RIVAL 2AB.ST.1805.1 – controlled pickup tailgate opening
RIVAL 2AB.ST.1805.1 is a mechanical tailgate assist kit for selected Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 applications. Its Stabilus gas strut controls the movement of the heavy pickup tailgate as it opens, allowing the tailgate to lower more smoothly without having to support its full weight by hand.
Key benefits
- Controlled tailgate drop – the gas strut reduces uncontrolled downward movement of the tailgate.
- No-drill installation – the system mounts to the vehicle's original fixing points.
- Stabilus gas strut – RIVAL selects vehicle-specific strut characteristics and mounting hardware.
- Protected mounting hardware – RIVAL specifies a zinc-flake coating for the fittings.
How does the Tailgate Assist work?
The kit acts as a damper for the tailgate movement. Once the tailgate is released, the gas strut controls its downward travel instead of allowing it to drop freely. It is not an electric tailgate drive and does not automatically lift the tailgate.
Vehicle fitment – check before ordering
The product part number is 2AB.ST.1805.1 and it is intended for selected Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 applications. For 2019–2022 Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor vehicles, we recommend confirming the correct part number before ordering because RIVAL documentation also lists 2AB.ST.1808.1 for some of these vehicles.
Construction and installation
RIVAL's current installation instructions specify a kit weight of 1.00 kg and an estimated installation time of approximately 30 minutes. Installation uses original vehicle mounting points and requires no drilling. The official product specification lists steel as the material, while the fittings receive a zinc-flake coating.
Note for selected Ford Ranger applications: Ford's accessory documentation for Ranger 2012–01/2019 states that the maximum permitted tailgate load is reduced from 220 kg to 200 kg when the damper is installed. This value should not automatically be applied to other models or model years.
Technical data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| Brand | RIVAL 4x4 |
| MPN | 2AB.ST.1805.1 |
| Product type | tailgate assist / tailgate damper kit |
| Strut | 1 × Stabilus gas strut |
| Kit weight | 1.00 kg |
| Estimated installation time | 30 min |
| Installation | factory mounting points, no drilling |
| Material listed by manufacturer | steel |
| Fitting protection | zinc-flake coating |
Kit contents
The current instructions for 2AB.ST.1805.1 show one Stabilus gas strut, a dedicated bracket, mounting and retaining hardware, protective components and installation instructions. Minor hardware details may vary between kit revisions, so the current stock package should be checked before publishing a detailed fastener count.
Frequently asked questions
Does installation require drilling?
No. RIVAL specifies installation at the vehicle's original mounting points.
Does the kit automatically raise the tailgate?
No. Its primary purpose is to control and damp the tailgate as it lowers.
How many gas struts are included?
The current European installation instructions for 2AB.ST.1805.1 show one gas strut.
Will it fit a 2019–2022 Ranger or Ranger Raptor?
RIVAL documentation shows overlapping applications for part numbers 2AB.ST.1805.1 and 2AB.ST.1808.1. Confirm the correct part number for these vehicles before ordering.
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