110 pickup rear step?

[SCRover]

The old knees aren’t what they used to be, so I’m looking for a rear step that I can use to access the pickup bed when the tailgate is down. From what I can tell, the LR fold down step seems to be typically mounted more inboard, making it inaccessible when the tailgate is down. Am I correct in my assumption, or can it be mounted more towards the corners? If not, any other suggestions?

I thought about corner protectors but they’re too high. I need something that extends below the crossmember.

 

[evilfij]

A cut down ladder on the side or make your tailgate side swing and use the regular step.

 

[Z.G]

I agree, convert to swing gate and put a folding step on

 

[1of40]

I’ve always wondered if a fold down step could be rigged on the inside of the fold down tailgate?

 

[pfshoen]

Standard tailgate gives a couple more feet of bed surface when opened that can come in handy.
HCPU is a different problem.
A folding step on the inside of the tailgate works best when tailgate is folded all the way down vertically. Problem is if there is a hitch ball or step bumper in the way.
I haven't searched but I'd guess someone is making a universal fit step to mount on the inside that folds out and down when the tailgate is flat.
There's a kit that allows a tailgate to be used fold down or swing out that takes just a minute to change from one to the other.
This problem needs a slick solution.

 

[rocky]

I’ve always wondered if a fold down step could be rigged on the inside of the fold down tailgate?

Side hinged and this: https://www.roversnorth.com/parts/stc7632_folding_step_rear_defender

 

[SCRover]

I guess you can't move a fold-down step towards the corners because of the upward slope of the bottom of the crossmember, at least not without some modification or fabrication.

I also have a Terrafirma receiver hitch installed, so now that I think about it, anything bolted to the rear crossmember is going to have to be outboard of the frame rails as the hitch runs along the bottom of the crossmember.

Side-hinged is probably the right answer, but I think I would miss the fold down tailgate, and I'm not sure if the hitch is in the way (my truck is 500 miles away at the moment so I can't go look.)

I thought about something like this wire rope step but it would look hideous.

Maybe I should just take up yoga to improve my flexibility...

 

[evilfij]

You could certainly make something like that and mount to the bottom of the crossmember with one side longer than the other to account for the angle. That is what I was thinking about with a cut down ladder, but the ladder would stand proud which might be easier to use.

 

[evilfij]

I would require at least a bracket and some cutting, but I would get this, mount one side to the capping, and then put a bracket on the crossmember and maybe cut it down a bit if you care about ground clearance. That would make it easy to get into the bed.

 

[SCRover]

If it could be mounted so the bottom step is lower that might work. Thanks!

 

[TJS88]

I feel your pain (knees) as I also have a ROW pick-up (not the HCPU). Wondering if this would work (please don't laugh):

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B078YFVS8V/?coliid=I2BY4I15WQAYPC&colid=3S1HRPSEQ9N8I&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it_im

 

[WreckITFrank]

I would require at least a bracket and some cutting, but I would get this, mount one side to the capping, and then put a bracket on the crossmember and maybe cut it down a bit if you care about ground clearance. That would make it easy to get into the bed.

View attachment 25030

I think i have one of these in the garage. def for much cheaper than shipping from the Uk.

 

[pfshoen]

I feel your pain (knees) as I also have a ROW pick-up (not the HCPU). Wondering if this would work (please don't laugh):

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B078YFVS8V/?coliid=I2BY4I15WQAYPC&colid=3S1HRPSEQ9N8I&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it_im

Looks too big to fit a standard pickup, but would do the job on a HCPU.
OEM rear fold step would work mounted off to the side with a fabbed bracket. It'd be in harm's way but super convenient.