Dee Zee Tailgate Assist: What It Does, How It Works, and What to Know Before Buying
If you own a pickup truck, you already know the tailgate drill: drop it hard, lift it with effort, repeat. A tailgate assist is a simple mechanical device designed to change that experience — and Dee Zee is one of the more widely recognized names in that product category. Here's how these systems work, what makes Dee Zee's version distinct, and what factors determine whether it's a practical fit for your setup.
What Is a Tailgate Assist?
A tailgate assist is a shock-absorber-style strut — or a set of struts — that attaches between your truck's bed and tailgate. When you release the tailgate latch, the strut slows the drop so the gate lowers in a controlled, smooth arc rather than swinging free and slamming down. On the way back up, the same strut reduces the lifting effort required to close the gate.
Most tailgate assists are hydraulic or gas-charged struts, similar in principle to the lift supports on a hood or hatchback. They store energy during compression and release it during extension, acting as a counterbalance to the tailgate's weight.
Without a tailgate assist, the full weight of a steel tailgate — which can exceed 60 pounds on larger trucks — drops on the hinges and cables every time. Over years of use, that repeated stress can contribute to wear on the latch, hinges, and cables.
What Dee Zee's Tailgate Assist Does Specifically
Dee Zee markets a single-strut tailgate assist designed as a direct bolt-on replacement or addition to a truck's existing tailgate cable. In most configurations, you replace one of the tailgate cables with the Dee Zee strut — no drilling required on compatible applications.
Key characteristics of Dee Zee's design:
- Gas-charged strut that controls lowering speed and reduces lifting force
- Vehicle-specific fitment — Dee Zee produces versions calibrated for different truck makes, models, and years, since tailgate weight and hinge geometry vary
- Powdercoat or corrosion-resistant finish on the hardware, which matters in regions where road salt is used
- Typically installs in under 30 minutes on compatible trucks using basic hand tools
The result is a tailgate that lowers at a steady, controlled pace and can be raised with noticeably less effort.
How It Compares to Factory Tailgate Dampers 🔧
Many newer trucks — particularly higher trims — come from the factory with integrated tailgate dampers or power-assisted tailgates. On those vehicles, an aftermarket assist may be redundant or incompatible.
On older trucks or base-trim models without factory damping, a Dee Zee assist is a common aftermarket addition. It occupies a middle ground between:
| Option | Cost Range (General) | Ease of Use | Install Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| No assist (factory cable only) | No cost | Manual, uncontrolled drop | N/A |
| Aftermarket strap damper | Low | Basic slow-down only | Very simple |
| Dee Zee strut assist | Moderate | Controlled lowering + easier lift | Simple bolt-on |
| OEM power tailgate | High | One-touch or hands-free | Factory or dealer install |
Cost ranges vary significantly by truck model, retailer, and region. The numbers above are illustrative categories, not guarantees.
Variables That Affect Whether It Fits or Works Well
Vehicle compatibility is the most important factor. Dee Zee makes model-specific versions — an assist built for a Ford F-150 won't fit a Ram 1500 or a GMC Sierra without modification. Year range matters too, since automakers periodically redesign tailgate geometry.
Tailgate type matters as well. Trucks with:
- Step tailgates (built-in step or handle in the gate)
- Swing-out tailgates
- Multi-panel tailgates (like GM's MultiPro or Ram's multi-function design)
…may have compatibility limitations or may not work with a standard strut at all.
Existing aftermarket accessories can interfere. If you've added a tailgate extender, backup camera housing, or a replacement tailgate, the mounting points and geometry may differ from factory spec.
DIY vs. professional install is generally straightforward on compatible applications, but if you're not comfortable working near a truck's liftgate hardware or identifying the correct mounting points, a shop installation is a reasonable option.
What It Won't Fix
A tailgate assist addresses the motion and weight of tailgate operation — it doesn't repair latch problems, misalignment, damaged cables, or hinge wear. If your tailgate already has mechanical issues (won't latch securely, sits crooked, or has a frayed cable), those need to be addressed separately.
It also won't meaningfully improve the function of a power tailgate that's already operating correctly from the factory.
The Missing Pieces 🛻
Whether a Dee Zee tailgate assist makes practical sense comes down to your specific truck — its year, make, model, trim level, and any existing tailgate modifications — along with whether your gate currently has factory damping and what kind of use your truck sees day to day. The hardware is well-regarded in the truck accessory space, but compatibility and real-world fit are determined by your vehicle's specifics, not general product descriptions.