NickF1011 Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 True, but then again I'd be amazed if 15% of Truck owners use there vehicle as a real truck. To the other 85%, it's probably fine and an added "gadget". Even then, I find it highly unlikely that the thought of dirt getting into the step opening never crossed the designers' minds. I haven't seen one up close to check out how it is put together, but I'd be surprised if there isn't some sort of simple provision to keep the area clear of debris. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomServo92 Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 True, but then again I'd be amazed if 15% of Truck owners use there vehicle as a real truck. To the other 85%, it's probably fine and an added "gadget". I bet more than 15% haved hauled something in the bed of their truck. I also doubt the number of "lifestyle" truck owners is anywhere near 85%. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hydro Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 I LOVE my tailgate step. I even had a new Tundra owner at Home Depot comment on how cool it was as I was loading manuer bags. I wanted to rag on his truck so badly , but just smiled and said "thanks". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 Why? As the others said, he's trying to say that there's a possibility that dirt could get into the step's storage spot. LOL.... I just watched the commercial, and I found it rather amusing how instead of countering that their bed is easier to get in and out of the ad goes on about a warranty (head scratcher there). It's like here let's make fun of it, but we don't have a better solution. They did the same thing with the Ram ad.....heated steering wheel, compared to IIRC, again fuel economy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the_spaniard Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) I bet more than 15% haved hauled something in the bed of their truck. I also doubt the number of "lifestyle" truck owners is anywhere near 85%. Hauled something, sure. The occasional TV or helping someone move. Regularly haul loads that would justify the expense or reach 80% payload capacity? I bet that is a very small number for the non-commercial market. As much as people like to think otherwise, most F150's or trucks in general probably don't get used as trucks all that often. Remember some years ago, it was reported something like 14% of all 4x4 vehicles ever sold set tire off-road. I got my F150 so I wouldn't look like this guy: My F150 also goes off road, but only when necessary because it's quite the pig and not made for recreational off-road use. That's why I got the Xterra. Edited January 29, 2009 by the_spaniard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomServo92 Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Hauled something, sure. The occasional TV or helping someone move. Regularly haul loads that would justify the expense or reach 80% payload capacity? I bet that is a very small number for the non-commercial market. As much as people like to think otherwise, most F150's or trucks in general probably don't get used as trucks all that often. Remember some years ago, it was reported something like 14% of all 4x4 vehicles ever sold set tire off-road. I got my F150 so I wouldn't look like this guy: My F150 also goes off road, but only when necessary because it's quite the pig and not made for recreational off-road use. That's why I got the Xterra. Wait, I thought we were discussing the tailgate step. Why are we suddenly concerned with payload capacity? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Wait, I thought we were discussing the tailgate step. Why are we suddenly concerned with payload capacity? Didn't you know that the tailgate step is the key to Ford's great towing capacity? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SVT_MAN Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 I particularly enjoyed this man's response to the commercial: Ford needs to brand it "the man step" and shoot a spot with Mike Rowe calling it that. ZING. Scene: Exterior - Tailgate party at Stadium Mike, standing in F-150 bed, working at BBQ grill. Mike Rowe: "The bed is where a truck does its work and with the F-150's man step, you can get to work easy." Cut to heavy set man wearing Oakland Raiders jersey struggling to throw his body into Chevy truck bed. Cut to Mike helping ladies into the already swinging truck bed party using "man step" Mike Rowe: "and when work is done, it is time to have some friends over" Background - large man drops and destroys BBQ grill he is trying to get into Chevy bed. Bookend with tagline: "F-150 a man step above the rest." and Ford logo. That would be rather prime ... lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 I particularly enjoyed this man's response to the commercial: That would be rather prime ... lol. I like that idea too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomServo92 Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 I particularly enjoyed this man's response to the commercial: That would be rather prime ... lol. Perfect! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bossed Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 When your truck is as damn ugly as theirs is, what the hell do you expect? All these jackasses wish they had a FORD!!! :shades: :shades: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the_spaniard Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) Wait, I thought we were discussing the tailgate step. Why are we suddenly concerned with payload capacity? We are. Also people using their trucks as trucks. That's known as a joke, although a bad one. You guys have got to lighten up. If my F150 had a step up (seems a little silly to me now) I'd probably never use it anyway. Then again, when I get older..... Edited January 29, 2009 by the_spaniard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomServo92 Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 We are. Also people using their trucks as trucks. That's known as a joke, although a bad one. You guys have got to lighten up. If my F150 had a step up (seems a little silly to me now) I'd probably never use it anyway. Then again, when I get older..... Try one of these: :lol: or They let folks know you're joking, especially with dry humor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomServo92 Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Of course, you could always give me one of these: :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sixt9coug Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 And when Toyota uses it in their Tundra pick-ups. They would then "re-invent" the tailgate! kinda like the dampened tailgate eh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford Jellymoulds Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) When things get really cold in a Chevy Silverado you need a washer fluid heated "Mans" bottle - Gets sooooooh hot it feels like you have got a fire under the hood. Edited January 29, 2009 by Ford Jellymoulds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
