The Most Innovative Pickup-Truck Features, From Trunks to Trailer Assists

tyler811 · 11-07-2018, 07:17 PM

Never knew some of this was available. I actually wonder how functional some of these will be after a couple of years of use and abuse.

Scrapper · 11-07-2018, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyler811

Never knew some of this was available. I actually wonder how functional some of these will be after a couple of years of use and abuse.

Out of curiosity I watched a neighbor use their Ford with that feature while parking a TT. It was constantly over-steering. I can do a better job myself. Set the mirrors so I can see the rear TT tires and the back sides of the trailer and go for it.

aceinspp · 11-07-2018, 07:37 PM

Technology will continue to change over the years. Younger folks like all the bells and whistles. I can do with out just makes everything cost more and all the more to go wrong. Later RJD

SailorSam20500 · 11-07-2018, 07:48 PM

I have Ford's tailgate step on my truck. The older I get, the more I appreciate it...

NJKris · 11-08-2018, 07:50 AM

My buddy has that step too and swears by it. I just got a 2015 F150, I don't think it has that. What trim line did you have to buy to get the step? FX?

jd50i · 11-08-2018, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJKris

My buddy has that step too and swears by it. I just got a 2015 F150, I don't think it has that. What trim line did you have to buy to get the step? FX?

It can be on any trim last time I looked when buying my 2016.
I love it and the trailer assist seems useful for more precise backing like when I back my boat into a garage.

NJKris · 11-08-2018, 10:39 AM

So I guess it was an option. Too bad I can't retrofit it with it. Didn't see anything online.

katkt · 11-08-2018, 10:53 AM

You can buy an after market step. The step bolts up where the frame and bumper are joined. It swings down, so you can step on it, and then onto the tailgate.

https://www.autoanything.com/hitch-b...ble-truck-step

I'm not sure if this is the brand I bought, or not. After paying cash to get one of my knees scoped, the price seems pretty reasonable. It works well, and although not as cool as a built in factory step, it does the job.

Ejs4029 · 11-08-2018, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aceinspp

Technology will continue to change over the years. Younger folks like all the bells and whistles. I can do with out just makes everything cost more and all the more to go wrong. Later RJD

That's what a friend of mine used to say about power windows makes the truck cost more and something else to go wrong

Crank windows no longer exist now a days.

NJKris · 11-08-2018, 11:05 AM

katkt, I was looking at those. Certainly not as cool as the built into the tailgate one, but I'm starting to have a little bit concern hopping off the tailgate these days at 53 yrs old and 268 lbs! I'm afraid I might damage my driveway, lol.

Cypressloser · 11-08-2018, 11:10 AM

The tailgate step on the Ford is the most useful feature IMHO, the back up assist on the other hand ...... I'd walk away from any vehicle that has it. I wonder how water tight that seal is on the Honda Ridgleline under bed tub after you pry it open when frozen or after a year in service - thanks but no thanks. But the real problem is that a fully equipped pickup truck costs as much or more than the average family home 25 years ago.

HangDiver · 11-08-2018, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katkt

You can buy an after market step. The step bolts up where the frame and bumper are joined. It swings down, so you can step on it, and then onto the tailgate.

https://www.autoanything.com/hitch-b...ble-truck-step

I'm not sure if this is the brand I bought, or not. After paying cash to get one of my knees scoped, the price seems pretty reasonable. It works well, and although not as cool as a built in factory step, it does the job.

Thanks for posting. I'm jumping in and out of my truck bed all the time and something like this would be most helpful.

Kaadk · 11-08-2018, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJKris

My buddy has that step too and swears by it. I just got a 2015 F150, I don't think it has that. What trim line did you have to buy to get the step? FX?

It's entirely integrated into the tailgate, so you should be able to get a replacement tailgate that has it integrated. On the 2015, it might have still been the older style like this:

Perhaps try the local junk yards?

Regarding the OP's link, the new GM tailgate step seems interesting. I could possibly even see use for it when hooking up the fifth wheel with its ability to fold only part of the tailgate instead putting down the whole thing. Still probably would have went with the Ford, but this would really swayed a lot of weight to the GM.

Mark Ulmer · 11-08-2018, 01:36 PM

I have the tailgate step on my f150, and it's wonderful! I have the backup assist too and it's not so wonderful. When it works, it actually works reasonably well. However, at least half the time, it thinks for about a minute and then announces "can't find sticker". (You have to place a special sticker on the trailer tongue and take a whole bunch of measurements when you initially set it up.) Usually doesn't work if you get into a tight turn or if you're on a slope. In other words, it works on the easy back-ins; on the harder ones, you're on your own most of the time.

JimMorrell · 11-08-2018, 01:38 PM

That Ford tailgate step is one of the finest additions I've seen. At 83, I have no trouble getting into the box now.

IsleDog · 11-08-2018, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaadk

It's entirely integrated into the tailgate, so you should be able to get a replacement tailgate that has it integrated. On the 2015, it might have still been the older style like this:

Perhaps try the local junk yards?

Regarding the OP's link, the new GM tailgate step seems interesting. I could possibly even see use for it when hooking up the fifth wheel with its ability to fold only part of the tailgate instead putting down the whole thing. Still probably would have went with the Ford, but this would really swayed a lot of weight to the GM.

when i bought my King Ranch, it was supposed to be in the tailgate. long story short, the previous owner covered it up with the wrong tailgate cap and i didnt see it. so i looked at the junk yards...you CAN get one...if you want to spend the insane amount of money on it. im 34, and wont buy another truck without that. i use it almost daily. the handle is awesome to help get up in if you need it or stabilize yourself and you can stick those free magnetic lights you get at harbor freight to it and light up the bed at night.

NJKris · 11-08-2018, 02:05 PM

Sigh. Too much money, and the little bumper corner steps seem like they would get messed up from road salt and dirt over time. Now that I have a hard tonneau cover, think I will just keep my little wooden step ladder in the bed of the truck, that's what I used before. That tailgate step is sweet though. Just not going to pay big bucks for one.

jd50i · 11-08-2018, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IsleDog

you can stick those free magnetic lights you get at harbor freight to it and light up the bed at night.

My 2016 has LED lights in the bed and you will need to find a steel spot for lights with magnets since the bed is aluminum.

IsleDog · 11-08-2018, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd50i

My 2016 has LED lights in the bed and you will need to find a steel spot for lights with magnets since the bed is aluminum.

Lucky! i have a 2009, so no aluminum for me. the step handle should be steel on yours though right? mine is. my lights travel stuck to the cargo tie downs on the side of the bed. did they change that?

jd50i · 11-08-2018, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IsleDog

Lucky! i have a 2009, so no aluminum for me. the step handle should be steel on yours though right? mine is. my lights travel stuck to the cargo tie downs on the side of the bed. did they change that?

I would have to check but I believe the handle is aluminum but the tie down plates are steel.

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