As vehicle manufacturers introduce new models for 2020, I’ve noticed some advertised options lack practicality for farm use. Sure, you can get a tailgate that unfolds like a Swiss army knife to form a step stool, lounge chair, workbench and tiki bar — but if you get too much hay chaff in those hinges, the thing still isn’t going to shut right.

Many options seem designed for people who do more playing with their trucks than working. Not that I don’t occasionally like listening to music while working, but having a Bluetooth-compatible audio system in the tailgate seems excessive. What’s wrong with rolling down the windows, turning up the radio and leaving the stereo components in the dash, where they’re safe from mud splatters and rear-end collisions?

Admittedly, I’m a traditionalist when it comes to pickup truck amenities. For instance, I like vinyl underfoot because carpet is hard to keep clean. But for some reason, people buy trucks with carpet, then buy vinyl floor liners to protect the carpet — which they never see because of the floor liners.

Power windows vs. hand-cranked

On the other hand, I’ve come to appreciate the advantage of power windows over hand cranks. It’s difficult reaching over the console to roll down a window to talk with a nice deputy sheriff who’s approaching the passenger side to stay out of traffic. Power windows are also helpful in ejecting flying insects and unpleasant odors.

Despite that, I used to prefer hand-cranked windows for ease in escaping underwater. But according to Episode 72 of “Mythbusters,” the gears will break before the window comes down because of  the water pressure. Apparently, the death-defying escapes in action movies are not as realistic as they might seem.

Of course, power windows are hardly a luxury compared to ergonomically designed seats with adjustable lumbar support, heat in the winter, ventilation in the summer and vibration to startle you out of your comfort zone when you start swerving or tailgating. Although they might have nearly endless position adjustments and programmable settings for multiple drivers, seats could still use an upholstery upgrade. Sliding in and out multiple times every day tends to wear down upholstery along the left side of the driver’s seat. Duct tape can hold the seat heater wires in place, but tougher fabric or thicker leather would be preferable.

How about a hair dryer?

The other option I’d like to see is integrated overhead hair dryers. Picture public restroom hand dryers with the air blowing at head height. This might not appeal to people with short, quick-drying hair, but taking time to dry shoulder-length hair adds at least 15 minutes to my turnaround time after farm chores. And believe me — nobody wants me skipping a shower between the pig barn and an off-farm meeting or appointment.

Theoretically, with the 110-volt outlets now available in some trucks, it might be possible to plug in a blow-dryer, although most exceed the wattage limitations on those outlets. And a hands-free option would be better anyway. Otherwise, another conversation with a friendly deputy seems likely.

Keck writes from Raymond, Ohio.