You know the drill: you’re unloading gear, your hands are full, and that heavy tailgate slams down with a jarring thud. It’s not just annoying—it strains your cables, hinges, and even your back. A tailgate assist fixes that by controlling the drop rate, so your tailgate glides down smoothly every time.
This guide reviews the best tailgate assists on the market, covering top brands and models for Ford, Ram, Chevy, and GMC trucks. Whether you need a simple bolt-on for your F-150 or a heavy-duty solution for a utility trailer, you’ll find the right fit here.
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OMT Truck Tailgate Assist Shock Compatible with 15-25 Ford F150, Black
Best forFord F-150 owners 2015-2025
- Corrosion-resistant steel
- Easy hands-free operation
ConsiderLimited to F-150
Rough Country Tailgate Assist for Ford F-150/F-250/F-350 Super Duty Truck 2…
Best forFord Super Duty trucks
- Fits F-150/F-250/F-350
- No drilling required
ConsiderDriver-side only
Dee Zee DZ43301 RAM Tailgate Assist / ‘09-‘18 RAM 1500/2019+ RAM 1500 Class…
Best forRAM 1500/2500/3500 trucks
- Pre-threaded nutsert
- One-hand operation
ConsiderRAM-specific fit
OMT Tailgate Assist Shock Compatible with 07-19 Silverado Sierra, Black
Best forSilverado/Sierra 2007-2019
- Wide GM compatibility
- Smooth controlled drop
ConsiderNot for older models
Dee Zee DZ43204 Tailgate Assist fits 2015-Current Ford F150, Multicolor
Best forModern F-150 daily drivers
- Pre-applied thread lock
- One-hand operation
ConsiderF-150 only
OMT Tailgate Assist Shock Compatible with 09-25 Ram 1500 2500 3500, Black
Best forMultiple RAM truck models
- Broad RAM fitment
- Durable steel build
ConsiderRAM-specific
Genuine GORILLA-LIFT 2-Sided Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist
Best forUtility trailer tailgates
- Adjustable for various sizes
- Prevents hinge damage
ConsiderNot for pickup trucks
OMT Truck Tailgate Assist Shock Compatible with 99-06 Silverado Sierra
Best forOlder GM trucks (99-06)
- High impact absorption
- Protects backup camera
ConsiderOlder model fitment
ARANA Tailgate Assist Soft Open for Ford F150 & Lincoln Mark LT 2004-2014
Best forF-150 owners 2004-2014
- Linear drop rate
- OEM-like fit
ConsiderNot for newer F-150s
ARANA Tailgate Assist Soft Open for Ford F150 F250 F350 1997-2016
Best forOlder Ford trucks (97-16)
- Wide Ford fitment
- Smooth soft close
ConsiderNot for newer models
OMT Ford F150 Tailgate Assist – Smooth Drop
Brand: Orion Motor Tech
A dependable, affordable tailgate assist for modern F-150s.
This Orion Motor Tech damper is built for 2015-2025 Ford F-150s, and it makes a real difference. The gas shock controls the tailgate’s descent so it never free-falls, even when you’re not holding it. That means no more sudden jolts or juggling gear while you try to catch the handle.
The structural-grade 45 steel is electroplated for corrosion resistance, so it holds up in rain or snow. Installation is straightforward, and it works with your factory cables. If you want a reliable, affordable upgrade for your F-150, this is a solid pick.
- Corrosion-resistant steel
- Easy hands-free operation
- Reduces cable strain
- Limited to F-150
- Requires basic tools
Rough Country Tailgate Assist – Heavy-Duty Control
Rough Country’s assist is custom-designed for Ford F-150, F-250, and F-350 Super Duty trucks (2015-2026). It mounts on the driver’s side and works with factory cables, giving you a smooth, one-handed drop every time. No more slamming tailgates when your hands are full.
The A1018 plate steel construction is built to handle rough use, whether you’re on the trail or at a job site. Installation is a bolt-on affair—no drilling or modifications needed. It’s a simple, durable upgrade that makes a big difference in daily use.
- Fits F-150/F-250/F-350
- No drilling required
- Durable steel build
- Driver-side only
- May be overkill for light use
Dee Zee DZ43301 RAM Tailgate Assist – Improved Design
Dee Zee’s DZ43301 is made for RAM 1500 (2009-2018), 1500 Classic (2019+), and 2500/3500 (2010+). The improved nutsert comes pre-threaded with thread lock, so you don’t have to mess with messy bottles. It’s ready to install right out of the box.
This assist lets you release the tailgate with one hand, controlling the drop rate smoothly. It also eases strain on your cables and hinge points, preventing premature wear. It’s a simple, effective solution for RAM owners who want a safer tailgate experience.
- Pre-threaded nutsert
- One-hand operation
- Reduces hinge stress
- RAM-specific fit
- Installation requires care
OMT Silverado Sierra Tailgate Assist – Universal Fit
Brand: Orion Motor Tech
A reliable, affordable assist for late-model GM trucks.
This Orion Motor Tech damper is compatible with 2007-2019 Silverado and Sierra models, including GMT900 and GMTK2RC platforms. It controls the tailgate’s drop smoothly, even hands-free, so you can unload without worrying about a sudden slam.
The steel construction is electroplated for durability and corrosion resistance. It’s a straightforward install that works with your existing cables. If you drive a Chevy or GMC from this era, this assist is a practical, low-cost upgrade.
- Wide GM compatibility
- Smooth controlled drop
- Rust-resistant finish
- Not for older models
- Basic design
Dee Zee DZ43204 Ford F150 Assist – Easy Install
Dee Zee’s DZ43204 fits 2015-current Ford F-150s. The improved nutsert comes with thread lock pre-applied, so installation is cleaner and faster. You get a controlled tailgate drop with one hand, making it easier to manage heavy loads.
