A pickup truck can be a workhorse, tow vehicle, family hauler, and adventure companion, but sometimes the best use for one is simply dropping the tailgate and having a good time. According to a recent report from Ford Authority (https://fordauthority.com/2026/07/ford-pickup-owners-tailgate-more-than-rival-truck-brands/), Ford pickup owners are more likely to use their trucks for tailgating than owners of competing truck brands.

The findings come from a survey conducted by American Trucks, which looked at how pickup owners use their vehicles beyond traditional truck duties. Ford owners came out on top when respondents were asked about tailgating, providing a fun glimpse into the lifestyle that surrounds pickups like the F-150, Super Duty, Ranger, and Maverick.

It’s easy to understand why a pickup makes such a natural gathering place. Drop the tailgate and you’ve instantly got a seat, table, staging area, or spot to serve food and drinks. Add a spacious truck bed for coolers, chairs, sports equipment, camping gear, or a portable barbecue, and a Ford pickup can quickly become the centre of an outdoor get-together.

Ford has increasingly designed its trucks with exactly this kind of versatility in mind. Available features on the F-150 include Pro Power Onboard, which can provide electricity for everything from tools to campsite equipment, while clever tailgate features make the back of the truck an increasingly functional workspace. Today’s pickups are designed to be useful even after you’ve reached your destination.

Here in BC, “tailgating” doesn’t have to mean sitting outside a football stadium. A truck can serve the same purpose at a campsite, trailhead, ski hill parking lot, beach, sporting event, or wherever friends and family gather outdoors. With so many opportunities to get outside, it’s hardly surprising that owners find plenty of recreational uses for their pickups beyond towing and hauling.

Ultimately, the survey highlights something Ford truck owners have known for a long time: a good pickup isn’t defined solely by its specifications. Sometimes its value comes from the experiences that happen around it. Whether you’re hauling equipment during the week or dropping the tailgate with friends on the weekend, versatility remains one of the biggest reasons pickups continue to play such a major role in their owners’ lives.