Cheap vs Premium Electric Tailgate Kits | What’s the Difference?

When shopping for an electric tailgate upgrade in Australia, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is:

👉 Should you go for a cheap universal kit, or invest in a premium system?

At first glance, they may look similar—but the differences in quality, safety, and long-term reliability can be significant.

At Auto Retrofit , we help drivers choose the right system for their vehicle, not just the cheapest option. Here’s what you really get with each.

What Are Cheap Electric Tailgate Kits?

Cheap electric tailgate kits are typically universal aftermarket systems, often imported and sold online at low prices.

You’ll commonly find them in the $200–$600 AUD range.

What you get:

• Basic motorised opening/closing
• Universal fit (not vehicle-specific)
• Simple switch or remote control
• Minimal smart features

Pros:

• Low upfront cost
• Easy to find online
• Basic functionality works

Cons:

• Inconsistent build quality
• Limited safety features
• Fitment issues common
• Higher chance of failure over time
• Often requires DIY troubleshooting

👉 Best described as: “It works… until it doesn’t.”

What Are Premium Electric Tailgate Kits?

Premium kits are vehicle-specific or high-quality retrofit systems designed for durability, safety, and OEM-style performance.

These typically range from $900–$1,500+ AUD, depending on the vehicle. 

What you get:

• Vehicle-specific fitment or OEM-style integration
• Smooth, quiet operation
• Anti-pinch safety systems
• Adjustable height memory
• Stronger motors and struts
• Better wiring harness quality

Pros:

• Reliable long-term performance
• Safer operation
• Cleaner, factory-like finish
• Better compatibility with modern vehicles
• Lower risk of electrical issues

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• Professional installation often recommended

👉 Best described as: “Feels like it came with the car.”

Cheap vs Premium: Full Comparison

Hidden Costs of Cheap Kits

While cheap kits look attractive, the real cost often shows up later:

• Electrical faults or rewiring
• Replacement struts or motors
• Installation rework fees
• Compatibility issues with modern vehicles
• No warranty or limited support

👉 In some cases, “cheap” becomes more expensive over time.

Why Premium Kits Make Sense in Australia

Australian conditions matter:

• Heat
• Dust
• Long driving distances
• Heavy-use SUVs and utes

Premium systems are better suited because they are:

• More durable under stress
• Designed for frequent daily use
• Less likely to fail in harsh conditions

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose a cheap kit if:

• You’re on a tight budget
• You only need basic functionality
• You’re comfortable with DIY troubleshooting

Choose a premium kit if:

• You want long-term reliability
• You care about safety and smooth operation
• You drive your vehicle daily
• You want OEM-style performance

Why Choose Auto Retrofit ?

At AR Australia, we specialise in helping customers avoid costly mistakes by choosing the right system the first time.

✔ Expert Guidance

We match kits to your exact vehicle

✔ Quality-Focused Selection

Only reliable, tested systems

✔ Professional Installation Support

Ensures safety and performance

✔ Australia-Wide Solutions

Built for local driving conditions

Cheap kits are tempting—but they often trade price for reliability.

Premium kits cost more upfront—but deliver:

• Better safety
• Better performance
• Longer lifespan
• Peace of mind

👉 For most Australian drivers, premium is the smarter long-term investment.

Upgrade the Smart Way

Don’t risk your vehicle with low-quality kits.

Explore Auto Retrofit’s electric tailgate solutions and get expert advice on the right upgrade for your car.

👉 Contact us today for installation and compatibility support across Australia.