You bought your Ford F-150 for its proven power, its tough build, and its reputation. You probably know it hauls, tows, and handles business with ease. But tucked away beneath its familiar exterior is a list of clever tricks and secret functions that can make your daily drive even better. We’re talking about the hidden Ford F-150 features that often go unnoticed, even by long-time owners.
At Englewood Ford, we love sharing these little-known tips to help you get the most out of your truck. Let’s take a closer look at some of the F-150’s best-kept secrets.
The Under-Seat Storage Drawer (Or Bin)
You know the massive storage space under the rear seats, perfect for storing tools or emergency gear. But did you know there is an extra layer of organization hiding there? On many Ford models, you can find a pull-out bin or a full-width drawer right under the seat bottom.
This is not just the deep well; it is a shallow, dedicated drawer that is perfect for items you need to access quickly without digging through larger items. Think owner’s manuals, tire gauge, small tools, or even a first-aid kit. It keeps these important items separate and easy to reach, adding a whole new level of order to your cab.
The Tailgate Work Surface
This feature is a standout for anyone who uses their truck as a mobile office or workshop. The F-150’s tailgate doesn’t just drop down; it transforms into a durable, weather-resistant desk. With the tailgate down, you can unlock and open a built-in clamping system to hold a clipboard or blueprints.
There is also a built-in ruler and a cupholder molded right into the tailgate surface. It is perfect for writing up invoices, having a quick lunch, or organizing your gear for a project. This feature turns any parking spot into a instant workspace.
Pro Power Onboard: Your Mobile Outlet
You have likely heard of the available Pro Power Onboard system – the generator built right into your truck. But many owners do not realize just how versatile it is. We are not just talking about a single outlet. The system provides multiple household-style outlets in the cab and the bed.
With options ranging from a 2.0kW to a massive 7.2kW output, it can power everything from your laptop and string lights to a full set of power tools, a worksite compressor, or even your home’s essentials during a brief power outage. Your truck literally becomes a mobile power station.
The Clever Integrated Tie-Downs
The bed of your F-150 has obvious tie-down points in the corners. But look a little closer. Many models have extra, sliding tie-downs built into the sides of the bed. These cleats can be unlocked and slid into different positions along a track, giving you unmatched flexibility for securing cargo of any size or shape.
You no longer need to force your straps to fit fixed points. You can move these cleats to exactly where you need them to create a perfect, secure hold for your motorcycle, furniture, or lumber.
Zone Lighting: Lighting Up Your Surroundings
Imagine stepping out of your truck at a dark campsite or a dimly lit job site and being able to flood the area with light. With the available Zone Lighting feature, you can. Using the exterior lights from the headlights, taillights, and side mirrors, this system lets you turn the area around your truck into a well-lit zone.
You can control it from your key fob or the touchscreen inside the cab, choosing to light up just the front, just the sides, or all around the vehicle. It is an incredibly useful feature for safety and convenience after the sun goes down.
The Max Recline Seats
This is perhaps one of the most surprising comfort features in any vehicle. The available Max Recline function for the front seats allows them to fold back almost completely flat. This is not just for leaning back during a long charge stop; it is designed to create a comfortable resting position for a driver on a job site waiting for a delivery or a parent taking a quick nap while their child is at practice. It turns the cab of your truck into a genuine, comfortable retreat for some much-needed rest.
The Hidden Tailgate Step
While the tailgate step itself is not exactly a secret, the handle that deploys it often is. Many people fumble around, trying to find the release. The trick is to look for the molded indentation on the top of the tailgate, just above the Ford oval badge.
Your fingers fit perfectly into this spot, allowing you to pull down the step and handle seamlessly. It is a small detail, but it showcases the thoughtful design that goes into making this useful feature both accessible and stowed neatly away when not in use.
Drive Modes for Every Situation
You might normally just leave your F-150 in its default drive mode. But venturing into the available drive mode options on the dial can unlock performance tailored to specific conditions. Beyond the standard Normal and Sport modes, you may find:
- Tow/Haul:Optimizes transmission shifting and engine braking for a smoother, more controlled towing experience.
- Sliery Mode:Calms the throttle and adjusts traction control for low-traction surfaces like rain or snow.
- Deep Snow/Sand:Allows for more wheel spin to help you power through loose terrain without getting stuck.
- Eco Mode:Adjusts the engine and transmission response to maximize your fuel economy.
Using the right mode does not just add capability; it makes driving easier and more efficient for the task at hand.
The FordPass App Remote Features
Your key fob can lock, unlock, and start the truck, but the FordPass app on your smartphone takes remote control to a whole new level. From anywhere you have a cell signal, you can start, lock, and unlock your truck; check fuel levels and tire pressure; locate your vehicle in a crowded parking lot; schedule remote starts for specific times; and, if equipped, view the feed from your onboard security system. Forgetting whether you locked the truck after walking into the grocery store is a thing of the past—a quick glance at your phone gives you peace of mind.
The Onboard Scales and Smart Hitch
This is a high-tech feature for the serious tower. The available onboard scale system uses sensors to measure the weight placed in the bed and on the tongue of the trailer. This information is displayed on your center screen, taking the guesswork out of loading.
You can make sure you have not exceeded your payload or tongue weight limits before you even hit the road. Paired with the Smart Hitch feature, it guides you to properly set up your trailer for a safer, more stable, and more confident towing experience. It is like having an expert co-pilot for all your towing needs.
The Glove Box That Keeps Its Cool
Your center console bin might already feel like a refrigerator on higher trims, but do not overlook your standard glove box. On many F-150 models, there is a cleverly designed vent directly connected to the climate control system. By opening a small dial or lever inside the glove box, you can channel cool air from the AC directly into it.
This turns it into a perfect spot to keep drinks cool on a long drive or to prevent chocolate or candy from melting in the Southwest Florida heat. It is a simple, almost secret vent that adds a surprising amount of practicality.
Enhanced Trailer Blind Spot Coverage
You are likely familiar with Blind Spot Monitoring, which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots. But when you plug in a trailer, the system gets even smarter. The available Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage extends the detection zones to cover the entire length of your trailer.
The sensors monitor adjacent lanes for vehicles that may be lurking out of sight behind your long load, offering an extra layer of confidence and safety when changing lanes on the highway. It is like having an extra set of eyes dedicated solely to watching over your trailer.
Open/Close All Your Windows
This is a simple trick that is incredibly useful on a hot day. By pressing and holding the unlock button on your key fob, you can roll down all of your windows and open the moonroof (if equipped) from a distance. This lets the blistering hot air escape from your cab before you even get inside.
Conversely, holding the lock button on the fob will roll all the windows back up. It is the perfect way to quickly cool down your truck without having to climb in and start the engine first.
Getting the Most of Your Truck
Finding these hidden functions can feel like uncovering Easter eggs designed to make your life easier. From keeping your snacks cool to lighting up your entire worksite, the F-150 is packed with thoughtful touches that go beyond pure power. We love helping our customers at Englewood Ford discover all the ways their truck can work for them, making every drive and every job just a little bit simpler.
We hope this list showed you something new about your incredible truck. At Englewood Ford, we believe that understanding your vehicle is the first step to truly enjoying it. If you are still exploring which model has the features that fit your Southwest Florida lifestyle, we invite you to browse our inventory and see these innovations for yourself. Our team is always here to help you uncover the perfect truck for your needs.
