I park my 2003 Dakota next to my colleagues similar age F150, both have similar weight ratings and his side rails are at least a foot higher, tailgate is even higher than that! I can reach the entire contents of my tool box and he can barely reach over the open tailgate

Why are tailgates and bedrails soo high from the ground they now come with steps from the factory! Even on 2wd versions,. Ive had full size trucks from 90s that were much closer to the ground, my current 2003 Dakota tailgate is low enough to load appliances just by tipping them over the tailgate,. It’s like they are…