<p>On a Ford F-150, there is no trunk. The part owners often call a trunk lift support is a gas strut or lift support used on the tailgate, hood, or tonneau cover. The tailgate assist strut is the most common. It helps lower and raise the tailgate. Hood struts hold the hood open. Tonneau cover struts hold a bed cover open or assist folding. Before buying parts, identify the exact location and part number.</p>
<h2>What a “Trunk Lift Support” Means on an F-150</h2>
<p>On a Ford F-150, the term “trunk lift support” usually refers to one of three gas struts:</p>
<ul>
<li>Tailgate assist strut: helps control tailgate opening and closing.</li>
<li>Hood lift supports: hold the hood open for service.</li>
<li>Tonneau cover lift supports: assist folding or opening bed covers.</li>
</ul>
<p>Common signs it needs replacement:</p>
<ul>
<li>Tailgate drops hard or won’t stay open.</li>
<li>Hood falls instead of staying up.</li>
<li>Tonneau cover won’t hold its open position.</li>
<li>Visible oil leak, hissing, bent rod, or rust on the strut.</li>
<li>Loose or worn ball studs and brackets.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Typical Cost Breakdown</h2>
<p>Costs depend on the part and whether you do the work yourself.</p>
<p>Parts:</p>
<ul>
<li>Tailgate assist strut: $25–$60 aftermarket; $50–$120 OEM.</li>
<li>Hood lift supports: $20–$60 each; $40–$120 per aftermarket pair; $80–$200 per OEM pair.</li>
<li>Tonneau cover lift supports: $15–$50 each; $30–$100 per pair; brand-specific kits $40–$150.</li>
<li>Mounting hardware and ball studs: $5–$30 if needed.</li>
</ul>
<p>Labor:</p>
<ul>
<li>Independent shop: $75–$150 per hour.</li>
<li>Dealer: $120–$200 per hour.</li>
<li>Tailgate assist replacement: 0.3–0.5 hour.</li>
<li>Hood or tonneau cover struts: 0.5–1.0 hour.</li>
<li>Some shops charge a minimum 0.5–1.0 hour.</li>
</ul>
<p>Total installed cost:</p>
<ul>
<li>Tailgate assist strut: $80–$250.</li>
<li>Hood struts: $100–$300.</li>
<li>Tonneau cover struts: $50–$200 installed; $0–$100 DIY.</li>
<li>Mobile mechanic: $100–$250 depending on location and parts.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Factors That Affect the Price</h2>
<p>Several variables change the final bill.</p>
<ul>
<li>OEM vs aftermarket: OEM costs more but fits and lasts like the original. Quality aftermarket brands cost less.</li>
<li>Single vs pair: Hood and tonneau cover struts should usually be replaced in pairs. A single tailgate assist strut is common.</li>
<li>Model year and trim: 2009–2014, 2015–2020, and 2021+ F-150s use different parts. Power tailgates and high-end trims cost more.</li>
<li>Tonneau cover brand: BAK, Extang, TruXedo, and Ford OEM covers use different struts. Some are only sold as kits.</li>
<li>Rust and corrosion: Rusted ball studs or brackets can add labor. Broken fasteners may need extraction.</li>
<li>Labor rates: Urban dealers charge more than rural independent shops.</li>
<li>Diagnostic fees: Some dealers charge $75–$150 to confirm the part, sometimes waived if you approve repairs.</li>
<li>Warranty: If the truck or cover is under warranty, replacement may be free or discounted.</li>
</ul>
<h2>DIY Replacement vs Shop</h2>
<p>Replacing most F-150 lift supports is a simple job for a DIYer. It takes 15–60 minutes per strut.</p>
<p>DIY steps:</p>
<ul>
<li>Support the tailgate, hood, or cover before removing the strut.</li>
<li>Use a flathead screwdriver or pick to release the retaining clip.</li>
<li>Remove the old strut from the ball studs.</li>
<li>Clean the ball studs and apply silicone grease.</li>
<li>Snap the new strut onto the ball studs.</li>
<li>Replace one side at a time on paired struts to keep alignment.</li>
<li>Check operation before closing the tailgate or hood.</li>
</ul>
<p>Tools needed:</p>
<ul>
<li>Flathead screwdriver or trim tool.</li>
<li>10mm, 13mm, or 15mm socket and ratchet.</li>
<li>Pry bar for stubborn clips.</li>
<li>Safety glasses and gloves.</li>
</ul>
<p>When to use a shop:</p>
<ul>
<li>Rusted or seized fasteners.</li>
<li>Power tailgate or complex tonneau cover mechanism.</li>
<li>Warranty coverage requires dealer service.</li>
<li>You lack tools or a safe place to work.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Practical Tips to Save Money</h2>
<ul>
<li>Replace both hood or tonneau cover struts at the same time. The second strut is usually near failure.</li>
<li>Match the part number to your VIN or tonneau cover model. Do not guess by year alone.</li>
<li>Check RockAuto, Amazon, eBay, and Ford online parts dealers for discounts.</li>
<li>Avoid no-name struts with low reviews. They often leak or lose pressure within months.</li>
<li>Confirm return policy before buying.</li>
<li>Ask shops for the total out-the-door price, including labor and tax.</li>
<li>For tonneau covers, contact the cover manufacturer first. Some send replacement struts free or at low cost.</li>
<li>If only the clip is broken, you may need a small clip kit instead of a full strut.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Replacing a trunk lift support on a Ford F-150 usually means replacing a tailgate assist strut, hood strut, or tonneau cover strut. The cost ranges from about $80 to $300 installed, depending on the part and labor rate. DIY replacement can drop the price to $20–$150. Identify the correct part, replace paired struts together, and fix rust or worn hardware before installing new lift supports.</p>