Tailgate assist struts have grown in popularity among truck and SUV owners, promising smoother, safer, and less strenuous tailgate operation.
With advances in gas strut technology, many drivers enjoy the convenience of a tailgate that opens and closes easily, without that uncontrolled drop that once led to bent panels or startled children.
However, not all tailgate assist struts provide the same level of durability or satisfaction across their life span. Some struts retain their strength and smooth operation after thousands of uses, while others begin to show signs of fatigue or premature failure.
On one side are the reliable stalwarts: products that consistently open, close, and support the tailgate as if brand new, even after years on the road.
Owners of these assist struts describe day-to-day tailgate tasks as more convenient and even effortless, often remarking on the convenience they never realized they needed until trying one. On the other side lie struts with sagging issues.
These letdowns manifest either as tailgates that simply won’t stay open posing safety concerns or that no longer offer their trademark soft drop, returning to the old ways of sudden motion and awkward handling.
Understanding the factors that put each product in these categories helps truck owners make smart decisions and avoid disappointment.
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5 Tailgate Assist Struts Still Strong
Truck and SUV tailgates endure a surprising amount of daily punishment. Whether unloading heavy gear, managing frequent trips, or seeking safer operation for families, having a reliable tailgate assist strut transforms the ownership experience for the better.
It’s no exaggeration to say that tailgate struts that hold up bring real peace of mind not just initially, but time and again as months and even years pass.
Owners value these products for how they maintain their original functionality, meaning every time the tailgate is used, it behaves exactly as expected: controlled, easy to operate, and free of unexpected drops.
Writing about tailgate assist struts that remain strong makes sense for several reasons. First, reliable performance is what every owner hopes for when investing in accessories.
No one buys a strut hoping it will fail after a few hundred uses. Second, strong assist struts provide quantifiable safety benefits. When gas assist struts work as intended, pinched fingers and sudden tailgate slams become problems of the past.
Third is convenience. Picking out brands or models that repeatedly prove themselves helps future buyers make confident decisions and avoid brands that are all promise and little payoff.
Finally, showcasing what sets the best apart from the rest helps raise the standard across the entire category, encouraging manufacturers to focus on long-lasting, user-tested designs.
1. HSP Tailgate Assist – Trusted Reliability
HSP is a name recognized in the ute and pickup accessory market for both innovation and dependability. The company’s Tailgate Assist is often praised for sustaining its strength over years of regular use backed by tests simulating between 20,000 and 100,000 open-close cycles.
This track record isn’t marketing bluster; it reflects real durability in day-to-day situations, from tradespeople to families who rely on their vehicles for heavy-duty demands.
There are several reasons why the HSP Tailgate Assist consistently finds its way to best-of lists. HSP engineers its products to operate with either single or twin strut configurations, adapting to specific vehicle needs without cutting corners.
Their use of only factory mounting points and the ability to install the struts quickly even at home means users face less hassle and fewer concerns over fit or premature wear.
Further, HSP’s models are designed to function seamlessly alongside factory tailgate features, ensuring no compatibility issues or awkward retrofitting requirements.
The ongoing relevance of HSP’s Tailgate Assist in vehicle communities is evidenced by positive feedback from owners who note that, even years later, their tailgate continues to open and close smoothly.
The combination of robust construction, smart design, and trusted support keeps this assist strut in high regard. Beyond just working well, it fosters a feeling of trust.
Owners come to expect that every time they reach for their tailgate, they’ll get the same easy operation as when the assist was first installed a quality that only a reliably strong strut can deliver.
2. Maverick Tailgate Assist – Smooth Operation and Endurance
The Maverick Tailgate Assist has earned a solid reputation for how it consistently maintains strength, providing a smooth and controlled tailgate experience long after installation.
Recommended often for vehicles like the Ford Maverick and similar truck models, these assist struts are engineered to offer a perfect balance of firm support and fluid motion.
One of the key reasons Maverick’s assist struts remain reliable is the use of high-grade gas springs that resist pressure loss over time. Many gas struts tend to weaken after repeated use as the gas escapes or seals degrade, but Maverick’s units show strong resistance to this common failure mode.