This assist reduces strain on cables and hinges, preventing premature wear. It also avoids the embarrassing bang of a free-falling tailgate. It’s a simple, effective upgrade that any F-150 owner can appreciate.
- Pre-applied thread lock
- One-hand operation
- Reduces cable wear
- F-150 only
- May need adjustment
OMT RAM Tailgate Assist – Wide Coverage
Brand: Orion Motor Tech
A comprehensive assist for RAM owners across generations.
This Orion Motor Tech assist covers a huge range of RAM trucks: 2009-2018 1500, 2019-2024 1500 Classic, 2010-2025 2500, and 2010-2025 3500. It’s a versatile option if you own multiple RAMs or plan to keep your truck for years.
The structural-grade 45 steel is electroplated for strength and corrosion resistance. It controls the tailgate drop smoothly, even hands-free, and reduces stress on cables and hinges. Installation is straightforward, and it’s built to last.
- Broad RAM fitment
- Durable steel build
- Smooth drop control
- RAM-specific
- No color options
GORILLA-LIFT Trailer Tailgate Assist – Heavy Duty
This isn’t for pickup trucks—it’s for utility trailers. The GORILLA-LIFT is a 2-sided assist that makes heavy trailer tailgates feel nearly weightless. You can glide them up and down with a light touch, which is a game-changer for commercial use.
It’s adjustable to fit different tailgate sizes and weights, working on trailers with side rails 12-24 inches tall and tailgates 4-6 feet. It helps prevent injuries and damage to hinges, and it’s built for tough, daily use. If you haul with a trailer, this is a must-have.
- Adjustable for various sizes
- Prevents hinge damage
- Reduces injury risk
- Not for pickup trucks
- Requires trailer setup
OMT Silverado Sierra Assist – Cost Saver
Brand: Orion Motor Tech
A cost-effective way to protect your classic GM tailgate.
This Orion Motor Tech damper is for 1999-2006 Silverado and Sierra models, plus 1999-2000 C/K trucks. It’s designed to absorb up to 90% of impact, protecting your tailgate, hinges, and backup camera from damage. That can save you hundreds in repairs.
The steel construction handles rain and repeated use without rusting. It’s a driver-side damper that installs easily. If you have an older GM truck, this is a smart investment to keep your tailgate working smoothly.
- High impact absorption
- Protects backup camera
- Weather-resistant
- Older model fitment
- Limited color
ARANA Ford F150 Assist – Soft Close
ARANA’s assist is rated highly on Ford forums, fitting 2004-2014 F-150s and 2006-2008 Lincoln Mark LTs. The gas spring technology makes the tailgate drop slowly and linearly, so it’s safer and easier to use, especially with heavy loads.
It’s made from high-strength 45# carbon steel and mounts with OEM hardware for a perfect fit. Installation takes about 10 minutes with the included tools. It’s a simple, effective upgrade that feels like it came from the factory.
- Linear drop rate
- OEM-like fit
- 10-minute install
- Not for newer F-150s
- Limited to Ford
ARANA Ford Truck Assist – Broad Fit
This ARANA assist fits 1997-2003 F-150s and 1999-2016 F-250/F-350 Super Duty trucks. It’s praised on F-TRUCK forums as a top add-on. The gas spring technology ensures a slow, controlled drop, making tailgate use safer and easier.
Built with high-strength 45# carbon steel, it mounts with OEM hardware for a precise fit. Installation is quick, around 10 minutes, and all tools are included. If you have an older Ford truck, this is a reliable way to upgrade your tailgate experience.
- Wide Ford fitment
- Smooth soft close
- Quick installation
- Not for newer models
- Basic design
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider
Choosing the right tailgate assist depends on your truck model, usage, and preferences. Here are five key factors to consider before making a purchase.
- Compatibility: Check your truck’s make, model, and year. Many assists are specific to certain generations, like the OMT for 2015-2025 F-150s or the Dee Zee for 2009-2018 RAMs. Ensure the assist matches your vehicle to avoid fitment issues.
- Material Quality: Look for durable materials like structural-grade steel or A1018 plate steel. Corrosion-resistant coatings (like electroplating) are essential if you live in wet or snowy climates. A well-built assist lasts longer and handles rough use.
- Installation Ease: Most assists are bolt-on and require no drilling, but some need more effort. Check if the kit includes tools or pre-threaded nutserts. A 10-minute install is ideal for DIYers, while others might need professional help.
- Drop Control: The core function is to slow the tailgate’s descent. Look for features like linear drop rates or gas spring technology that provide smooth, controlled lowering. This prevents slamming and reduces strain on cables and hinges.
- Weight Capacity: Consider the weight of your tailgate. Heavy-duty options like the GORILLA-LIFT are designed for utility trailers with heavy tailgates, while standard assists work for most pickup trucks. Make sure the assist can handle your tailgate’s weight.
Conclusion
Tailgate assists are a simple upgrade that makes a big difference in daily use. Whether you drive a Ford, RAM, or GM truck, there’s a model that fits your needs. For most pickup owners, the OMT or Dee Zee options offer reliable performance at a good value.
If you have a utility trailer, the GORILLA-LIFT is the clear choice. For Ford owners, the ARANA assists are highly rated. Consider your truck’s year and your budget, and you’ll find the perfect tailgate assist to make loading and unloading easier and safer.
Erica Steven is the founder and lead writer of WorstBrands, a site dedicated to providing honest and trustworthy reviews about outdoor gear and fashion products.
With a passion for exploring the great outdoors and staying up to date on the latest fashion trends, Erica uses her expertise to provide valuable insights into the products that matter most to her readers.
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