Okay, I admit it. I'm not as young and flexible as I use to be. That became clear when I couldn't get into the bed of my 01 without a step ladder. Fortunately, both my trucks have running boards of one sort or another. So what I need is a way to get into the bed easily. Take into consideration I'm fat and lame when making a suggestion.

 

6-8" drop hitch, back bumper, step over the notch in a fifth wheel gate......
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

 

The back of my 01 sits so high I can't even sit on the tailgate.

 

Viagra, you will be able to get up into anything, just saying hahaha

 

I keep one of these in the rear of the bed, held down with a cargo strap.
The small step on one end helps me get my old, carcass with bad knees up onto the tailgate, and the sides unfold and lock into position.
It also is handy for getting over the fender into the engine bay.

 

A hitch step like this that goes into your hitch receiver.

Draw-Tite Hitch Mounted Step Pad - Free & Fast Shipping

 

My wife has a bad knee, and one of my trucks doesn't have running boards. She has a folding step stool with a strap on it that she tucks between the seat and the console. She hangs onto the strap, climbs in, and pulls it in behind her. She uses the same arrangement to get into the bass boat from a beach when there isn't a dock handy.

 

Whatever you decide on, be sure and you tube your first few attempts!!

Seriously, though, I feel for ya. I send my boys in whenever possible and keep a set of knee pads for myself in my bed box at the back. It's even harder when the airbags are up....

 

When I first got my 01 I had to ask myself , "does anyone pick heavy stuff up off the ground and throw it in the bed of their truck these days"??

 

Just a few short yrs ago I was able to do a back flip off my tailgate and land on my feet.
Seriously, I could do that.
Recently I biffed trying to step down into my step when the plastic tailgate trim came off.

To get in I use a solid step made of plywood, it stays in the bed of the truck.

I've seen the hitch steps, kinda cool.
Maybe a wireless winch control and noose around your Leggs. Just hit the switch and let the winch pull you in.
Put the tailgate down. J/K. Maybe

 

That work platform is a great idea, just needs a higher gross weight rating for me. The receiver step is still too high. One thing for sure, I can't leave it in the bed. It ill get stolen.

 

I use one of the work platforms as well for both tailgate and engine bay. I keep it in the bed as well but have a lockable canopy with smoked glass so no one can see inside,
Del

 

Fortunately I am not yet in semi handicapped old fart category and can easily get into the bed of my truck. What is harder to do is work on the engine, particularly as my truck sits quite high with the 4X4 and the 315 tires. To get around that I use the following which is very easy to use;

Ironton Truck Service Step — 300-lb. Capacity | Steps| Northern Tool + Equipment

 

Stan, I like that step! It is a huge improvement over the old wood chair I keep in my shop. More than once I've scooted the chair out from under me and landed gracefully on the fender. Most times, in the engine bay, I try to figure out how to sit on the engine......

 

That step cannot scoot out from under you and your shoes will not slip on it.
I bought mine from Pepboys about 8 years ago and it is still going strong. One word of caution; beware, it pinches fingers very easily when setting up or taking down.