Tailgate Lift Support

What Is a Tailgate Lift Support?

A tailgate lift support — also called a tailgate strut, gas spring, or tailgate assist — is the small but mighty component responsible for controlling how smoothly and safely your truck's tailgate opens and closes. Using compressed gas sealed inside a cylinder, these struts counterbalance the weight of the tailgate so it lowers in a controlled, gradual motion rather than crashing down under its own weight. When one fails, you'll notice it immediately: a tailgate that slams, drops unevenly, or refuses to stay in position is a telltale sign it's time for a replacement.

Why Tailgate Lift Supports Matter

Beyond convenience, a properly functioning tailgate lift support is a safety issue. A free-falling tailgate can cause injury to people nearby, damage cargo, or even harm the tailgate itself. For work truck owners, a reliable tailgate is part of the job — whether you're loading tools, hauling equipment, or using the bed as a work surface. On SUVs and crossovers, the equivalent liftgate struts keep the rear hatch open and at the correct height while you load groceries or gear. Over time, the gas charge inside the strut diminishes and the unit loses its holding force, which is why periodic inspection and replacement are part of responsible vehicle ownership.

What to Look for When Shopping Tailgate Lift Supports

• Vehicle-specific fit: Lift supports are engineered to precise length, stroke, and force ratings. Always verify compatibility with your year, make, and model before purchasing.
• OE vs. aftermarket: Original equipment (OE) specifications ensure the strut performs exactly as the factory intended. Many quality aftermarket options match or exceed OE specs at a lower cost.
• Extended or powered liftgates: Some modern SUVs use electrically actuated liftgate struts. Make sure you select the correct type — manual gas strut or powered actuator — for your vehicle.
• Sold individually or in pairs: Tailgate lift supports are often sold singly. Check whether your application requires one or two struts, and replace them together to ensure even operation.

Top Tailgate Lift Support Brands

FCS is one of the most widely stocked brands in this category, offering an extensive catalog of lift supports built to OE fit and design standards. FCS Automotive International is a fully vertically integrated manufacturer, meaning their engineering team controls quality from design through production — a key reason their lift supports deliver reliable, consistent performance across a broad range of domestic and import vehicles.

Stabilus is a globally recognized name in gas spring technology. Stabilus is widely regarded as the world's leading original equipment manufacturer for gas struts and dampers, and their Lift-O-Mat and EZDown product lines are trusted by automakers and enthusiasts alike for smooth, controlled tailgate and liftgate operation.

Keystone provides a solid selection of tailgate lift supports for popular truck and SUV applications. Keystone is a well-known name in the collision and body replacement parts market, making their lift supports a natural fit for body restoration and repair projects.

Replacement brand parts offer a straightforward, cost-effective solution for drivers who need a dependable tailgate strut without premium pricing. Replacement brand components are designed as direct-fit substitutes for OE parts, simplifying the swap-out process.

Febi brings European engineering standards to the tailgate lift support category. Part of the bilstein group, Febi manufactures parts to OE-matching quality standards and distributes to markets in over 170 countries, making them a trusted choice particularly for European vehicle applications.