Reasons the 2025 Ford Maverick’s FLEXBED Storage System is Perfect for Life on the Central Coast

Life on the central coast is pretty good. Do you know what would make it even better? A pickup truck with a bed that’s specifically designed for making the best of this slice of heaven. As a Ford dealer near Watsonville, we regularly speak to drivers in the area who want a pickup truck for its fun and adventure-ready bed. However, they don’t necessarily want or need the power and size of a large truck.

Given all that there is to explore on this area of the coast, fuel efficiency and a truck that’s easy to drive are often priorities of our truck drivers. So, what vehicle gets you all three: an easy-to-maneuver frame, good fuel economy, and that sought-after bed? The 2025 Ford Maverick is the perfect option. Today, we’re looking at the FLEXBED system, which comes standard with every Maverick trim. Once you get to know it, we think you’ll see why it’s just the right feature to help enhance your fun on the Central Coast.

A Look at the Features and Benefits of the FLEXBED System

In recent years, you’ve likely noticed more truck manufacturers racing to become more innovative with their truck beds. Few drivers will accept a standard old swing-down tailgate in a new truck these days. While some big trucks, like the F-150, have beds focused on construction workers, farmers, and similar professions, the Maverick’s bed is designed for its own separate and unique driver base: the adventurer. Below are its many features and why we think you’ll love them.

Flexible Boards for Creating Storage Spaces

How do you enjoy days around Watsonville? If you love taking boogie boards and coolers full of beverages over to the beach, you probably don’t want those items moving around in your pickup bed while you’re driving. Nobody likes parking to find that their cooler has tipped over and spilled ice everywhere. So that’s why we think you’ll love the two slots in the FLEXBED, designed to accommodate 2X4 and 2X6 boards, respectively, in a vertical and horizontal slot.

These slots make it super easy to section off parts of your pickup and create storage areas that better contain your cargo. There are, of course, plenty of ways you can take advantage of this. Use both slots to create several sections. Use just one when you need to store one large item and some smaller containers. It’s a great way to pack up your pickup bed for adventure weekends. You can even use it to create bike racks to hold your bicycles.

Concealed Side Compartments for Valuables

Depending on the trim and/or packages you get, you can also get up to two covered compartments in the rear of the bed. These will have panels you can easily remove, and within them, you’ll find small areas where you can throw small items that are valuable, items you don’t want to get wet, or small things you don’t want to be crushed by larger items in the bed.

Bottle Openers in the Tailgate

Don’t have a way to open the bottles you brought to the Pajaro River picnic area? Great news: the tie-downs in the bed double as bottle openers. With so many miles of beautiful coastline just a short drive from Watsonville, you probably find yourself enjoying days in the sand regularly. And on warm days up here, you’ll get thirsty. But when nobody in your group remembered to pack a bottle opener, you’ll be grateful you have this feature in your truck bed.

A 120V Outlet for Powering Up Devices

Headed to Manresa Main State Beach for a cookout? You’ll love having the 120V outlet in the back of the Maverick. Use your phone’s hotspot to connect to the Wi-Fi on your laptop, then plug your laptop in to watch the big game. Better yet, toss some blankets and pillows in the bed and stream a movie under the stars. Maybe you’re a DIYer and enjoy projects like woodworking or painting. You can also plug power tools into the 120V and enjoy your hobby on the go.

Plug your phone into the 120V and be the DJ for the night on your favorite music streaming apps. Or, make sure your battery doesn’t die just as you’re uploading pictures of the famous Central Coast sunset to your social media. When you need to power your devices and are hanging in the back of the pickup, you’ll love having this 120V outlet.

LED Box Lighting

Want to enjoy the natural beauty around Watsonville after the sun goes down (or maybe you’re an early riser who likes to get out there before it rises)? You’ll like the available LED box lighting in the FLEXBED. It provides powerful illumination of the truck bed. So you don’t have to enjoy your beachfront meal in total darkness if you visit a remote corner of the shore that doesn’t have streetlights. If you’re preparing for an early morning hike or bike ride, you’ll have all the light you need while assembling your gear in the bed. This can also just provide a central light for a campsite.

Side note: there’s a semi-secret feature not everybody knows about. If you open the small port by that concealable compartment, you’ll find a small cable box. You can use this to plug in and string up lights around your pickup bed. So, if you want to create a magical night on the beach or even in your own backyard, utilize this fun feature.

An Adjustable Tailgate Angle

You aren’t limited to the length of your bed with the tailgate closed. That’s because the Maverick’s FLEXBED tailgate can be locked into a mid-position with support cables. This makes it easy to transport longer items that don’t fit in there with the tailgate fully closed. So, if you want to get some dirt bikes or surfboards in there and don’t want to have to tow a trailer, you can utilize the lockable mid-position tailgate to get them in the bed. You can also lock it in the full open/flat position. So when you’re enjoying a tailgate party and want to keep that bed accessible so guests can grab snacks and drinks, that’s easy to do.

Come Get to Know the 2025 Maverick With Us Today

It’s time to supercharge your days around the central coast with the 2025 Ford Maverick! This compact truck embodies the youthful and energetic spirit of the great folks of Santa Cruz County, and we can’t wait to help you find your model! Our friendly, knowledgeable team knows the specific features of every Maverick trim. We didn’t even touch on the fact that it’s available in a hybrid model, so you can enjoy this well-designed small truck while knowing you’re helping reduce pollution on the beautiful coastline of California.

We’re also ready to help you with financing. Our terrific finance experts have helped countless drivers find a way to afford a Maverick on their terms. So sit down with them and tell them about your budget and goals. They’ll craft a lease or loan that fits your needs. We know Watsonville drivers will just love the Maverick. It gets you the perks of a pickup while remaining in the small vehicle category for easy driving and solid fuel economy. Come find your 2025 Maverick today at North Bay Ford!