Fords with Tailgate Step Near Katy, TX

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Ford Tailgate Step

Work hard, play hard is the motto of many pickup truck owners. Whether they are using their vehicle for work, to power weekend adventures, or to support home DIY projects, their truck needs to keep up with their needs. 

Ford Motor Company knows that owners need to be able to count on their vehicle, and have designed functionality so people can make the most of their truck. Along with other truck bed accessories like a tonneau cover, folding bed cover, and running boards, convenience features like the integrated tailgate step make Ford trucks a top choice for owners who need their vehicle to work and play hard alongside them.

What Is a Tailgate Step?

A tailgate step is a handy feature found on some pick-up trucks designed to allow easy access to the truck's bed. Some trucks may have only a bed step, while others integrate a hand railing or grab bar for additional security when stepping up and down from the truck bed. 

Some manufacturers and aftermarket options include various designs from a truck bed step, a side step, a hitch step, or more involved solutions such as a truck tailgate ladder. 

How Do You Use a Tailgate Step?

While some previous versions of the Ford tailgate step and aftermarket options need to be installed and removed at each usage, Ford's integrated tailgate step is different. This new innovation is built directly into the truck itself. 

The integrated tailgate step can be accessed quickly and easily in three easy steps:

1. Dropping the tailgate
2. Pressing on the step release button
3. Pulling the step down 

Once it's pulled down, this small foldable step is immediately ready to use. A support bar is also available for hand support when using the step. To use the bar, simply pull it out of the tailgate until it clicks, rotate the handle up to be perpendicular to the tailgate, and lock it into place.

After use, the tailgate step and hand support bar fold back up to stow securely and conveniently in the tailgate. The tailgate can then be closed, with the step at the ready for the next use.

Which Ford Trucks Have a Tailgate Step?

A tailgate step is integrated into many newer model Ford trucks, including two of the most popular model series:

Ford F-150

This best-selling truck is Ford's flagship mid-size pickup, offering a large payload, significant towing capacity, and plenty of cargo space.

• Standard feature on the Limited trim
• Available option on seven trim levels, including the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch®, Platinum, Tremor™, and Raptor® trims

Ford Super Duty

The Super Duty series includes the Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 models. These trucks are designed to be heavy duty and are built to work.

• Standard feature on the Limited trim
• Available option on five trim levels, including the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch®, and Platinum trims

What Are the Benefits of a Tailgate Step?

Integrated tailgate steps have numerous benefits, ranging from convenience to safety. 

Convenience

An integrated tailgate step makes it easy to load and unload items without a tailgate ladder or ramp, so accessing the bed frequently is less tiresome. The best part is that it is always at hand since it stows conveniently in the pickup truck tailgate, which means it won't be forgotten and doesn't require carrying extra items that take up valuable storage space. While aftermarket tailgate or bed steps may be an easy install, they can't beat the convenience of one that's always at the ready.

Safety and Security

The handrail feature of the tailgate step helps reduce the risk of slipping and falling, or from injuries from straining and climbing or from jumping down from a tailgate. The easy step up helps ensure that heavy or bulky items can be loaded and unloaded safely with less risk of dropping or breaking.

Accessibility

A tailgate step makes it easier for kids, shorter drivers, or those with lower mobility to access the bed of the truck without having to climb or scramble up and down over the side of the truck. For trucks that are lifted or that have larger off-road tires, a step gives everyone easier access.

Speed

A tailgate step makes it quicker to get in and out of the truck bed. This means faster access to cargo, tools, or anything else you're transporting. For work applications, this can be critical to make every minute count on the job site.

Protection

A tailgate step means less climbing over or loading items over the side of the truck bed. This integration limits the risk of scratches or dents to the tailgate and the body of the pickup, helping keep your investment in great shape for a longer period of time.

How Is a Tailgate Step Helpful in Katy, TX?

Convenience, practicality, and ease of use are things that are helpful to us as consumers, regardless of where we are in the country. As a hugely practical feature, we know our Katy area customers love the Ford integrated tailgate step for its convenience and practicality in a number of scenarios, whether it's for home projects, adventures, or on the job site.

Using the Tailgate Step for Work

For drivers who rely on their truck for work, like carpenters, contractors, and landscapers, getting in and out of the bed is a daily activity. An integrated tailgate step can be indispensable on the job. This convenient addition makes it easier and quicker to load and unload materials, equipment, or tools or to access a truck bed toolbox. Having this feature can also help reduce the strain on a driver's body, making it easier to get in and out without having to climb and strain their knees and back.

Using the Tailgate Step for Recreation

Our area is loaded with natural resources, so many of our customers want to use their truck to enjoy the outdoors. Adventure enthusiasts will find the integrated tailgate step handy for getting their bikes loaded before heading off to George Bush Park's bike trails or their off-road dirt bike unloaded once they reach one of the nearby sports or motocross parks. 

Families will enjoy the ease of loading camping gear before heading off for the weekend or getting the kayak and gear loaded before fishing at Brazos Bend State Park. The tailgate step and handrail also make it easier for kids to help, when they may not have been able to easily climb in and out of the bed before. 

Using the Tailgate Step for Home

Homeowners in the Katy area often make full use out of their truck for DIY projects. Having a tailgate step integrated into their vehicle can make it easy to bring home that new couch or a new freezer. Make landscaping projects easier with a step to load up bags of soil or mulch at the garden center. Kitchen or bath renovations can be done faster with a quick way to load and bring home lumber and sheetrock. Easy loading and unloading of your materials means that the only pain you'll experience is at the hardware store checkout!

Find a Ford with a Tailgate Step Near Katy, TX

Finding your next truck is easy with the team at AutoNation Ford Katy. We can help you choose a new or Certified Pre-Owned Ford F-150 or Super Duty full of convenient features like an integrated tailgate step. Stop in and see us-we're easy to find via Interstate 10 Frontage Road E. 

Looking to switch from a Chevy, Nissan, or Toyota? We accept trade-ins and work the value right into the deal. Be sure to ask about any special offers as well.

Our wide selection of inventory, including new and pre-owned Ford trucks, cars, and SUVs is waiting for you to find your next perfect ride. Come browse our selection and take a test drive today! 

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