The 2024 Ford F-150’s Pro Access Tailgate

When choosing the right vehicle for you, one of the first things to consider is how you’ll use that vehicle. For instance, if you need a car for commuting, you likely will look for something with excellent fuel efficiency and comfortable seating. If your family is still growing, having multiple rows, cup holders, and safety is key—or, in other words, you need functionality.

The same holds true when shopping for a new truck. You need it to handle the tasks you have set out for the day while also being functional and not frustrating. This is where the Ford F-150 comes in, offering the utmost functionality whether you plan to use it for work or play. At Newton Ford South, we boast a large inventory of the Ford F-150 for sale near Murfreesboro, ensuring you can find the one that meets your needs.

Our friendly and knowledgeable team will walk you through your options and answer any questions you have. Even better? We can show you just how functional and flexible the F-150 can be, starting with the Pro-Access Tailgate. Continue reading to learn more about this tailgate as well as the journey tailgates have taken, from humble beginnings to the reason why you might buy one truck over another—and then, stop by our showroom and take a look at the Pro-Access Tailgate in person.

A History of the Tailgate

Few things are as classic a representation of America’s toughness and utility as a tailgate. Over many years, the innocuous tailgate has transformed from a mere functional element into an expression of functionality and style. Although you might not have given much thought to how today’s tailgate came to be, you might be surprised to learn…

The history of the truck tailgate begins with the earliest horse-drawn wagons and carts used for everyday transportation. These vehicles were necessary for moving materials and goods, and they frequently included a straightforward drop-down panel in the back to make loading and unloading easier for stored goods. This prototype idea served as inspiration for the creation of the current tailgate.

The emergence of the pickup truck in the 1920s was a turning point in the history of automobiles. The tailgate became a crucial component of vehicles designed primarily for transporting freight when automakers like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge started manufacturing them. Basic wooden tailgates on early pickup trucks were removable or foldable to allow different cargo capacities.

Along the way, the tailgate’s design shifted with the automobile industry. Manufacturers began experimenting with them in the 1950s and 1960s. For instance, some tailgates had areas with flattened surfaces for more cargo room or lowered on just one side for better access.

During the last part of the 20th century, pickup trucks evolved from being utilitarian vehicles to becoming emblems of American culture and way of life. You can see this in more artistic tailgates, unique drawings, logos, and even murals adorning them. Rather than simply utilitarian, tailgates became a canvas for expression. It was around this time that the term “tailgating” truly found its stride, and the tailgate became a gathering space, not just a flap on the back of a truck.

Continued developments have led to additional innovation in recent years, resulting in multipurpose tailgates, such as the Pro-Access Tailgate for the Ford F-150.

Today, it’s difficult to look at a truck’s tailgate and not wonder what else it does. Gone are the days of the simple up-and-down movement for unloading and loading; today’s tailgates are designed to make life easier and more enjoyable while also making a statement about the brand’s dedication to the everyday driver’s needs.

Breaking Down the Pro-Access Tailgate

Now that you know the route tailgates have evolved down, let’s take a look at the new Pro-Access Tailgate. In addition to improved styling and options for the 2024 Ford F-150, the Pro-Access Tailgate aims to entice drivers with increased functionality that simply makes things easier.

To start, the Pro-Access Tailgate moves away from the historic up-and-down movement to offer you a swing-out gate that opens to 100 degrees, giving you better access and being the only tailgate in the market to open that wide. There’s also a handle on the driver’s side of the rear rather than in the center, as in many trucks; while it might not seem like much, this design touch lessens the movements you need to make to access the bed.

You might be wondering about the 100-degree opening and how that affects movement when you’re hauling something. The good news is that Ford wondered about that as well, which is why the swing-out door also opens at a 37- and 70-degree angle, helping you gain access even in the tightest corners or with a hitch in the way.

Another thoughtful design choice is the notching that stops the tailgate from opening all the way, giving you peace of mind that it will stop where you need it to. However, the real perk of the swing-out door isn’t how wide it opens or the ability to utilize it in tight spaces. It’s a fact that the design gets you up 19 inches closer to the bed than a traditional drop-down tailgate. In addition, you can opt for the available rear bumper step for even better access.

What’s in the Ford F-150’s Bed?

While at first glance, the bed might seem like your typical truck bed, but a closer look shows that it’s much more. For instance, there’s a Standard Bed Storage Box located near the rear wheel well on either one or both sides; this lets you keep tools, bungee cords, gloves, flashlights, and more safe and secure behind the heavy-duty locking mechanism—but that’s not all. There’s also the option to add more power to your day with the available Pro Power Onboard. Choosing this feature means you’ll have one Standard Bed Storage Box; without it, you’ll have two storage boxes.

The Pro Power Onboard gives you either 2.0, 2.4, or 7.2 kilowatts, which is more bed power than you’ll find in any other light-duty pickup. Essentially, this feature makes your Pro Access Tailgate a mobile generator with three levels of output depending on your engine. But exactly how much power can you access? Well, if you own a landscaping company, your team can use it to charge equipment and run a pole saw.

When cheering on your favorite team, you can hook up a heater, television, speakers, mini fridge, and more, creating your own outdoor living space while you cheer MTSU on to victory—and that’s just when using the minimum 2.0 kilowatts. The 7.2-kilowatt option can help your construction crew run tools to frame a house or help you, your family, and your friends create memories when charging two electric dirt bikes and running an air compressor.

You’ll also enjoy benefits like a Boxlink Cargo Management System, which has been a staple of the F-150 for a few years, allowing you to customize and organize your bed cargo space in a way that makes sense to you. In addition, LED lights also assist you in utilizing your bed, especially when loading or unloading with minimal natural light.

The F-150’s Towing Capabilities

In addition to providing you with the functionality you need for work and play, the 2024 Ford F-150 also gives you outstanding towing capacity. In fact, you can enjoy up to 13,500 lbs of maximum towing when properly equipped, which gives you more than enough to haul a camper to the Nashville I-24 Campground or load up hiking supplies to explore Wilderness Station for the day.

Check Out the 2024 Ford F-150 Today

Truck tailgates have evolved greatly from their original utilitarian design to their multipurpose modern counterparts. From its humble beginnings as a drop-down panel on a horse-drawn wagon, the tailgate has grown to represent American innovation, culture, and way of life. While it’s fascinating to consider what the future holds for this enduring vehicular element as technology develops, there’s no denying that pickup trucks will always feature a tailgate, linking the past, present, and future.

If you’re curious about seeing the Pro-Access Tailgate up close, visit our Newton Ford South showroom today. We can explore the features noted above and a few more that make the 2024 Ford F-150 a great choice for the everyday driver.