Looking for feedback on a tailgate step I developed.

Ken Lambie · 11-23-2008, 09:22 AM

I developed this folding tailgate step. It is attached to the inside panel of a tailgate with 4 screws and "nutserts" that allow it to be removed and easily reinstalled. In the stowed position, it sits below the top edge of the tailgate and takes up minimal bed space. When deployed, two steps and grab handles provide staircase access into the back of a tall pick up. A simple latching mechanism makes it quick to deploy and stowe.

I would appreciate any thoughts you have on this product idea.

76silverado · 11-23-2008, 09:26 AM

I like it, have it chromed and it will sell like hotcakes!

leolkfrm · 11-23-2008, 10:04 AM

powder coat is cheaper and easier, keeping the cost down

76silverado · 11-23-2008, 10:31 AM

True, didn't think of that at the time.

Ken Lambie · 11-23-2008, 11:03 AM

Thanks for your ideas on finishes!

-Ken

bradrhale · 11-23-2008, 12:01 PM

what are you estimating the weight limit at?? the ladder industry needs to look into modifying theirs as most a frame ladders support 220 lbs. i know more people that weigh more than that than people that weigh less than that. is that some sort of rubber strip attached to the flat steel that attaches to the bed??

Ken Lambie · 11-23-2008, 12:16 PM

It's designed for a 350 lbs max load.

bradrhale · 11-23-2008, 12:26 PM

very interesting idea. think you might be on to something there. if this is for someone that has trouble getting in the bed because of some disability, you might want to think about a kit that will drop the tailgate using a switch or button in the cabin. i know some tailgates get heavy and the latches become hard to operate. especially if you have a tall truck.

gmctrucks · 11-23-2008, 01:09 PM

Get a patient on it FAST the hardware store sells 3M strips that you can place on the steps or have some sprayed with bed liner you can even place rubber pads on them so it won't rattle on tailgate. I love the idea and I wish you luck might even add a pin to lock in place. Let us know how it goes?

Ken Lambie · 11-23-2008, 04:27 PM

Thanks for the idea on non-slip material. I recently recieved a patent on this - US patent 7,055,838.

-Ken

11-23-2008, 09:22 AM	#1
Ken Lambie Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4	Looking for feedback on a tailgate step I developed. I developed this folding tailgate step. It is attached to the inside panel of a tailgate with 4 screws and "nutserts" that allow it to be removed and easily reinstalled. In the stowed position, it sits below the top edge of the tailgate and takes up minimal bed space. When deployed, two steps and grab handles provide staircase access into the back of a tall pick up. A simple latching mechanism makes it quick to deploy and stowe. I would appreciate any thoughts you have on this product idea. Attached Thumbnails

11-23-2008, 09:26 AM	#2
76silverado Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NW Arkansas Posts: 355	I like it, have it chromed and it will sell like hotcakes! __________________ http://s513.photobucket.com/albums/t...t=HPIM1105.jpg '76 Silverado10 Custom Deluxe, 350 4barrel, th350 auto FULL TIME FOUR WHEEL!

11-23-2008, 10:04 AM	#3
leolkfrm Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: N.Y. Posts: 4,931	powder coat is cheaper and easier, keeping the cost down __________________ 4 wheels move the body 2 wheels move the soul B.W.A.I

11-23-2008, 10:31 AM	#4
76silverado Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NW Arkansas Posts: 355	True, didn't think of that at the time. __________________ http://s513.photobucket.com/albums/t...t=HPIM1105.jpg '76 Silverado10 Custom Deluxe, 350 4barrel, th350 auto FULL TIME FOUR WHEEL!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

11-23-2008, 11:03 AM	#5
Ken Lambie Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4	Thanks for your ideas on finishes! -Ken

11-23-2008, 12:01 PM	#6
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 9,544	what are you estimating the weight limit at?? the ladder industry needs to look into modifying theirs as most a frame ladders support 220 lbs. i know more people that weigh more than that than people that weigh less than that. is that some sort of rubber strip attached to the flat steel that attaches to the bed??

11-23-2008, 12:16 PM	#7
Ken Lambie Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4	It's designed for a 350 lbs max load.

11-23-2008, 12:26 PM	#8
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 9,544	very interesting idea. think you might be on to something there. if this is for someone that has trouble getting in the bed because of some disability, you might want to think about a kit that will drop the tailgate using a switch or button in the cabin. i know some tailgates get heavy and the latches become hard to operate. especially if you have a tall truck.

11-23-2008, 01:09 PM	#9
gmctrucks Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Houston,Texas Posts: 4,645	Get a patient on it FAST the hardware store sells 3M strips that you can place on the steps or have some sprayed with bed liner you can even place rubber pads on them so it won't rattle on tailgate. I love the idea and I wish you luck might even add a pin to lock in place. Let us know how it goes?

11-23-2008, 04:27 PM	#10
Ken Lambie Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4	Thanks for the idea on non-slip material. I recently recieved a patent on this - US patent 7,055,838. -Ken

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Tailgate Sizes?	Mopar426Hemi	General Truck Forum	4	05-18-2008 05:32 PM
Tailgate Question	bizz1441	Chevy Truck Forum	11	12-31-2007 11:39 AM
tailgate	PickUpGirl787	Chevy Truck Forum	5	03-25-2007 08:10 PM
Two Men and a Truck International an Industry Leader in Seeking Feedback; Surveys Key in Ensuring Customer Satisfaction (PR Newswire)	trucknews	Truck News (headlines)	0	10-08-2004 02:30 PM
Two Men and a Truck International an Industry Leader in Seeking Feedback; Surveys Key in Ensuring Customer Satisfaction (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)	trucknews	Truck News (headlines)	0	10-08-2004 12:30 PM