9 Hidden Truck Features Most Owners Never Use

The Truck Is Doing More Than You Think

<

A modern pickup is closer to a Swiss Army knife than a simple work vehicle, and many owners use only a fraction of what theirs can do. Automakers have packed in tailgates with built-in work surfaces, drive modes tuned for towing and mud, onboard power outlets, camera systems and phone apps, often without making them obvious. Dealer and enthusiast guides note that someone who mainly lowers the tailgate to load groceries may use only a fraction of its functions, and that many owners get used to the default display and rarely explore the other screens. The nine features below come from dealer guides, truck enthusiast sites and owner-focused features, along with a few common towing aids that appear across brands. Availability differs by make, model, year and trim, and some features are optional, so check the owner's manual and the infotainment menus for what applies to your truck. Many of these sources are dealer blogs and lifestyle sites, which can be promotional. The best way to find hidden features is to sit in the driveway with the manual and the touchscreen for twenty minutes, and then try each function in a safe, level place before you need it.

The Tailgate That Works as a Workbench

On some trucks, the tailgate is much more than a drop-down door. Ford's design includes a built-in work surface with a ruler, clamp pockets, a phone holder and a spot for a pencil. Other brands offer tailgates that open in several ways, such as swinging like a door, folding down with a built-in step or splitting into sections for easier access to the bed. Some include load stops that keep long items from sliding, or a bed extender that turns the open tailgate into a longer platform. Dealer guides point out that these functions often go unused because owners never read the manual. To find yours, look for pockets, folds and handles on the inside of the gate, and check the manual for the release sequence, since some require a particular order of latches. Test the weight limit before you load it up. A work surface can be handy on a job site or at a campsite, and a built-in step can save your knees. Because the features are in the tailgate itself, they cost nothing extra once you have the truck.

Drive Modes for Towing, Mud and Slick Roads

Many trucks have a selector for drive modes, and some owners leave it in the default setting forever. Depending on make and trim, the options can include modes for towing, off-road use, slippery surfaces, sport and eco driving, as seen in some GMC models. Each mode adjusts things like throttle response, transmission shift points, traction control and sometimes the suspension. A tow or haul mode typically holds gears longer and adds engine braking on descents so the transmission does not hunt under load. A mud or sand mode lets the wheels spin more than normal, which can help keep momentum, while a snow or slippery mode softens the throttle to prevent wheelspin. The exact behavior varies, so the manual is the best source. A good habit is to pick the mode before you need it, not after you are stuck or already hauling a trailer. Using the right mode can reduce wear and improve control. If you have never pressed the button, try each mode in a safe place on a quiet road or a parking lot, to feel how the truck responds.

Built-In Power Outlets in the Cab and Bed

Many trucks include power outlets that owners never use, because they do not notice the plugs or do not know the limits. Outlets in the cabin can charge phones and tablets, and some trucks have 120-volt household-style sockets in the bed or console that can run tools, lights or a small cooler. On the Ford Maverick, one dealer guide says many owners discover the value of these outlets only after situations where portable power becomes essential. Some larger trucks offer onboard generator systems that supply a higher wattage for tools or camping, though the details differ among brands and trims. Outlets have wattage limits, and some work only when the engine is running or when a certain setting is on, so read the instructions before plugging in a heavy load. Keep cords away from moving parts and the weather. For a worksite, a bed outlet can eliminate the need for a separate generator. For a campsite, it can power string lights or a fan. Look for icons on the bed rail, the center console and the rear of the cab.

Accessory Slots and Mounting Points Inside the Cabin

Look closely at the dash, console and door panels of some trucks and you may spot slots, rails and mounting points that look like decoration. On the Ford Maverick, the FITS system allows owners to install various accessories throughout the cabin using specially designed slots, according to one dealer guide. Cup holders, phone mounts, organizers and storage pods can be clipped in and moved around. Other trucks have molded pockets, tie-down loops and modular consoles. The designs are meant to let owners customize the interior without drilling or gluing. Because they blend into the trim, many owners never realize they are there. The manual or the manufacturer's accessory catalog lists what fits. Many of the attachments are inexpensive, and some are printable with a 3D printer, as the platform has an enthusiast following. If you have a truck with such slots, think about how you use the cabin: where you put your phone, your tools, your drink. A small organizer in the right place can make a daily routine easier. The key is to look before you buy anything.