Additionally, the design includes protective covers for critical components, shielding them from dirt, moisture, and corrosion elements that often degrade lower-quality struts.
Owners report that after thousands of cycles, Maverick struts still provide gentle tailgate lifting and slow, controlled closing, eliminating the risk of sudden slams.
This consistent behavior improves safety while also making the loading process less tiring, especially when heavy equipment or gear is involved.
Writing about these struts highlights the importance of choosing parts tested for extended use and built with strong materials and manufacturing standards, ensuring they perform reliably for the long haul.
It also demonstrates how proper product engineering can make everyday tasks easier without sacrificing durability.
3. Deezee Truck Tailgate Assist – Durability with Practical Design
Deezee’s Tailgate Assist combines rugged design with a focus on practical user needs. Built specifically for trucks that see heavy use, Deezee struts are designed to resist sagging and failing, maintaining their strength through demanding conditions.
This durability is a vital attribute for users who rely on their tailgate for professional or recreational activities. These struts use a reinforced gas cylinder built with corrosion-resistant coatings and have been repeatedly tested to endure harsh weather conditions, another reason why they maintain strong performance.
Moreover, many users appreciate the ease of installation, as Deezee Tailgate Assists typically bolt onto factory mounting points without modifications, preserving both aesthetics and functionality.
The reason to highlight Deezee’s offering is its sustained ability to support the weight of heavy tailgates reliably while allowing smooth, gradual movement. Unlike many cheap alternatives, Deezee struts reduce the risk of tailgate damage and injury to users by preventing the tailgate from slamming or suddenly dropping.
Showcasing this model underscores how a well-manufactured product with quality materials and thoughtful design can extend the life and usability of vehicle accessories.
4. A-Premium Tailgate Assist Struts – Longevity in Use
A-Premium brand tailgate assist struts are often chosen for their excellent longevity under frequent use. Many users who have installed these struts report strong performance for several years, even with daily or heavy use.
This kind of endurance is critical for anyone who depends on their truck for work or demands consistent vehicle reliability. These struts have particular features that help maintain their strength: strong nitrogen-charged cylinders and durable piston rods that resist bending or leaking.
Their construction also minimizes internal friction, which reduces wear and tear over time and avoids the loss of assist gas pressure that leads to sagging.
Furthermore, the brand places a strong emphasis on quality control to ensure each strut meets rigorous standards before leaving the factory.
Writing about A-Premium struts is worthwhile because they represent how material quality and precision engineering translate into dependable function.
Regular users emphasize that these struts help keep tailgates working “like new” well beyond typical expectations, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Their value lies in offering peace of mind, enabling users to focus on their vehicles’ tasks without worrying about tailgate performance inconsistencies.
5. Ram 2500/3500 Tailgate Slow Release Assist Controlled Strength
The Ram 2500/3500 tailgate slow release assist struts are designed with strength and precision to manage the weight of heavy-duty tailgates often found on larger pickups.
These gas struts provide controlled lowering, preventing the tailgate from crashing down or swinging open too quickly a feature that keeps users safe and confident.
These struts stand out because of their slow-release mechanism combined with durable internal gas pressure systems. This design makes opening or closing the tailgate far less strenuous and significantly safer over time.
Owners note that these struts continue to operate reliably for years, resisting the sagging issues that occur when gas escapes or seals degrade in lower-grade struts.
The reason to include this model is to demonstrate how attention to specific user needs such as managing heavier tailgates can be successfully addressed with specialized strut design.
Their slow release feature isn’t just a performance bonus; it extends the lifespan of the tailgate components and contributes to safer, more comfortable vehicle use.
This makes the Ram 2500/3500 struts an excellent example of strong, effective tailgate assist technology that meets the demands of heavy-duty truck owners.
5 Tailgate Assist Struts That Sag Open
While many tailgate assist struts deliver strong, consistent support, there are unfortunately products that lose their effectiveness prematurely.
Sagging struts can manifest as tailgates that refuse to stay fully open or only partially support their own weight. This issue is more than a nuisance it poses safety risks and can cause frustration, especially for truck owners who rely on their vehicles daily.
