Ford’s latest truck feature, the Pro Access Tailgate, aims to improve on the traditional tailgate design that has remained unchanged for decades. The Pro Access Tailgate is a tailgate with a small swing-out door built right in, making it easier to reach into the back of the truck. This feature is only available on select F-150 models, so buyers need to consider their specific needs when deciding which truck to purchase.
The need for a solution like the Pro Access Tailgate arises from the fact that trucks have been getting bigger and taller, with smaller 5.5-foot beds becoming the default. This has made it more challenging to reach into the bed, leading to the development of features like fold-down tailgate steps. Ford’s latest approach to addressing this issue does a great job of providing easy bed access, easy hauling, and easy towing.
The swing-out door on the Pro Access Tailgate has three stops at 37, 70, and 100 degrees. The 37-degree opening allows limited access to the bed while avoiding trailer jacks. The 70-degree opening provides a wider aperture for tighter spaces, and the 100-degree opening offers the most access for larger items. The door doesn’t open past 100 degrees to prevent damage to the rest of the gate. The detents in the tailgate’s horizontal opening serve the purpose of preventing the door from swaying and hitting objects.
While Ford isn’t the first to introduce a rear door for bed access, they have iterated on the design to make it distinct from competitors like Ram’s Multifunction Tailgate. The F-150’s swing gate opens from the driver’s side and reduces walking distance to the tailgate handle with a smaller button. The Pro Access Tailgate provides an additional 19 inches of reach into the bed compared to a conventional tailgate in the “down” position.
In addition to the Pro Access Tailgate, the new F-150 also features a wider step cut-out and a deeper bumper for easier access to the bed. There’s an optional rear bumper step that can be deployed for added convenience. Ford offers bed dividers and a tonneau cover for further utility, along with small storage boxes behind the rear wheel wells. The bed indents that Ford has included in the inner walls allow owners to create their own dividers using wooden planks, offering a simple and effective solution.
While the Pro Access Tailgate and other accessories come at an additional cost, the bed indents are standard equipment, making them a free and practical feature. For truck owners who frequently use their truck beds, the investment in the Pro Access Tailgate and other bed enhancements may be worth it, as they greatly improve the overall ownership experience.
Overall, Ford’s latest innovation in truck tailgate design demonstrates their commitment to continuously improving their vehicles and addressing the changing needs of truck owners. The Pro Access Tailgate and other bed features offer practical solutions for easier access and more efficient use of the truck bed, enhancing the overall functionality of the F-150.