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[109 fever]

I'd like to retain the fold down tailgate as opposed to adding side hinges to create a swing away back door for passenger access.  Has anyone come up with some type of step that can be added to the swing down tailgate to afford easier access?  Besides a step stool.  Perhaps from the side?

[Genem]

You could, if you have no towball, unhook the tailgate so it folds all the way down and mod the tailgate with a hinged step that would flip out ?

Or a toe-hold cut-out in the tailgate ?

* requires a tailgate you don't mind vandalising :-)

[109 fever]

Excellent suggestion.  I was searching for something just like that.  I could mount a series step upside down on the inside surface of the tailgate.

[Peter Holden]

There are available, but very expensive, replacement hinges that easily allow you to change from a hinge down tailgate to a side opening one whenever you need it.

Me I just carry a folding caravan step, I like to keep it simple and we had a spare.

Peter

[Gordon L]

 I have one of these fitted to the inside of the tail gate on my Hicap.
   https://www.absoluteindustrial.co.uk/marine-hardware-rigging-c6/cabin-hardware-c86/stainless-steel-folding-boat-steps-aisi-316-p437/s2246?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cp
  It makes it a lot easer to get in .

[Craig T]

Why not just make a whole new tailgate from box section steel and some ally sheet?
Not that difficult to do, simple square shape and would be strong enough to take the weight of people standing on it. The step could be an integral part of it and if in a few years time you decide to put the original unit back on you just slide it off and slide the old one back into place.

Craig.

[Davidss]

There are available, but very expensive, replacement hinges that easily allow you to change from a hinge down tailgate to a side opening one whenever you need it.
....

Yes, but these don't answer the need for a 'half height' step needed to step up into the load bay, or up onto a horizontal tailboard.

Your caravan step does answer the need.

Regards.

[Genem]

I have one of these fitted to the inside of the tail gate on my Hicap.
   https://www.absoluteindustrial.co.uk/marine-hardware-rigging-c6/cabin-hardware-c86/stainless-steel-folding-boat-steps-aisi-316-p437/s2246?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cp
  It makes it a lot easer to get in .

....and "marine" grade stuff tends to be better quality than the junk they sell to vehicle owners ??

[Peter Holden]

David
I didnt say but you could fit  a standard station wagon rear step with a tailgate that hinges sideways.

Peter

[Davidss]

David
I didnt say but you could fit  a standard station wagon rear step with a tailgate that hinges sideways.

Peter

I can't say I'd thought of that, but I'm concious that a 'low slung' step is prone to plough damage, going forwards or backwards.
Nevertheless, an option to keep in mind, especially as I'm going for the side hinged tailboard (on a 109).

Regards.

[gvo416j R.I.P.]

I can't say I'd thought of that, but I'm concious that a 'low slung' step is prone to plough damage, going forwards or backwards.
Nevertheless, an option to keep in mind, especially as I'm going for the side hinged tailboard (on a 109).

The same rear step is fitted to both 7 seat swb and 109" stationwagons.

In the folded position it only hangs slightly lower than the rear crossmember and is higher than the standard drop plate for the towball.

It can be a big step up depending on the spring set up.



As the OP is in the USA I would imagine letting the tailgate off the chains and letting it go down to vertical with some sort of fold down steps fitted to the inside would be a good option as the std. US towball/hitch is a quick release item and the receiver for it does not stick out beyond the crossmember. [ at least the limited number I have seen on my 3 visits to various US landrover events  did not stick out]

[109 fever]

I'm going with this step mounted to the inside surface of the tail gate facing forward.  I'll mount it on left section of the tailgate.  An old towel  will be used to buffer contact with the tow hitch bracket.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G6JYNC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1