Pro tailgate timing?

[HDT05]

Hi all

Well following on from the distinct lack of interest from Ford dealers in doing a trade on my 2021 Lariat V8 FX4, I figured I would just wait until March (lease is up) then just hand it back and use a rental truck for a few months until I found what I wanted... but after the sticker shock of 1 month's rental of $4275 through Enterprise, that idea is out the window. I figured I would just start looking now and buy something outright before the lease is up.... means I have two trucks for a while but it's cheaper than renting....

My son has been badgering me to have a look at the GMC Sierra so yesterday I went and had a look.. Found a 2024 Denali V8 4x4 with HUD and sunroof etc for $62k plus taxes which seems pretty good value, but I'm not sure I can get my head around the lack of visibility all round as compared to my Ford, or the rear seat configuration or the small screen section for carplay ( I use the maps a lot)... or the gas mileage... still.... that number has me seriously thinking... and unlike Ford dealers they are keen for my business...

What DID come into play was the rear bed access... I'm in my late 50's and the GMC step bumper, standard longer sideboard and tailgate access addresses my one dislike about my Lariat (as I am a builder and inevitably have tools at the front of the bed). With the rake (I'm 5'11") I can't just reach into the front of the bed and climbing in and out all the time just to grab some minor items has (like me) gotten old.... Yes I know I could have swapped out my running boards but at nearly $2k on a leased truck I wasn't prepared to do it.

The new Pro tailgate on the 2024 F150 seems like the answer to my issues of access but I have read it's not available initially. Does anyone have any solid info on when it is going to become available or even if it could be retro-fitted? I'm leaning on staying with a Lariat 502A or up another trim level but do want to address the bed access.

Is there any info on the tailgate around?

Cheers

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[air2mag]

My Platinum came with the tailgate step. I thought it was just a gimmick, until I started using it. It does work really well. Maybe find a truck with one and give it a try.

 

[techracer]

2k for running boards that you could sell or re-use seems a LOT more viable than renting a truck or buying a new one just because of the access reasons.

you could also buy folding bed steps like this to fix it, again re-use them or sell them and you are out max 150 bucks.
https://realtruck.com/p/amp-research-bed-step-2/amp-75413-01a/

 

[ks54703]

Go look at a Ram with the hinged tailgate to see if standing at the bumper helps with your concerns.

 

[HDT05]

2k for running boards that you could sell or re-use seems a LOT more viable than renting a truck or buying a new one just because of the access reasons.

you could also buy folding bed steps like this to fix it, again re-use them or sell them and you are out max 150 bucks.
https://realtruck.com/p/amp-research-bed-step-2/amp-75413-01a/

I'm not buying a new truck because of access concerns.... my lease is up in about 8 weeks and I have to buy something (1st world problem eh?).... I'd like to stay with an F150 but I'm not getting any younger and my timing appears to be very ordinary...

 

[HDT05]

Go look at a Ram with the hinged tailgate to see if standing at the bumper helps with your concerns.

that sir is a damn fine suggestion.....

 

[HDT05]

My Platinum came with the tailgate step. I thought it was just a gimmick, until I started using it. It does work really well. Maybe find a truck with one and give it a try.

thanks for the suggestion.... yes I have that... my issue is having to climb into the bed to reach a couple of tools at the front of the bed because of the height and lack of access.... I'm sick of climbing up and standing on top of the rear wheel to gain side access or using the step and climbing over my other tools to reach something at the front.....

this getting old thing is sure ordinary....

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