Struts sag primarily because of seal wear, loss of internal gas pressure, or damage from environmental factors like rust and dirt.
Subpar materials and poor manufacturing processes accelerate this decline, making some struts fail much earlier than expected. Understanding which struts sag and why is essential for vehicle owners seeking long-term value.
Discussing tailgate struts prone to sagging helps prevent buyers from spending money on products that won’t meet their needs. It highlights common failure modes and offers insight into what to avoid. It also helps emphasize the importance of proper maintenance and timely replacement.
By sharing practical information about sagging struts, users gain the knowledge needed to select better quality products and ensure their tailgate remains safe and fully functional.
1. Generic Economy Tailgate Struts – Prone to Early Sagging
Generic economy tailgate assist struts often carry a lower price tag but frequently suffer from durability issues, most notably sagging after only a few months of use.
These struts generally lack high-quality internal seals and use lower-grade gas or oil, which escapes more quickly than in premium options. As a result, the supporting pressure weakens, and the tailgate won’t remain fully open on its own.
This is important to discuss because many vehicle owners may be tempted by the initial cost savings without realizing the trade-offs in reliability and safety.
Sagging struts can lead to dangerous situations where a tailgate unexpectedly closes or falls, risking injury or damage. Cheap manufacturing processes also mean the piston rods might bend or corrode, further accelerating failure.
Highlighting the problems with economy struts aims to inform readers that while these may seem like a quick fix, their short lifespan and safety concerns can result in higher long-term costs due to replacements or repairs.
Avoiding these low-quality items can save money, frustration, and potential safety hazards. Understanding how these struts fail early on encourages owners to look beyond price and consider performance and durability when purchasing tailgate assist products.
2. Low-Quality Aftermarket Struts – Common Sagging Risks
Many aftermarket tailgate assist struts placed on the market fail to meet factory standards, contributing to early sagging issues.
These struts often miss vital quality controls and may use substandard materials. Consequently, gas pressure leaks or seal damage becomes more common, and their ability to support the tailgate deteriorates rapidly.
Writing about low-quality aftermarket struts is relevant because vehicle owners often seek replacements or upgrades without full awareness of varying product quality.
Some aftermarket brands claim compatibility and performance parity with OEM parts but fall short when tested in real conditions. This discrepancy can cause disappointment and pose safety risks when the tailgate drops unexpectedly.
Providing insight into these risks helps buyers become wiser, encouraging them to research reputable brands and avoid potentially hazardous products.
It also underscores the value of investing in known, tested struts that maintain pressure and function, rather than choosing parts purely based on price or appearance. This guidance protects owners from the frustration and danger connected to sagging tailgate assist struts.
3. Worn-Out Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Struts – Natural Wear and Sag
OEM tailgate assist struts, although designed to high standards, do not last forever. Over time, common causes like gas leakage, seal degradation, and rod corrosion result in sagging, causing the tailgate to fail to hold open properly. This happens naturally after several years of regular use.
Discussing OEM strut wear helps owners realize that sagging is often due to expected aging rather than manufacturing defects. It’s critical because many owners may delay replacement or misunderstand why their tailgate support is failing, risking unsafe tailgate operation.
OEM parts tend to fit perfectly and offer smooth operation initially but require timely maintenance to retain those benefits.
Writing about this scenario emphasises the importance of monitoring tailgate strut condition and replacing them when it start to weaken.
It also suggests that owners choosing replacement parts should balance cost and quality, considering premium aftermarket alternatives that prolong tailgate function. Highlighting OEM wear informs owners how to keep their vehicles operating safely and prevent sudden surprises from sagging struts.
4. Non-Recommended Universal Struts – Fitment and Sag Challenges
Universal tailgate assist struts, marketed as adaptable to many vehicle models, often create more problems than they solve. Due to their non-specific design, they frequently do not match the exact length, pressure rating, or mounting configuration necessary.
As a result, their gas pressure can be too weak or unevenly distributed, leading to sagging or tailgate that won’t stay securely open.
This topic is crucial because many users turn to universal struts hoping for an easy, inexpensive fix when their original units fail. However, inappropriate fitment causes functional and safety issues.
