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Ford Revolutionizes the Pickup Truck: Unlocking the F-150’s Pro Access Tailgate

f-150 pro access tailgate
Ford F-150 XLT Flareside 2009 | RL GNZLZ | Flickr, Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Ford F-150, America’s favorite pickup truck, has once again captured the spotlight with its recent upgrade — the Pro Access Tailgate. This innovative feature is a testament to Ford’s commitment to continuously enhancing the pickup truck experience, making it easier and more functional for users who depend on their vehicles for both work and leisure. Let’s delve into the details of this groundbreaking tailgate redesign.

1. **A New Era of Tailgate Design**: The Pro Access Tailgate represents a shift from traditional tailgate designs. It features a middle side-hinged cut-out that can be opened at 37, 70, or 100 degrees, offering users the flexibility to access the truck bed more conveniently. This is particularly advantageous when the truck is parallel parked or when towing, as it provides a solution to the common struggle of reaching over a flipped-down tailgate.

2012 Ford F-150
2012 Ford F-150” by MSVG is licensed under CC BY 2.0

2. **Built-in Steps and Utility**: Maintaining its reputation for utility, the Pro Access Tailgate retains the integrated step and writing surface that are beloved by F-150 users. These features are thoughtfully designed to assist in daily tasks, from jotting down measurements to stepping up comfortably into the truck bed. The addition of an optional retractable rear step further enhances ease of access.

3. **Enhanced Bed Organization**: Ford has introduced optional bed dividers and a tonneau cover, allowing users to customize the organization of their truck bed. These dividers are part of a rail system that enables owners to adjust their placement, creating a more usable trunk space. This feature is particularly useful for those who frequently carry diverse loads and equipment.

4. **Innovative Storage Solutions**: Ford’s redesign doesn’t stop at the tailgate. The F-150 now includes additional storage options, such as small lockable boxes located behind the rear wheel wells. These are ideal for storing items like tie-down straps and work gloves, ensuring that small essentials are always within reach and secured.

5. **The Practicality of Symmetry**: A standout feature of the Pro Access Tailgate is its symmetrical design. The door is centrally located, which not only provides aesthetic balance but also adds practicality by allowing easier access to the bed contents. This simplicity is a breath of fresh air in the competitive tailgate market, where overly complex designs can sometimes detract from usability.

6. **Technical Enhancements for the Modern Driver**: Every F-150 model now comes standard with a 12-inch digital gauge cluster and multimedia touchscreen, upgrading the driving experience with advanced technology at your fingertips. Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system adds another layer of convenience, now capable of automatic lane changes.

7. **Optimized for Towing and Hauling**: The Pro Access Tailgate is engineered with the towing enthusiast in mind. Its design allows for bed access without interference from trailer jacks, a feature that significantly improves usability during towing operations. The tailgate’s three-stop opening system — at 37, 70, and 100 degrees — ensures that users have the right amount of access depending on their needs.

My 85 F-150
My 85 F-150” by swampmusic1959 is licensed under CC PDM 1.0

8. **Easily Customizable Bed Space**: Ford has also introduced small indentations in the inner walls of the truck bed, allowing owners to use wooden planks to create custom dividers. This DIY solution is perfect for those who want to maximize their truck’s storage capabilities without investing in costly accessories.

9. **Ram’s Multifuntional Tailgate**: In the battle of ingenuity, Ram’s Multifunction Tailgate stands out with its dual swinging doors. This design allows for a more flexible approach to accessing the truck bed, especially when towing. The doors can be opened individually, providing options depending on the situation. However, its aesthetic might not be everyone’s cup of tea, with some finding the offset seam visually unappealing.

10. **Honda’s Dual-Action Tailgate**: Honda takes a unique approach with their Dual-Action Tailgate, offering both a traditional drop-down and a side-swing mode. This dual functionality has been a staple for Honda, providing versatility in accessing the truck bed. This is particularly useful in tight spaces or when carrying items that need quick loading and unloading.

Ford logo
Ford logo” by Francis Storr is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

11. **Ford’s Legacy in Tailgate Innovation**: Ford has a storied history of tailgate innovation, stretching back to the 1920s. This legacy is a testament to Ford’s commitment to evolving with the needs of truck owners. The Pro Access Tailgate is the latest in a line of groundbreaking designs, showcasing Ford’s ability to blend tradition with modernization.

12. **Tailgate Convenience in Urban Settings**: For urban dwellers, the Pro Access Tailgate offers a practical solution to city parking challenges. Its design allows for easy access to the truck bed even in cramped spaces, making it a favorite among city drivers who often face parallel parking dilemmas.

13. **Towing Made Easier**: The Pro Access Tailgate shines brightly in towing scenarios. Its middle-door design permits access to the truck bed without the interference of a trailer jack, simplifying the process of retrieving or storing items on the go.

15. **Ford’s Approach to Safety and Security**: Security is paramount with the Pro Access Tailgate. The locking mechanisms ensure that your belongings are safe, while the tailgate’s design minimizes risk by preventing accidental swings that could damage other vehicles or structures.

Car Costs
Car Costs” by free pictures of money is licensed under CC BY 2.0

16. **Cost-Benefit of Tailgate Upgrades**: With the Pro Access Tailgate priced at $1,620, it’s crucial for potential buyers to weigh the benefits of this investment. For those who frequently use their truck beds, the convenience and functionality might far outweigh the costs. The added features and ease of use offer a compelling case for this modern marvel.

As we conclude this tour through the latest in tailgate technology, it’s clear that innovation is alive and well in the automotive world. Each brand has brought something unique to the table, with Ford’s Pro Access Tailgate leading the charge in simplicity and function. Whether it’s city driving, towing, or general convenience, Ford has redefined what it means to make a pickup truck tailgate both practical and sophisticated.

Related posts:
Ford F-150 gets a fancy new tailgate and more standard tech
150’s Pro Access Tailgate Is Winning The Tailgate Wars
2024 Ford F-150’s Pro Access Tailgate Is One Seriously Over-Engineered Door—And I Love It


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