Information Screens You Probably Skipped

The small display in the instrument cluster on a modern truck is often a menu of pages, and most owners see only the first. On GMC trucks, owners become accustomed to the default display and rarely explore the other screens, according to one guide. Depending on the model, you can find pages for trip data, fuel economy, tire pressure at each wheel, tow and trailer settings, engine oil life, transmission temperature, off-road pitch and roll angles and driver assistance settings. Some can be customized to show your favorite gauges. The steering wheel buttons or a knob usually cycle through them. Learning where to find tire pressure by wheel can help you catch a slow leak early, and an oil life monitor tells you when to change the oil. Trailer pages may show brake gain and mirror settings. Spend a few minutes scrolling through each page while parked. The screens are a free source of information that can prevent problems and make driving more informed. If yours has a customizable layout, pick the three or four numbers that matter most.

The Phone App and Key Fob Tricks

The key fob and the brand's phone app can do more than lock and unlock the doors. Ford's app, for example, can lock and unlock the truck, start the engine remotely, check fuel levels and even schedule service, according to a dealer guide. Many fobs can roll up windows or open the sunroof when held down, flash the lights to help you find the truck in a parking lot or trigger the panic alarm. Apps can also show tire pressure, oil life, location and the status of doors and windows, and some can send alerts if the truck leaves a set area. Remote start is useful in winter, to warm the cab or in summer to cool it, but local idling laws may limit how long you can run the engine. Features and subscriptions vary, and some are free for a trial period and then require a plan. Set up the app at home, check which features are included and read the privacy settings. A few minutes of setup can save you time and effort every day, and it makes the truck easier to share with family.

The 360-Degree Camera

Large pickups are hard to park, and many have camera systems that owners treat as a rearview camera and nothing more. Some offer a 360-degree view that stitches images from several cameras into a bird's-eye picture of the truck and its surroundings, which can be extremely helpful when parking or maneuvering through tight areas, as dealer guides note. Other views include a front camera for curbs, side views that show the lower edges of the truck and a trailer camera for hitching. Many systems display guidelines that bend with the steering wheel, and some can switch to an off-road view that shows the terrain ahead of the front wheels. The cameras are usually activated by shifting into reverse or pressing a button on the screen. Keep the lenses clean, since dirt, snow and rain can blur the picture. The cameras are an aid and do not replace checking your mirrors and looking around. If your truck has a camera menu, explore the options, such as turning on the guidelines or adjusting the display. For a truck that is too big to see around, it is one of the most useful features.

Tow and Haul Mode

Many trucks have a tow or haul button, often on the shifter or the dash, and a number of owners never press it. The mode changes how the automatic transmission shifts. In general, it raises the shift points so the engine stays in a stronger part of its power range, holds gears longer on grades so the transmission does not constantly hunt and uses engine braking when you lift off the throttle to reduce wear on the brakes. Some versions also adjust throttle response. The effect varies by brand, so check your manual. The mode is meant for towing a trailer or hauling a heavy load in the bed, and it is not necessary for everyday driving, where it can reduce fuel economy. Using the mode correctly can protect the transmission and make towing steadier and safer. Pair it with proper trailer loading, correct tongue weight and attention to your truck's rated towing capacity. If you are unsure, practice in an empty lot with your trailer before heading out onto the highway.

Trailer Sway Control and Brake Controller Settings

Trucks that tow often have systems that go beyond a simple hitch. Trailer sway control uses sensors to detect when a trailer begins to fishtail and applies the brakes to individual wheels or reduces engine power to settle it. An integrated trailer brake controller lets you adjust how much braking force goes to the trailer's brakes, usually through a dial or a screen menu. Some trucks also offer trailer backup assist, a knob that lets you steer the trailer in reverse by turning a dial instead of the wheel. Many owners tow without ever setting the controller, which can leave the trailer brakes too weak or too strong. The settings are usually found in the trailer menu on the screen or instrument cluster, where you enter the trailer type and brake gain. The manual explains how to calibrate them. Test the brake gain on a flat, empty road at low speed, and adjust until the trailer brakes engage smoothly. Properly set controls make towing safer and less tiring.

More Galleries