Today's trail report

Ford recalls 2026–2027 F-150 and 2026 Super Duty trucks over a tailgate cable that can fail under heavy load

By The OffRoading.News Desk

Good morning. Lead with the recall. NHTSA campaign 26V-689 covers certain 2026–2027 Ford F-150 and 2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD and F-450 SD trucks, with NHTSA listing the Raptor for 2026–2027 among the vehicles involved. Per the campaign, the left-side tailgate cable may fail under certain heavy load conditions. This is not a stop-ride action. Ford says dealers will replace the left-side tailgate cable free of charge; interim letters warning owners of the risk are expected December 14, 2026, with a second letter once the remedy is available, anticipated January 2027. Ford's internal number is 26S78, owner line 1-866-436-7332, and affected VINs become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 7, 2026. If your truck falls in those model years, do not guess whether yours is included — check the VIN when the lookup opens and watch for the letter. Loading a tailgate whose cable may give way is exactly the condition described.

On public lands, BLM Oregon/Washington announced the rescission of a fire prevention order for the Medford District, dated October 28, 2026. The land manager here is BLM; the rescission lifts that specific fire order, so confirm current district conditions with BLM before you plan around it. Separately, RideApart reports that residents in California's high desert object to a new proposed King of the Hammers OHV trail in the Barstow-to-Needles area, with particular complaint about a no-bid contract. Powersports Business reports Polaris is putting $500,000 into OHV recreation access on BLM lands, ten grants across six states through the Foundation for America's Public Lands.

Products and industry. Car and Driver reports Honda will debut a 1300-hp "Baja Spec" trophy truck using the Passport name, with a first race at the 2027 SCORE Baja 500, and that the 2027 Jeep Gladiator drops its base model and adds a 35-inch tire option, pushing the starting price up more than $4,000. The Drive reports a lockable safe for the Grand Wagoneer in option packages from $1,995. Off-Road.com prices SoFlo's M715-inspired Kaizer Wrangler at $67,499.99 and ranks hybrid pickups with the Maverick at 38 mpg combined.

Glamis and racing. UTV Action and Dirt Wheels report Can-Am unveiled a Defender Recovery Rig, deploying to Glamis the weekend of October 29–31 with repairs, winches and Wi-Fi, all brands welcome; Dirt Wheels says Polaris will offer RZR Pro R Boost demos at Camp RZR October 30–31. Dirt Wheels also reports Chloe Harper clinched her second straight GNCC WXC ATV championship at Ironman with one round remaining.