Free Guide to Rough Country Tailgate Assist Systems

Understanding Rough Country Tailgate Assist Systems: How They Work

Rough Country tailgate assist systems are mechanical devices designed to help control the descent of truck tailgates, making it easier to lower them without the gate slamming down or requiring excessive physical force. These systems use a combination of hydraulic dampeners and support struts that work together to slow the tailgate's movement. When you open a tailgate equipped with this system, the struts engage and provide controlled resistance throughout the lowering motion, preventing rapid, uncontrolled drops that can damage the tailgate, truck bed, or nearby objects.

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The basic mechanics involve gas-charged dampers similar to those found in car hoods or hatchbacks. These dampers contain pressurized gas that creates a cushioning effect when the tailgate moves. As you lower the tailgate, the system gradually releases pressure, allowing smooth descent rather than sudden dropping. The struts remain under tension to counteract the weight of the tailgate itself, which typically ranges from 40 to 80 pounds depending on truck model and material composition.

Different truck models require different tailgate assist configurations. Ford's trucks, Chevrolet's Silverado line, RAM trucks, and Toyota Tundras all have varying tailgate designs, which means Rough Country manufactures specific kits for each platform. The installation process generally involves removing the existing tailgate hinges and replacing them with new ones that incorporate the assist technology, or adding damper struts to the existing hinge system. Some kits use bolt-on dampers that attach to the truck bed frame and tailgate without full hinge replacement.

The main benefit of these systems is reducing strain on the operator's back and arms. Workers, farmers, contractors, and truck owners who regularly load or unload heavy items notice significant relief when a tailgate won't suddenly drop or require them to hold it open with one hand while working with the other. Additionally, the controlled descent protects the tailgate and truck bed from damage that occurs when metal gates slam against truck frames repeatedly over time. This protection can extend the lifespan of the tailgate and prevent costly repairs.

Practical takeaway: Understanding how tailgate assist systems function helps you recognize whether this modification suits your truck's usage patterns and your physical needs.

Rough Country's Tailgate Assist Product Lineup and Options

Rough Country offers several variations of tailgate assist systems designed to match different truck models, years, and owner preferences. Their standard tailgate assist kits typically include new tailgate hinges with integrated gas struts, all necessary bolts and hardware, and installation instructions. The kits are engineered to match OEM (original equipment manufacturer) specifications for each truck platform, ensuring compatibility and proper function without modifications to the truck bed or frame.

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For full-size pickup trucks, Rough Country maintains separate product lines. Their Ford F-150 tailgate assist system differs from their RAM 1500 kit, which differs from their Chevrolet Silverado version. Each design accounts for the specific hinge mounting points, tailgate weight distribution, and structural differences between manufacturers. Rough Country also produces kits for older truck generations, recognizing that many owners maintain and modify vehicles from previous decades.

Mid-size truck owners also have options through Rough Country's catalog. Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Tacoma models may have corresponding tailgate assist kits available. These systems serve the same function as full-size truck kits but are calibrated for lighter tailgate weights and different mounting geometries. Some mid-size truck tailgates weigh 30 to 50 pounds compared to heavier full-size versions, so the dampers must provide proportional support.

Rough Country designs their kits as complete replacement systems rather than bolt-on additions in most cases. This means you're replacing the factory hinge assembly with one that includes damping technology. The company rates their products based on the specific truck models they support, and they publish compatibility charts showing which kits work with which year ranges and body styles. For example, a 2019 F-150 SuperCrew might use a different kit than a 2019 F-150 SuperCab due to tailgate design variations.

Material construction varies slightly across their lineup. Most Rough Country tailgate assist kits use reinforced steel hinges with sealed gas struts containing nitrogen or similar inert gas. Some premium kits incorporate stainless steel components for corrosion resistance, beneficial for owners in coastal regions or areas with heavy road salt use during winter months. The dampers themselves are sealed units that rarely require maintenance or replacement if installed correctly.

Practical takeaway: Before purchasing, verify your truck's specific year, model, and body style to ensure you're ordering the correct Rough Country tailgate assist kit for your vehicle.

Installation Process and Technical Considerations

Installing a Rough Country tailgate assist system typically requires basic mechanical knowledge and common hand tools. Most owners complete installations in 30 minutes to two hours, depending on familiarity with truck maintenance and tool availability. The process begins with opening the tailgate and locating the hinge pins that connect it to the truck bed frame. These pins are usually held in place by cotter pins or retaining clips that must be removed carefully.

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The next step involves supporting the tailgate's weight. Many installation guides recommend having a second person hold the tailgate while you remove the original hinges, or using a hydraulic jack with a wooden block to support the tailgate evenly. Never allow the full weight of the tailgate to rest on your hands or arms, as this creates both safety and strain risks. Once properly supported, you can drift out the hinge pins using a punch and hammer, or unbolt the hinges depending on your truck's design.

With the factory hinges removed, the new Rough Country hinges with integrated assist struts are positioned and bolted into the existing mounting locations. The gas struts should point downward or follow the specific orientation shown in the installation manual, as improper orientation reduces damping effectiveness. All bolts should be tightened to manufacturer specifications, typically between 25 and 40 foot-pounds of torque for most applications. Under-tightening risks hinge movement under load, while over-tightening can strip threads or crack the hinge casting.

After installation, the tailgate should be operated several times through its full range of motion to verify smooth operation. Initially, the dampers may feel stiff or produce creaking sounds as seals settle, but this typically resolves after several cycles. If the tailgate descends too quickly even after installation, the dampers may not be functioning correctly, suggesting improper installation or incompatibility with your specific truck. Conversely, if the tailgate won't lower at all or requires excessive force, the damper pressure may be set too high for your application.

Common installation challenges include misaligned hinge holes due to truck bed rust or corrosion, worn pivot points that prevent clean hinge seating, or missing bolts in the factory hinge assembly. Before beginning installation, inspect the hinge mounting locations carefully. If you discover rust, corrosion, or damaged threads, these should be addressed before installation. Steel wire brushes or light grinding can remove surface corrosion, while thread repair kits can salvage stripped bolt holes.

Practical takeaway: Gather all necessary tools before starting installation, have assistance available to support the tailgate safely, and follow Rough Country's instruction manual exactly for your specific truck model and year.

Maintenance, Longevity, and Performance Over Time

Rough Country tailgate assist systems require minimal maintenance compared to many truck modifications. The sealed gas struts are designed to function for the life of the truck under normal conditions, typically 10 to 15 years or more, depending on usage patterns and climate exposure. Unlike mechanical springs that can weaken or hydraulic cylinders that may develop leaks, sealed gas dampers maintain consistent pressure as long as the seal remains intact. Regular inspection rather than active maintenance is the primary ownership responsibility.

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Periodic visual inspections can identify potential issues before they affect performance. Look for signs of damper leakage, which appears as oily residue on the strut exterior. Minor surface condensation is normal, but pooling oil indicates a seal failure. Examine hinge bolts periodically to confirm they remain tight, as vibration from driving can occasionally loosen fasteners. A torque wrench applied annually to hinge bolts prevents gradual loosening that compromises the system's function. Also inspect the hinges themselves for rust or corrosion, particularly in regions experiencing winter salt use or coastal environments with high salt spray.

Environmental factors affect tailgate assist lon