Tailgate Damper……cons?

[Big Blue]

The damper adds a tad bit of resistance on the upstroke, so you get more of a work out closing it. But yeah, arms full of stuff and the damper comes in really handy. Those who say they never had a damper on their old full sized truck never had the option. And who cares what it looks like, you can't see it when the gate's closed. It's cheap and easy to install and if you don't like it (never) you can just pop it off.

Very well said.

The whole damper thing has been an ongoing debate since before I joined. Sort of like our current political system, no middle ground.

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[LostMy65]

And why would I have my arms full walking to my truck? They invented shopping carts for that very reason. If I don't need a shopping cart I don't need to use the box and the back seat is good for holding a couple bags of groceries.

Are there other occasions when our hands might be full and we don't have a shopping cart?. Maybe it's then that a damper might come in handy.

 

[machinist85]

Oh no, another damper thread! The downsides, nothing really, other than the friendly sh*t the Anti-damper, one true religion here will put on you.

Of course should this happen, you can seek solace solace and support from the Very Rev AzScorpion and his congregation of damper heretics.

PS if you do choose the dark side make sure you buy a good quality kit as a few people over here in Aus have found some of the cheaper e-bay kits wanting in fitting ease and durability.

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[got3fords]

Same here, strollers, totes, work gear that was foul smelling and needed a washing, next week I will have a box full of luggage for vacation. Never needed a damper, again hand works perfectly fine. Not hard to put down any of said objects and open the tailgate and then pickup said objects to put in box.

Need it? No. But put down crap in one hand, pop the tailgate latch, bend over pick up crap, by that time gate is down and throw crap in. Time saver.

 

[BS67]

Wait until Dave see's this thread....he'll tell ya ALLLLLL about it.......

 

[got3fords]

My dealer installed the damper (free) prior to delivery. I noticed it right away and liked it until I installed tailgate seals.

I installed seals along the outside edge and the damper interfered.

Damper was removed and safely lost (stored) in a garage cabinet along with my SCab rear seat headrests and lower cushions.

(lower corner tailgate seals are not completed in this pic)

Looks like the cable interferes also. Get rid of it.

 

[LostMy65]

I haul stuff other than groceries to my truck all the time. Gas cans, trash bags, work out stuff, bikes, kayaking stuff you name it.

Still, there's no need for a damper, just always have a shopping cart. ?

 

[MrBirdman330]

Need it? No. But put down crap in one hand, pop the tailgate latch, bend over pick up crap, by that time gate is down and throw crap in. Time saver.

Yeah put said crap down lower tailgate quickly with hand as damper pick up said objects out in box and with one hand firmly close tailgate with the same amount of time taken as with damper. I don't need a damper.

 

[Floyd]

Positive side...
Its cheap, effective, and easy to install (also easy to remove if disappointed.
The Damper prevents the hard impact if you just pop the tailgate....
It helps prevent tailgate damage when towing to prevent striking the tongue jack.
It allows others to open the tailgate without the hard drop surprise.
it allows reaction time in case you place an intended load too close.
it reduces "drop" damage to the reverse camera.
It might prevent cargo falling out if it was leaning on the gate.
It helps the injured or the physically weak.
It is quieter when dropped and for old guys its a lot quieter when closing.

Negative side
might be an inconvenience when removing tailgate.
maybe it drops too slow for some folks.
It may have a shaming effect on those who's masculinity is easily offended.

 

[got3fords]

Yeah put said crap down lower tailgate quickly with hand as damper pick up said objects out in box and with one hand firmly close tailgate with the same amount of time taken as with damper. I don't need a damper.

I guess you took your hood lifts off when you got your Ranger and installed a prop rod.

 

[MrBirdman330]

I guess you took your hood lifts off when you got your Ranger and installed a prop rod.

That's not a bad idea in the long run thanks for a suggestion so I don't have to mess with replacing hood struts when they blow out.

 

[LostMy65]

My kid went running by just as I was opening the tailgate. If it wasn't for the damper, my tailgate would have a dent in it.

 

[got3fords]

That's not a bad idea in the long run thanks for a suggestion so I don't have to mess with replacing hood struts when they blow out.

Never heard of that happening, but more power to ya! I am sure it will be worth the mod.

 

[got3fords]

Still, there's no need for a damper, just always have a shopping cart. ?

Yeah, I will steal one so I can have one at home. But then I would have to leave it in the driveway after I load stuff and drive away.

 

[Fordup]

I guess you took your hood lifts off when you got your Ranger and installed a prop rod.

Same with hood struts. Ford removed them because they aren't needed. Props never fail or bend aluminum hoods ?.

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