A Look At The 2015 Ford F-150 Tailgate Coffee Cup, Shotgun Shell Holder: Feature Spotlight

October 23, 2014 1:20 pm

Truck makers spend billions to make better products, yet it is often the little things that make a difference for a customer. For example, having a tailgate spot to put your coffee cup and shotgun shells was a big deal to one Ford employee. In a bit of a surprise, Ford made changes to the 2015 Ford F-150‘s design to make this happen.

As the story goes, 2015 Ford F-150 Stamping Process and Design Manager Kevin Blaser likes to take his truck bird hunting and hates that there is “no flat spot for your coffee.” Also, when he shots while sitting on the tailgate, shells roll off in the grass. He ends up “nosing around in the grass trying to get them.”

The 2015 Ford F-150 chief engineer took his request to heart and altered the bed stamp design to make a spot. Yes, that’s right. For guns, glory, and America.

Early production models used for media and promotional purposes don’t have this “feature.” It was changed prior to the full production of the F-series trucks.

By Tim Esterdahl

Tim is a married father of three living in Western Nebraska. He spends a lot of time reading, writing and talking cars/trucks with fans, insiders and manufacture reps. When he isn't talking about cars, he is usually out playing golf - a never ending obsession to see how far the little white ball will fly.