So, I got a new pickup truck a while back, and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer. But there was one thing bugging me – getting stuff in and out of the truck bed was a real pain. I’m not getting any younger, and my back isn’t what it used to be. That’s when I started looking into tailgate ladders.
I did some digging around, asked a few buddies who are also truck guys, and it seemed like there were a bunch of different types out there. Folding ones, sliding ones, you name it. I watched some videos online, read some reviews, the whole nine yards. I wanted something sturdy, something that wouldn’t take up too much space, and something that was easy to install. ‘Cause honestly, I’m not the handiest guy around.
After a while, I decided to go for a classic-style tailgate ladder. The one I picked up was a Traxion 5-100 Tailgate Ladder. It’s basically a metal frame with some steps that folds down from the tailgate. It looked simple enough, and the reviews were pretty solid.
When the package arrived, I was a little nervous. I laid out all the parts, and took a deep breath, grabbed the instructions and started reading. The instructions said it was a “quick install”, which, you know, can mean anything. But I gotta say, it actually was pretty straightforward!
- First, I positioned the ladder on the tailgate where I wanted it to sit.
- Then, I marked the spots where I needed to drill.
- After that, I drilled the holes.
- And finally, I just screwed the ladder in place using the provided hardware.
The whole thing took me maybe half an hour, tops. And that’s including the time I spent looking for my drill bits. Once it was on, I tested it out. Stepped up, stepped down, put some weight on it. It felt really secure, which was a relief. No wobbling or anything.
Now, whenever I need to load or unload something from the truck bed, I just flip down the ladder, and boom, I’m good to go. It’s so much easier on my back and knees. I can grab stuff without feeling like I’m gonna pull a muscle. And the best part is, when I’m done, it folds right back up onto the tailgate, out of the way. This Traxion one folds up real nice and doesn’t get in the way of cargo at all.
Honestly, getting this tailgate ladder is one of the best things I’ve done for my truck. If you’re a truck owner, especially if you’re not as spry as you used to be, I highly recommend looking into one. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference. But there are also others like Westin 10-3000 Truck-Pal Tailgate Ladder. I didn’t give it a try, but heard someone also love it. Just do your research and find one that works for you and your truck.
Anyway, that’s my little story about tailgate ladders. Hope it helps someone out there!
