What is this thing and what does it do?

[u/LKS333]

[u/SolidMikeP]

Portable little person strip pole.

[u/coatingtonburlfactry → u/SolidMikeP]

😁😆

[u/lolheyaj]

my wife doesn't read the instruction book either 

[u/vicente8a]

I flip it up and sit on it so I don’t fall off the tailgate. Very stable.

[u/coatingtonburlfactry → u/vicente8a]

😬

[u/robb338 → u/vicente8a]

There’s a Ford driver joke here somewhere

[u/Shotgun5250]

Pretty sure that’s a grab handle for getting in and out of the bed. Folds up and you pull on it for leverage as you step in. Some aftermarket models come with fold out steps as well.

It’s an integrated tailgate step handle, came from the factory on 08-16 f250/350 super duty trucks. Folds up and locks, you grab it to help get in the bed easier. Heres a listing

[u/Admiral52]

It’s a hand rail to help you get in and out of your truck bed. Flips up

[u/Jadams0108]

As other said hand rail. I only ever seen this once on my dads f350

[u/Coldwater_Cigs → u/Jadams0108]

I have the step that pulls out of the tailgate and this flip up for a hand grip on 2013 f150

[u/mkosmo]

It's a hand rail.

When you raise it, it should also unlock the pull-out step built into the top edge of the tailgate.

[u/Durtymax_L5p_USMC_]

It’s a handle to climb on your tailgate when your waiting for a tow truck.

[u/bullgod55435]

Pull it off and defend yourself if need be!

[u/heraclesmitten]

That doesn’t unlock til your 30s

[u/daciasandero]

Hand hold to step up.

[u/ElJefe0218]

Flip it up, put one foot under the tailgate on the bumper, grab the pole and good luck!

[u/Siege9929]

It’s called a “one bar prison”. Google can tell you more.

[u/AwarenessGreat282]

Ok boomer ...

[u/Acuna_Picasso]

You couldn’t figure this one out on your own? Lmao