ranger step side not splash

[Lefty]

I just wish everyone would stop using a Chevy term . . . to describe a Ford.

flareside

 

[Curious Hound]

But "Flareside" is a strange word and doesn't come naturally when you look at one, unless you're a Ford truck afficionado. When I describe them to someone who is not a Ford fan, or especially not a car nut in general, I say stepside because that is a term they know and understand. If I say Flareside, then I have all the hassle of explaining what I just said and end us saying "that's Fords name for stepside". And then they look at me and say "Why don't they just call it a stepside?".

 

[sgtsandman]

But "Flareside" is a strange word and doesn't come naturally when you look at one, unless you're a Ford truck afficionado. When I describe them to someone who is not a Ford fan, or especially not a car nut in general, I say stepside because that is a term they know and understand. If I say Flareside, then I have all the hassle of explaining what I just said and end us saying "that's Fords name for stepside". And then they look at me and say "Why don't they just call it a stepside?".

Just like extended cab and crew cab/double cab.

 

[Blmpkn]

I just wish everyone would stop using a Chevy term . . . to describe a Ford.

I love my stepside ranger.. open diff at the moment unfortunately but she's definitely getting posi sooner than later

 

[Curious Hound]

 

[sgtsandman]

I love my stepside ranger.. open diff at the moment unfortunately but she's definitely getting posi sooner than later

The proper term for that is unlimited slip.

 

[Lefty]

Unlimited slip? Flareside? Stepside? Extended cab? Crew Cab? King cab? I hope none of you are losing sleep.

 

[Curious Hound]

I hope none of you are losing sleep.

Not me.

 

[Blmpkn]

 

[Shran]

I just wish everyone would stop using a Chevy term . . . to describe a Ford.

I'm glad you returned to scold us all about semantics.

 

[don4331]

But "Flareside" is a strange word and doesn't come naturally when you look at one, unless you're a Ford truck afficionado. When I describe them to someone who is not a Ford fan, or especially not a car nut in general, I say stepside because that is a term they know and understand. If I say Flareside, then I have all the hassle of explaining what I just said and end up saying "that's Fords name for stepside". And then they look at me and say "Why don't they just call it a stepside?".

At least Flareside is more understandable than Dodge's Utiline.

Ford didn't call it a Stepside because GMC trademarked the name.* Styleside was a lot better than Cameo Carrier - Chevrolet's original name for their Styleside.

*Now, comes the legalize: So long as you continue to use the name, pay the gov't the fee and it doesn't become generic, you may continue to own the name.

So, in the early '80s, when GMC stopped build Stepsides, they lost the right to the trademark. (The result of the '79 energy crisis - Fleetside got better fuel economy).

We will note when Chevrolet reintroduced the exterior fenders the new name they trademarked was Sportside.​

Bubble wrap would be example of a trademark that became generic and the manufacturer lost the right to renew the name.

Aside: Kleenex has successful defended their trademark for facial tissues; successfully arguing it wasn't/isn't generic.​

Therefore, in 2025, referring a Ranger Splash/F-150 Flareside as the now "generic" term of stepside (note: no longer capitalized) is completely acceptable and correct.

Note 2: Trademarks can last as long as the 3 conditions are met. Patents, on the other hand, only last for a maximum 19 years. And patents only protect you against someone else selling the product/using it in a commercial setting. You can take what you discover in a patent, and apply it for personal use without issue. (You just don't make any money doing so.)

My tidbit of useless knowledge for the day.

 

[Lefty]

At least Flareside is more understandable than Dodge's Utiline.

Ford didn't call it a Stepside because GMC trademarked the name.* Styleside was a lot better than Cameo Carrier - Chevrolet's original name for their Styleside.

*Now, comes the legalize: So long as you continue to use the name, pay the gov't the fee and it doesn't become generic, you may continue to own the name.

So, in the early '80s, when GMC stopped build Stepsides, they lost the right to the trademark. (The result of the '79 energy crisis - Fleetside got better fuel economy).

We will note when Chevrolet reintroduced the exterior fenders the new name they trademarked was Sportside.​

Bubble wrap would be example of a trademark that became generic and the manufacturer lost the right to renew the name.

Aside: Kleenex has successful defended their trademark for facial tissues; successfully arguing it wasn't/isn't generic.​

Therefore, in 2025, referring a Ranger Splash/F-150 Flareside as the now "generic" term of stepside (note: no longer capitalized) is completely acceptable and correct.

Note 2: Trademarks can last as long as the 3 conditions are met. Patents, on the other hand, only last for a maximum 19 years. And patents only protect you, against someone else selling the product/using it in a commercial setting. You can take what you discover in a patent, and apply it for personal use without issue. (You just don't make any money doing so.)

My tidbit of useless knowledge for the day.

"Utiline" sounds like some sort of spandex underwear.

 

[SenorNoob]

IDK, makes me think of the Utility Kilt...

 

[Ranger850]

Originally, all Splash models were lowerd 2wd street trucks. Then they made a lifted 4wd version. THEN, they put flareside beds as an option for all Ranger trims and " Splash" dies out to be replaced by the " Edge" : originally 2wd lifted tricks with torsion bars. I still think it was the dealers putting " Egde" decals on non Edge 4x4 trucks, just to make sales. I don't think Ford ever made a 4x4 "Edge". Imo the whole point of the Edge trim was to give a 4x4 appearance without the 4x4 hardware ( ah la Pre-Runner style)

 

[Uncle Gump]

The original torsion bar 2WD trucks were "Trailhead" package. I was all set to buy one until I found out you couldn't get a 4.0L... only offered with a 3.0L.