armadamaster Posted January 29, 2009 Author Share Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) Of course in order to claim that their bed is easier to get into, it would need to be easier to get into. But it's not. Absolutely correct. Of course all of this would be nonexistant if any of the current jumbosized truck offerings were still fullsized. The whole man-step is a bandaid on a segment-wide design flaw. Maybe GM can start offering one of these free with each GMT900: Edited January 29, 2009 by Armada Master Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerM Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) I think the first time someone puts a shovel of loose mulch, dirt or sand in the back of their F-150, the tailgate step will no longer be as highly thought of by the owner. Why? I've learned from experience that no matter what provisions are made to deter infiltration, loose or fine grit and movable parts do not mix. The problem (imo) woundn't so much be with the handle, but with the step itself. The supports slide into the tailgate. Over time, as sand or other debris is shoveled over the step, the fines will stick to the supports and create issues. It would not surpise me if the owners manual instructed the user to not leave the step deployed while shovelling loose material over the tailgate, but if you're by yourself and you're already in the truck bed, that will be quite a trick. I applaud Ford's drive to innovate, but like tire pressure monitoring systems, I believe the tailgate step will be hailed at first and cursed later. It's very reason for being is another matter that should have been addressed to begin with, imo. Trucks used to be about as idiot-proof as manhole covers. Today, not so much. Edited January 29, 2009 by RangerM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-150 Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) Why? I've learned from experience that no matter what provisions are made to deter infiltration, loose or fine grit and movable parts do not mix. The problem (imo) woundn't so much be with the handle, but with the step itself. The supports slide into the tailgate. Over time, as sand or other debris is shoveled over the step, the fines will stick to the supports and create issues. so what do guys do now when dirt and debris get into the tailgate hinges, bed bolts, cracks and crevices? Oh, I know. A garden hose. Sorry, hauling dirt is such a non-issue with the tailgate step. Edited January 29, 2009 by J-150 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark B. Morrow Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Why? I've learned from experience that no matter what provisions are made to deter infiltration, loose or fine grit and movable parts do not mix. The problem (imo) woundn't so much be with the handle, but with the step itself. The supports slide into the tailgate. Over time, as sand or other debris is shoveled over the step, the fines will stick to the supports and create issues. It would not surpise me if the owners manual instructed the user to not leave the step deployed while shovelling loose material over the tailgate, but if you're by yourself and you're already in the truck bed, that will be quite a trick. I applaud Ford's drive to innovate, but like tire pressure monitoring systems, I believe the tailgate step will be hailed at first and cursed later. It's very reason for being is another matter that should have been addressed to begin with, imo. Trucks used to be about as idiot-proof as manhole covers. Today, not so much. Next time I'm over at the dealer's lot I will have to look closer at the step. My memory of seeing it at the auto show was that it was well sealed when closed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Reynolds Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 so what do guys do now when dirt and debris get into the tailgate hinges, bed bolts, cracks and crevices? Oh, I know. A garden hose. Sorry, hauling dirt is such a non-issue with the tailgate step. My thoughts exactly. I would think Ford engineers would have taken those circumstances into account. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlhm5 Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) Huge FAIL for mlhm5. "Ford’s full-year loss of $14.6 billion, or $6.41 a share, was more than five times larger than its 2007 loss of $2.7 billion, or $1.38 a share. It is the equivalent of losing about $2,700 on every car and truck sold worldwide and more than the 105-year-old company’s 2006 loss of $12.7 billion, the previous record." - NYT Ford will be on their knees in Washington by the 3rd Q of 2009. Edited January 29, 2009 by mlhm5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomServo92 Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 "Ford’s full-year loss of $14.6 billion, or $6.41 a share, was more than five times larger than its 2007 loss of $2.7 billion, or $1.38 a share. It is the equivalent of losing about $2,700 on every car and truck sold worldwide and more than the 105-year-old company’s 2006 loss of $12.7 billion, the previous record." - NYT Ford will be on their knees in Washington by the 3rd Q of 2009. Alright! We have another "the Giants won't sack Brady" prediction! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) doubtful, Ford has some FABULOUS product hitting, so I think it will improve....but if so there will be a few there with them...Toyotas quarterly is now predicted to be 4.4 bill, and heres a doozie...Honda has asked for UK taxpayer assistance ( bailout pounds ) to resurect their ( or assist ) Formula One program.....HOW BOUT THEM CAJONES!!!!!!!! Edited January 29, 2009 by Deanh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Reynolds Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 "Ford’s full-year loss of $14.6 billion, or $6.41 a share, was more than five times larger than its 2007 loss of $2.7 billion, or $1.38 a share. It is the equivalent of losing about $2,700 on every car and truck sold worldwide and more than the 105-year-old company’s 2006 loss of $12.7 billion, the previous record." - NYT Ford will be on their knees in Washington by the 3rd Q of 2009. I thought you gave up on playing Miss Cleo (although you are just as accurate as she is, so maybe it is a perfect fit). Diesel Acura TSX? No where to be found Diesel Hybrid VW? Where can I buy one of those? Giants won't sack Brady? Can't seem to remember but those pictures suggest otherwise So why don't we call you now, for a free reading... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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