What a Rough Country Tailgate information Does

A Rough Country tailgate information is a hydraulic or pneumatic damping system that slows the fall of your truck's tailgate so it doesn't slam shut or drop suddenly when you release it. Instead of gravity pulling the tailgate down hard, the information mechanism controls the descent, making it easier to lower by hand and safer to operate around people or cargo.

Rough Country manufactures these kits as bolt-on aftermarket parts for pickup trucks. The system typically uses gas-charged struts or cylinders mounted between the tailgate and the truck bed frame. When you open the tailgate, the struts extend; when you close it, they compress slowly rather than allowing free fall. The result is a controlled, smooth motion that reduces noise, wear on hinges, and the risk of pinched fingers or dropped items.

These systems are different from factory tailgate dampening found on some newer trucks. Rough Country's kits are designed to retrofit older or base-model trucks that lack this feature from the manufacturer.

Key Takeaways

  • Rough Country tailgate information kits use gas-charged struts to slow tailgate descent and prevent slamming.
  • Installation requires basic tools and typically takes one to two hours; no welding or drilling into the truck frame is needed.
  • Kits cost between $150 and $300 depending on truck model and whether you install it yourself or hire a shop.
  • The struts are replaceable wear items that may need service after several years of heavy use, though many last the life of the truck.
  • Rough Country offers model-specific kits for most common pickup trucks; you need your truck's year, make, and model to order the correct one.

How Installation Works

Rough Country tailgate information kits come with two pre-assembled strut units, mounting brackets, bolts, and an instruction sheet specific to your truck model. The installation process involves removing your tailgate, bolting the brackets to the inside of the tailgate and the truck bed frame, and then installing the struts between those brackets.

Most installations do not require welding, cutting, or drilling into the truck frame itself. You bolt everything to existing attachment points or use self-tapping bolts into the tailgate structure. The entire job typically takes one to two hours with basic hand tools—a socket set, wrenches, and a drill if you need to enlarge existing holes.

If you are not comfortable working under a truck or handling the tailgate removal, a truck shop or body shop can install the kit for you. Labor costs vary by region and shop, but typically run $100 to $200 on top of the kit price. Some Rough Country dealers offer installation services as part of their package.

Pricing and Where to Buy

Rough Country tailgate information kits range from roughly $150 to $300 for the kit alone, depending on your truck model and whether the kit includes additional hardware or protective coatings. Trucks with larger or heavier tailgates—such as full-size Ford F-150s or Chevrolet Silverados—tend toward the higher end of that range.

You can purchase kits directly from Rough Country's website, from truck accessory retailers like 4 Wheel Parts or Summit Racing, or from Amazon and eBay. Prices sometimes vary between retailers, so comparing a few sources before ordering is worth the time. Some retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, which can offset the kit cost slightly.

If you choose professional installation, add $100 to $200 to the total. A few truck shops bundle the kit and labor into a single quote, so asking for an all-in price before you commit is reasonable.

Compatibility and Truck Models

Rough Country makes tailgate information kits for most common pickup trucks, including Ford F-150 (multiple generations), Chevrolet Silverado and Colorado, GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram, and Toyota Tundra and Tacoma. However, not every model year or body style is covered, and some trucks may require a different brand's kit or a custom solution.

Before ordering, you need your truck's year, make, model, and bed length (short bed, standard bed, or long bed). Rough Country's website includes a model selector tool, or you can call their customer service line to confirm the correct kit for your truck. Ordering the wrong kit means wasted shipping and a return process.

Some trucks with factory tailgate dampening systems—particularly newer models—may not need an aftermarket information. If your truck already has a smooth, controlled tailgate, adding a Rough Country kit could create binding or unnecessary resistance.

Maintenance and Durability

Rough Country tailgate information struts are sealed units and do not require regular maintenance beyond occasional cleaning. However, they are wear items. The gas charge inside the struts gradually loses pressure over time, especially in trucks that open and close the tailgate frequently or in extreme heat or cold.

Most users report that Rough Country struts last between five and ten years before they noticeably weaken. Some last longer; some fail sooner depending on use and climate. When a strut fails, the tailgate will begin to fall faster or drop suddenly again, signaling that replacement is needed.

Replacement struts cost $40 to $80 per unit, and you typically replace both at the same time to maintain balanced descent. Swapping them out is a straightforward job—usually just unbolting the old struts and bolting in new ones—and takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Comparing Rough Country to Other Brands

Other manufacturers make tailgate information systems, including Lund, Bushwacker, and truck-specific OEM kits. Rough Country's kits are generally priced in the middle of the market and are known for straightforward installation and decent durability. Lund kits tend to be slightly more expensive but are often praised for longevity. Some OEM kits from Ford or Chevrolet are more expensive but may integrate more seamlessly with factory systems.

The main difference between brands is the strut design and the mounting bracket engineering. Rough Country uses a proven gas-charged strut design that works well for most trucks. If you are choosing between Rough Country and another brand, consider the cost difference, the warranty offered, and whether the kit is designed specifically for your truck model or is a more universal fit.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

The most common issue after installation is uneven descent—one side of the tailgate falls faster than the other. This usually means one strut is weaker than the other, either due to a manufacturing defect or uneven wear. The fix is to replace both struts together, even if only one appears weak.

Another issue is binding or resistance when opening the tailgate fully. This can happen if the brackets are installed slightly misaligned or if the tailgate itself is bent. Check that the tailgate opens and closes smoothly before tightening all bolts fully, and adjust bracket position if needed.

If the tailgate still falls too fast after installation, the struts may be undersized for your tailgate weight. This is rare with model-specific kits but can happen with universal kits on heavier trucks. Contact Rough Country's support line with your truck details; they can recommend a stronger strut or a different solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to remove my tailgate to install a Rough Country information kit?

Yes, you need to remove the tailgate to access the mounting points and install the brackets. Removal typically takes 15 to 20 minutes and requires unbolting the hinges. Most kits include instructions for safe tailgate removal and reinstallation.

Will a tailgate information kit work on a truck with a tonneau cover or bed cover?

Yes, the information kit mounts to the tailgate and truck frame, not to any bed cover. A tonneau cover or hard bed cover will not interfere with the struts or their operation. You may need to remove the cover to access the tailgate hinges during installation, but once installed, they coexist without issue.

What happens if a strut fails while the tailgate is open?

If a strut fails suddenly, the tailgate will drop quickly or slam shut. This is why replacing both struts together is recommended—it prevents one from failing while the other still works, which creates an unbalanced and unsafe descent. If one strut fails, replace both promptly.

Can I install a Rough Country tailgate information on a truck with a factory tailgate dampener?

It depends on the truck and the factory system. Some factory dampeners can coexist with an aftermarket kit; others will bind or create excessive resistance. Check the Rough Country product page for your truck model to see if it notes any compatibility issues with factory systems, or contact their support team with your truck's details.

How much weight can a tailgate information strut support?

Rough Country struts are rated for the typical weight of a tailgate for that truck model, usually between 50 and 150 pounds depending on the truck size. They are not designed to support additional weight placed on the tailgate itself. Do not use the tailgate as a step or place heavy items on it while it is open.