usually both sides of the gate, applies real upward force, which is why it is the only category that reduces lifting effort. Capacity runs from 180 lb on smaller kits to 400 lb on heavy-duty ones, and adjustable force lets you match it to your gate.
Installation, hardware and the tie-down point question
Pickup assists are bolt-on by design, so the realistic variables are hardware quality and tools. Check whether the kit includes a nutsert tool and thread lock, since a missing tool or a loose insert is what makes a strut work loose later. Torx T-30 and T-50 are the common fasteners, and several kits here include their own keys. Trailer lifts are a different job, involving drilling, cable routing and planing, with ECOTRIC’s own instructions recommending professional fitting.
The one thing to check before drilling anything on a pickup is whether the mounting bracket occupies a factory bed tie-down point. Members on MaverickTruckClub raised this directly: installing an assist can remove a tie-down location, and aftermarket tie-down replacements run the risk of being caught as the gate closes. Confirm what you use the bed for before accepting the trade.
Removing an assist later is straightforward. Support the gate on blocks, unbolt the strut from its upper and lower mounts, then remove the nutsert or rivnut if you want the bracket hole filled. Most owners do it in well under an hour with basic hand tools, and doing it yourself keeps the truck original.
Who should skip a tailgate assist
Skip it if your truck already has a working electric drop. Adding a passive strut to a powered gate adds cost and complexity with nothing to gain. Skip it if you genuinely need lift assistance rather than damping, because no pickup strut in this list will make a heavy gate light to raise. And skip it if you load the bed with loose cargo, since a tie-down loss matters more than a quieter close.
Downers expecting a lift are the other group who end up disappointed. The most common complaint on owner forums is exactly that: people buying an assist expecting it to lift the gate, then finding it only slows the descent. Read the specification as a damping specification and your expectations will match reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tailgate assist for a heavy tailgate?
For a heavy pickup tailgate, the Dee Zee DZ43301 and DZ43102 are the strongest all-round choices because they are vehicle-specific, install without drilling, and carry a 3-year warranty. For a heavy steel trailer gate, the GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided and Gledewen XLB10 add real upward force rather than just damping.
Is a tailgate assist worth it?
Yes, for a heavy gate. An assist catches the gate as it opens, slows the drop to a controlled descent you can stop with two fingers, and removes the slam and pinch risk. Owners on F-150 Forum report 4 to 7 years of service from Dee Zee dampers, which makes it one of the cheapest upgrades on a truck.
How do I take off a tailgate assist?
Support the open tailgate on blocks, unbolt the strut from the upper and lower ball mounts, then pull the nutsert or rivnut if you want the bracket hole filled. Basic hand tools are enough and most owners finish in under an hour. Check whether the bracket was covering a factory tie-down point before you remove it.
How do I know if my tailgate is too heavy for a single strut?
Judge by design rather than by number. Half-door and step-side gates, and any gate with an integrated step and grab handle, carry much more mass than a plain one-piece gate. Owners of those configurations report a single strut still drops the gate fairly quickly, which is the sign you need a stronger damper or a lift assist.
Can I sit on my truck tailgate?
Check the load rating printed on the gate sticker or in the owner manual rather than guessing. A tailgate assist does not change the weight limit and is not rated as a seat. Sitting on a gate can overstress the hinges and cables, and with a step-side or half-door gate the added load is well beyond what the hinges are designed for.
What is a gorilla lift on a trailer?
A gorilla lift, sold as the GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided Tailgate Lift Assist, is a cable-and-lever system mounted on both sides of a trailer gate. Rather than slowing the drop, it applies upward force so a heavy steel gate can be raised with one finger. It handles trailer gates up to 300 lb pull force and adjusts for side rails from 12 to 24 inches.
Why does my tailgate still slam even with an assist installed?
The most likely cause is an engage point that is too late, which is the most cited complaint on owner forums and the reason some cheaper kits get returned. Other causes include a cable catching the shock and unseating the strut from its mounts, an undersized strut for a heavy gate, and grease that has gone sluggish in cold weather.
Final Verdict: The Best Tailgate Assists for Heavy Tailgates
The Dee Zee DZ43301 is our pick for heavy pickup gates, backed by the largest review base in this group, a vehicle-specific no-drill bracket, and owner reports of 4 to 7 years of service on the same line of parts. Ram owners on older half-door and step-side configurations should start there, and check whether the gate design matches the fitment range before ordering.
Chevy and GMC owners should take the Dee Zee DZ43102, which fits the 1500 and the HD 2500 and 3500 with a 15-minute install. Ford owners get the Rough Country unit for 2015 and later trucks. If you need actual lift rather than damping, the GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided handles heavy steel trailer gates and the Gledewen XLB10 does the same job for less.
Whatever you fit, measure your tie-down points before drilling and verify the year range on the listing before you order. Those two checks prevent almost every complaint we found in owner discussions this year.
If lifting heavy loads is part of your week, our guides to the best recovery straps and electric stand assists for elderly cover the neighbouring problem of getting heavy things moved safely.