Ford 250 Superduty Tailgates – A Detailed Guide

If we had a nickel every time someone busted up their tailgate, we’d be wealthy people. To be honest, we have even thought about making our own because you guys constantly tear them up! Anyway, if you are looking for specific information about Ford F250 & F350 tailgates, you’ve come to the right place. We know tailgates because Billy loves to chase ’em.

Tailgate Specs

• Width: 65 inches
• Thickness: 5-6 inches
• Height: 24 inches
• Weight: 47-51 lbs.

Tailgate size and weight remained very stable across model years—design continuity and function preserved strongly.

Tailgate Evolution

Below you’ll find a year‑by‑year overview of how Ford F‑250 Superduty tailgates evolved from 1999 through 2023, highlighting key design changes, new features, and innovation milestones across the years. Many of these tailgates are available for sale in our exterior body section of our shop, so if you are looking for any, go check them out.

1999–2004 – First Generation Superduty

• Design & Features: Classic steel drop-down tailgate—strong and straightforward. Easily removable for long loads. Key features include textured handles and optional tailgate locks.
• Options & Trims: Standard tailgate, with special trims like Lariat or King Ranch offering chrome accents and emblems.

2005–2007 – Mid-Cycle Refresh

• Styling Changes: Tailgates received updated styling—new insignia formatting and refreshed handle designs to align with the revised exterior aesthetic.
• Locking Capability: Tailgate lock or torque-enabled handle became standard across most trims, enhancing security.

2008–2010 – Emerging Tailgate Functionality

• Bed Extender Availability: The Superduty gained a bed extender option in 2008 to improve bed flexibility and load-carrying capability.
• Camera Integration: Rearview camera mounts and wiring began appearing in bed and tailgate assemblies on certain trims.

2011–2016 – Third Generation Redesign

• Structural Upgrades: Tailgate remained steel but featured refined contours and updated emblems. Enhanced hardware like stronger hinges and reinforced internal structure was introduced.
• Trim & Lock Enhancements: More trims received chromed handles and integrated locks; emblems and logo placements evolved with trim.

2017–2022 – Aluminum Body Era

• Material Shift Ahead: Although the body switched to aluminum-heavy construction, tailgates stayed steel, balancing durability and cost.
• Advanced Features on the Way: Tailgates began integrating modern features like improved locking mechanisms, but still largely maintenance of the classic drop-down design.

2023 Innovative Tailgate Upgrades

• Industry-First Features: Tailgate‑down camera and reverse sonar sensors added to assist with hitching trailers and maneuvering when the tailgate is lowered.
• Smart Towing Integration: Tailgate became part of “Pro Trailer Hitch Assist,” aiding back-up alignment and adding safety/telematics functionality. 

Ford F250 Tailgate Materials

Unlike the F-150 (which switched to aluminum tailgates in 2015), the F-250 Superduty has always used steel tailgates through 2023, prioritizing durability and resistance to heavy-use impacts.

1999–2016 – First Three Generations

• Material:
  • Stamped steel tailgates with inner and outer panels welded together.
  • Reinforced with cross-bracing and designed to handle ~500 lb static loads at the center edge.
• Surface finishes: Chrome handle options, painted outer skins, and textured plastic top caps became common.
• Reasoning: Durability and heavy payload requirements — aluminum was not yet used on Superduty.

2017–2022 – Aluminum Body Introduction

• When Ford switched the cab and bed structures to aluminum alloy in 2017, many assumed the tailgate followed — but the F-250 Superduty tailgate remained steel.
• Why steel, not aluminum?
  • Steel provided more dent resistance when loading heavy cargo.
  • Easier to integrate camera/sensor cutouts without compromising rigidity.
• Ford reinforced hinges and added lighter dampers for improved usability.

2023–Present – Latest Generation

• Base construction: Tailgate still primarily high-strength steel.
• Added components:
  • Plastic/composite caps and bezels for the tailgate camera(s) and reverse sensors.
  • Optional composite corner steps integrated into the bumper rather than the tailgate, but closely related in function.
• Innovation: 2023 introduced the “tailgate-down camera” and reverse sonar sensors built into the structure. Ford kept steel construction for durability, while adding wiring conduits and molded mounts for electronics.

Powered Tailgates

Power Tailgate Lock/Actuator (2011–2020+ Trucks)

• Accessory Type: Motorized tailgate lock actuator that automates locking/unlocking with the vehicle’s central locking system, often syncing with key fob or door lock events.
• Modern Variants: Actuator units are used in 2017–2020 F‑250 setups to provide powered locking via OEM mechanisms.

Power-Assist Tailgate Mechanisms (Lift or Opening Effort Reduction)

• Tailgate Assist (Dampening Strut Kits): Available through aftermarket retailers like AmericanTrucks, these hydraulic struts make tailgate lowering smoother and easier. They are commonly referred to as Tailgate Assist Kits and fit F‑250 models from 2011–2025.
• These don’t move the tailgate themselves but prevent slamming and reduce opening force—ideal for heavy or aging tailgates.

Powered Release / Power-Operated Tailgates

• Rare/OEM No Standard Option: Unlike F-150 where “Power Tailgate” (automated up/down) became available in recent years, the F‑250 Superduty does not have an official OEM/mfg power tailgate feature (auto-lift or swing-out) as of the latest generations.
• Pro Access Tailgate: Ford did unveil a swing-out “Pro Access Tailgate” in 2023 as part of feature innovations in pickups—but officially this is not yet offered on F‑250 Superduty lines.

Tailgate Cameras

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the rear/tailgate-mounted camera system on Ford F‑250 Superduty trucks, covering how it evolved, how it functions technically, and what’s changed over the years:

Pre-2018 Models (likely 2011–2017)

• Backup cameras were optional, often integrated discreetly into the tailgate handle.
• The camera cable is routed through the tailgate and connected to the Reverse light circuit, enabling auto-activation when shifting into Reverse.
• Kits are available for retrofitting, such as “OEM Tailgate Handle Camera” replacements suitable for these years.

2017–2022 (SYNC 3 Era)

• Tailgate-mounted cameras remain standard or widely available, compatible with factory infotainment.
• Replacement or upgrade kits like:
  • “Tailgate Handle with Backup Camera” (2017–2022 F‑250/F‑350)
  • Integrated plug-and-play emblem cameras for clean retrofitting
    are supported by SYNC systems.

2023 and Later

• The tailgate camera system advances with the addition of a tailgate-down camera—a key innovation allowing view even when the tailgate is lowered.
• This system also introduces reverse sensing when the tailgate is down, aiding trailer hitching and precision docking tasks.

Tailgate Camera Functionality & Wiring

• The factory rear camera is typically integrated into the tailgate handle and wired into the truck’s central camera network—triggered automatically in reverse via the tailgate or brake light circuit.
• Trucks with 360° camera systems (2023+) may require relocation of the tailgate camera if the tailgate is replaced or removed. Relocation kits are available, allowing the camera to be mounted elsewhere while retaining function.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Not only do we have plenty of tailgates to choose from but also other parts like Bumpers.  We all know we love to tear those up as well.