A sagging tailgate that won’t hold still can risk injury or damages, undermining the convenience these struts are supposed to offer.
Writing about the pitfalls of universal struts aims to caution owners about compatibility and the importance of choosing vehicle-specific products.
It encourages careful measurement and purchase decisions based on manufacturer recommendations rather than generic solutions. The focus here is to steer users away from stopgap fixes that undermine both safety and convenience.
5. Poorly Maintained Struts – How Neglect Causes Sagging
Sometimes, tailgate assist struts sag not because of initial flaws but due to neglect. Exposure to dirt, moisture, and lack of cleaning can cause corrosion and damage to seals and gas chambers. Over time, this leads to gas leaks and loss of internal pressure, resulting in sagging and failure.
Talking about maintenance-related sagging equips owners with knowledge to extend their strut lifespan. Even high-quality struts need care: cleaning off grime, protecting from road salt, and lubricating pivots help maintain proper function. Ignoring this leads to premature failure and safety risks.
Emphasizing maintenance provides practical advice that benefits all tailgate assist strut owners. It also highlights that sagging isn’t always due to product quality alone but often because of how the product is treated.
Therefore, education on upkeep complements advice on product selection to help users maintain safe, dependable tailgate operation longer.
Tailgate assist struts play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality, safety, and convenience of truck and SUV tailgates by providing controlled opening and closing.
They prevent sudden drops that could risk injury or damage and make daily vehicle use more comfortable. However, not all tailgate assist struts perform equally over time.
Some remain strong and reliable even after prolonged use, while others experience sagging or failure, leading to frustrating and unsafe situations.
Tailgate assist struts that remain strong are characterized by durable materials, robust design, and high-quality manufacturing.
Brands like HSP, Maverick, Deezee, A-Premium, and the Ram 2500/3500 slow release assist are recognized for their superior longevity. These struts maintain their gas pressure and strength over thousands of cycles, providing smooth, controlled tailgate operation.
The HSP model is praised for its wide compatibility and factory-fit design, ensuring ease of installation and sustained performance. Maverick struts feature high-grade gas springs and protective covers that resist corrosion and leakage, preserving smooth functionality.
Deezee stands out due to rugged construction with weather-resistant coatings, supporting heavy tailgates reliably in tough conditions. A-Premium units benefit from precision engineering and strong seals that minimize wear and gas leakage, extending product life.
The Ram 2500/3500 assist struts cater to heavy-duty tailgate requirements with a slow-release mechanism that enhances safety and reduces impact stresses.
These durable struts represent significant user investments that pay off in consistent, safe tailgate management with minimal maintenance.
On the contrary, some tailgate assist struts sag open due to various issues, compromising convenience and safety. Lower-quality economy struts, often chosen for their affordability, usually suffer early failure because of poor seals and materials that allow internal gas leakage.
This leads to tailgates that no longer stay open and may fall unexpectedly. Similarly, many low-quality aftermarket struts mimic OEM designs but lack proper quality control, causing premature wear or sagging.
OEM struts themselves are not immune to wear over time; natural degradation through repeated use, corrosion, and gas loss results in sagging tailgates that need timely replacement.
Universal-fit struts also contribute to failure due to improper sizing and pressure ratings, as their one-size-fits-many approach rarely matches specific vehicle requirements, leading to poor tailgate support. Lastly, even strong struts can sag when neglected.
Dirt, moisture, and road elements corrode seals and rods, accelerating performance decline. Lack of routine cleaning and maintenance decreases strut longevity, emphasizing the importance of regular care for any tailgate assist product.
Understanding the contrast between tailgate assist struts that stay strong and ones prone to sagging is essential for vehicle owners to make educated purchasing decisions.
It not only saves money in the long run by avoiding premature replacements but also ensures continued tailgate safety and ease of use.
Buyers should prioritize high-quality, vehicle-specific struts with proven durability and consider proper maintenance practices to extend product life.
Avoiding low-quality or universal struts reduces risk and frustration, while recognizing natural wear in OEM components encourages timely upgrades.
This balanced knowledge empowers truck and SUV owners to choose the best tailgate support solution suited to their needs and use patterns, enhancing their overall vehicle experience.
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