Ford’s tricky F-450 Series Super Duty with bed-extender

The optional Tailgate Step and the two-piece stowable bed extender provide customers with the convenience of using these systems when they need them, but at the same time not requiring the removal of the systems when they are not in use.

“When we see how people are working with their trucks, we react to that,” said Poore. “One example is the Tailgate Step. If you go to any job site and see how people get up into the back of the truck, hopping into the bed or climbing up on the tire, you say, ‘There has got to be a better way.’ That’s the genius behind the Tailgate Step, looking at the market and solving the need with an intuitive feature.”

The Tailgate Step is fully integrated into the tailgate and virtually invisible when not in use – the entire feature is housed in the tailgate with the lower step becoming the center of the top rail of the tailgate when not in use. To use the step, simply drop the tailgate into the down position, grab the bottom step, pull it straight out from the tailgate and drop it down into the step position – all in one easy motion. The 16.7 by 4.5-inch flip-down step pad makes it easy to step up into or down out of the bed to load or unload cargo.

The Tailgate Step is as tough as the Super Duty, made of high-strength steel construction, is MIG welded for added strength, and has been tested up to 1,000 pounds.

A unique grab handle folds up and out of the tailgate to provide extra support when using the Tailgate Step, supporting up to 300 pounds. When not in use, the grab handle fits snuggly into a channel molded into the tailgate inner-liner. For added safety, the tailgate liner has an added coating creating a non-slip walking surface.

“It’s just another example of the way we innovate differently,” said Poore. “I have seen guys who have made their own version of a step, but none as cleanly integrated into the truck.”

The stowable bed extender works like any other, extending storage space to the end of the bed, or it can set inside the tailgate leaving a small, enclosed section that keeps cargo from sliding forward near the cab. But the similarities end there. This innovative extender separates into two pieces that fold and snap securely to the sides of the bed, allowing full space and functionality of the bed when the extender is not needed.

Super Duty’s stowable bed extenderis made of strong, blow-molded polypropylene, is impact and corrosion resistant and can withstand up to 1,000 pounds of static pressure. The 21-inch tall cage folds out, clamps together in the center and is secured to the bed with a bolt-action latch. It easily folds out of the way when not needed and secures to the inside of the bed.

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