Hastings Ford – Which Truck Has Better Bed Utility near Grand Island, NE — 2025 Ford F-150® or 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
For many pickup truck owners, the most important comparison point is not a spec sheet number but how easily the bed supports real projects. If you are weighing the 2025 Ford F-150® against the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 for home improvement, yard work, or tailgating near Grand Island, NE, bed utility becomes the everyday decider. The F-150 brings an available Pro Access Tailgate with a swing-gate opening that lets you reach into the bed even with a trailer attached. Pair it with the Bed Utility Package for extra tie-downs, bed lighting, and helpful steps. Chevrolet counters with the available Multi-Flex tailgate, which adds six functional positions and a built-in work surface. Both are smart — but Ford layers on two unique helpers that change the game: available Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch to estimate payload and set tongue weight accurately, and Pro Power Onboard up to 7.2 kW that can run saws, shop vacs, and speakers without hunting for an outlet.
Beyond hardware, the way these systems work together matters. With Ford, you can load mulch, check approximate weight right on the display, verify your trailer’s tongue weight via Smart Hitch, and still open the Pro Access swing gate to grab ratchet straps when the trailer is connected. Chevrolet offers a flexible Multi-Flex tailgate and a 120-volt bed outlet, but it does not match Ford’s generator-level power or built-in weight guidance. If you are a DIYer who wants fewer trips back to the garage and a smarter workflow in the driveway, this difference quickly becomes the deciding factor.
- Pro Access Tailgate: Swing-gate opening makes bed reach-in easier with a trailer on the ball.
- Onboard Scales: Estimates payload to help you stay within limits when loading aggregate, lumber, or pavers.
- Smart Hitch: Guides tongue weight setup for stable towing before you leave the driveway.
- Pro Power Onboard: Up to 7.2 kW available to power tools, lights, and tailgate accessories on site.
- Bed Utility Package: Adds tie-downs, lighting, and conveniences that save steps during weekend projects.
Drivers who prioritize camera support will also notice Ford’s integration advantages. The F-150 can combine an available 360-degree camera with Pro Trailer Backup Assist, so backing a trailer toward a shed or into a side yard becomes a one-hand dial operation while your surroundings remain visible on the 12-inch center screen. Silverado offers up to 14 camera views and Hitch Guidance, which is excellent for visibility, but Ford’s dial-based steering for trailer backup makes the first try feel like your tenth.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can the F-150’s Pro Access Tailgate open when a trailer is attached?
Yes. The swing-gate opening is designed to clear a typical trailer coupler so you can reach gear in the bed without disconnecting.
How much power can Pro Power Onboard provide for tools?
When equipped with the PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6, Pro Power Onboard can supply up to 7.2 kW — enough for many corded power tools and worksite needs. Non-hybrid configurations offer 2.0 kW.
Does Silverado’s Multi-Flex tailgate offer a work surface?
Yes. Multi-Flex includes an inner-gate work surface and multiple positions for loading, unloading, and access. It does not, however, provide the F-150’s swing-gate opening or built-in Onboard Scales.
What if I tow a small equipment trailer on weekends?
Ford’s Smart Hitch helps set tongue weight for stability, and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist can automate ball alignment. Silverado supplies helpful guidance views, but it does not automate hitch alignment in the same way.
Choosing between these two excellent trucks ultimately comes down to how you use the bed. If you value generator-level power, quick bed access with a trailer connected, and built-in payload guidance, the Ford solution is a better fit for weekend projects and weekday tasks alike. Hastings Ford is serving Juniata, Grand Island, and Aurora with product experts who can demonstrate these features side by side so you can see how they streamline your workflow. Visit us for a hands-on demo and you will know within minutes which system better supports the way you work.
When your pickup doubles as a rolling workshop, every small convenience saves time. With thoughtful bed access, weight guidance, and serious onboard power, the F-150 bundles the right tools into one truck — and those tools pay off on every project.
Have more questions about tailgates, bed power, or trailer tech? Our team is ready to help you compare configurations and choose the features that make the most sense for your projects today and your plans tomorrow with Hastings Ford.
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