If you've ever lowered a ute tailgate and flinched as it drops and crashes open — or needed two hands just to control the descent — you already understand why the ProLift tailgate assist exists. It's a simple, affordable upgrade that transforms one of the most frustrating daily interactions with your ute into something controlled and effortless. This guide explains exactly what the ProLift does, which utes it fits, and whether it's worth adding to your build.
What Is a ProLift Tailgate Assist?
The ProLift tailgate assist is a gas strut kit that mounts between your ute's tailgate and body, slowing the tailgate's descent as you lower it. When you release the tailgate, instead of dropping freely under its own weight, it eases down slowly in a controlled, one-handed motion — think of it like a soft-close drawer, but for your tailgate.
It also assists when raising the tailgate, reducing the effort needed to lift and latch it closed.
Why Is a Tailgate Assist Worth Having?
1. Prevents tailgate damage
A tailgate that drops freely slams against its restraint cables at full extension every single time. Over years of daily use, this stresses the hinges, wears the cables, and can crack the tailgate itself. The ProLift eliminates that impact entirely.
2. Protects what's in the tub
When a tailgate drops with force, anything resting against it — tools, camping gear, building materials — gets jolted. Controlled lowering means nothing shifts.
3. One-handed operation
When your other hand is holding something — a coffee, a tool, a phone — being able to lower the tailgate with one hand without it crashing open is a genuine daily convenience.
4. No drilling, bolt-on install
The ProLift uses existing tailgate bolt holes and brackets. No drilling, no cutting, no modification to the vehicle. Installation typically takes 20–30 minutes with basic hand tools.
5. Works with any tub cover
The ProLift mounts to the inside of the tailgate and doesn't interfere with roller shutters, hard lids, tonneau covers, or canopies. It's fully compatible with all UniUte cover products.
What Utes Does the ProLift Fit?
UniUte stocks ProLift tailgate assist kits for all major Australian dual-cabs:
- Toyota Hilux SR5 2015–2025 — Shop here
- Ford Ranger PX PX2 PX3 2012–2021 — Shop here
- Ford Ranger NextGen 2022+ — Shop here
- Isuzu D-Max 2012–2020 — Shop here
- Isuzu D-Max 2020–2026 — Shop here
- Mitsubishi Triton MR 2019–2024 — Shop here
- Mitsubishi Triton MV 2024+ — Shop here
- LDV T60 and T60 MAX 2017–2026 — Shop here
- SsangYong Musso 2018–2026 — Shop here
- Holden Colorado RG 2012–2020 — Shop here
- Nissan Navara D27 2026+ — Shop here
Is the ProLift Worth It?
Honest answer: yes, for most ute owners. It's one of the most affordable upgrades you can make — and one of the most-used, because you interact with your tailgate every single day. The payback in prevented tailgate damage alone justifies the cost over time, and the daily convenience of one-handed controlled lowering is something owners consistently say they didn't expect to appreciate as much as they do.
If you use your ute for work and lower the tailgate dozens of times a day, it's a no-brainer. If you're a weekend user who opens the tailgate occasionally, it's still a worthwhile quality-of-life upgrade.
What About Central Locking for the Tailgate?
The ProLift is often paired with tailgate central locking — a separate kit that integrates your tailgate into the vehicle's central locking system so it locks and unlocks with the key fob. Together, they're the two most popular tailgate upgrades for Australian utes. See our tailgate central locking range for your vehicle.
👉 Browse the full ProLift tailgate assist range at UniUte
Not sure which ProLift fits your ute? Contact the UniUte team in Moorabbin, VIC — we ship Australia-wide.