It functions nicely and does what it's supposed to do
919707
This item is 5/5 once it gets installed.  It functions nicely and does what it's supposed to do.  Of note, I have a 2013 Ford F150 FX4.

Now, for the installation process I'd give it a 1/5 (hence the generous 3/5 overall rating).  Getting the ball mount properly installed on the tailgate with the given hardware was impossible.  I literally couldn't get it to work.  The base kept spinning when trying to install the screw-in ball mount portion, and there's not a thing I could do to prevent it (yes I tried the duck tape and every other piece of advice on these reviews...none worked in my case!).  Had I not been savvy and lucky, I never would have gotten it the ball mount installed.  This ball mount "nutsert" (the revet type portion that acts as the female portion that installs into the hole in the tailgate) is completely useless and was impossible for me to use as intended....it's basically a terrible design and Dee Zee should take heed of these reviews and get a better design.  It's not fair to the end-user  I consider myself pretty good with tools and projects like this...so I can't imagine what someone with less experience are dealing with during their install process.

As for the fix, I happened to have a nut with an integral spinning washer (also known as a serrated flange nut) that fit the ball mount threading perfectly (sorry, I couldn't tell you the size).  I was able to barely finagle into place using really long needle nosed pliers inside of the tailgate itself.  This required me to remove the factory black plastic tailgate liner and carefully navigate the nut into place using a flash light and a lot of patience.  Thankfully, I was able to get the ball mount threads started into the nut.  After it got started, I kept the pliers firmly on the nut while I tightened down the ball mount by hand until the serrated portion making contact with the tailgate "bit" or "grabbed".  Eventually, the pressure on the nut held it stable as I continued to tighten it down with a deep socket wrench (and was able to release the pliers).  After that ball mount was successfully installed, the rest was easy peezy.

As for concerns over the "lifespan" of the hydraulic assembly itself, I can't attest to it because I've only had mine on for about a month.  However, it's a component that WILL fail in time (they all do, remember those hatch back type cars from the 80s?) and that's to be expected.  I will be more than happy to purchase another one of these kits if and when the shock does fail, AS LONG AS I NEVER HAVE TO DEAL WITH THAT NUTSERT/BALL MOUNT INSTALLATION  PROCESS AGAIN!! (which I won't because I used the flanged nut method of installation, which should last the life of the truck).

Final analysis, this product is awesome when properly installed...I couldn't be happier with its performance.  However, the install process (as currently designed) sucks.  It took me about 3 hours from start to finish...95% of that time was spent getting that stupid ball mount in place on the tailgate.  You'll love the product if you decide to buy and go through the painstaking process of getting it on PROPERLY.  Patience is a must on this one.

PS - I attached a photo of what a serrated flange nut looks like.  Since I couldn't tell you the size, I would take the ball mount to HD or Lowes and just match one with its threading.  GOOD LUCK!
1636294
Not state of the art by any means, but it is functional, and well worth what you pay for it.
328539
Does what is supposed to do well, but the this product is made on the cheap
3328107
Solid construction and does exactly what it should do.
3216318
no bells and whistles, but then again, I didn't expect and for the cost.  It does what it's supposed to.
3257835
Great for what it's supposed to do. Not the best but does the job.
1248310
Works well for the intended purpose, good value
2557801
It does what it's supposed to do, but I haven't had it long enough to rate more at this time.
1833597
It does what it's supposed to do.  My issue is that when you don't want it to do it anymore, it's a bit difficult to unscrew.
2755732
Does what it is supposed to at a reasonable price.
4241098
It does just what it's supposed to, and is very easy to use.
1220107
This product does what it's supposed to do and does it nicely.  The clear plastic cover shows the whole screen and the opening at the bottom leaves enough room to manipulate buttons on the player.  You do need to have the headphone plug in a certain position to flip the cover open.  I actually like this as it works as sort of a "lock" to keep the case from accidentally opening when it's in my purse or brifcase.  That would only happen if something slid between the cover and the case as the magnet closure holds suprisingly well.
In all this is a decent case for everyday use.
956657
It does what it is supposed to do, no downside.
75189
Not the easiest to install, but it does its job well
4478355
Good quality, easy to install, and functions as expected.
4400057
It does the job.  It's not sexy, but it does what it is supposed to do.
3566839
I think it's a good deal for the price - it functions fine.