Fiat Chrysler has debuted the new multifunction tailgate for the 2019 Ram 1500, which serves as the brand’s answer to the 2019 GMC Sierra’s MultiPro tailgate.
The 2019 Ram 1500’s multifunction tailgate works quite a bit differently than the MultiPro tailgate on the GMC Sierra 1500. The Ram’s is a split-folding tailgate, which features a 60-40 split opening along with a normal swing operation. Ram says the tailgate makes curbside loading easier and says that being able to step closer to the bumper makes loading bulky items easier. It also makes bed washout easier and allows for forklift loading, the company says.
“The Ram multifunction tailgate is intuitive to operate and owners will find it immediately useful,” said Ram brand boss Reid Bigland.“Combined with Ram’s class-exclusive RamBox feature and new tailgate step, we’re taking Ram’s cargo management and storage to the next level.”
By comparison, the GMC MultiPro tailgate is a little more versatile. It features a normal primary gate function, along with a load stop to prevent items from sliding out of the box, a downward folding ‘gate’ for closer bed access, a full-width step and a second-tier tailgate work surface.
It seems to use that these two designs serve somewhat different purposes. The Ram’s meant to make loading and unloading easier, while the GMC’s is designed to be a catch-all solution that can make life easier on the job site with both easier loading and unloading and other innovative solutions.
When GM debuted the GMC MultiPro tailgate last year, the automaker indicated that it had considered a barn door opening tailgate like the Ram’s, but ultimately decided against it.
“We did look at a bunch of different options… we didn’t want to do a barn door because you can’t package it well with a step,” said GMC Sierra program engineer Roger Olle. “We wanted the step to be the first priority, and we wanted to ensure it would perform the same as a standard tailgate. We didn’t want to sacrifice anything in terms of functionality.”
FCA says the 2019 Ram 1500’s multifunction tailgate will be available across the range and will be available in the truck starting in the second quarter of this year. It will add $995 to the price tag of the truck, with an optional center access step available for another $295.
Comments
A swing and a miss. While this might make forklift loading easier, the barn doors make a little corridor from only opening 90 degrees, which is not ideal, especially considering that not all forklift operators are created equal. I could see damage happening. A 1500 is too light for a lot of pallet loads too. I haul loads of feed, usually 50 x 50lb bags with a 3500 flatbed. That’s 2,500 pounds, just the feed. Almost every 1500 configuration doesn’t hit 2,000 pounds payload.
I think you summed up what I was thinking. The multipro tailgate in combination with standard corner steps is a better solution. The hogged our bed sides in the GM trucks is icing on the cake, the have the must functional beds in the industry.
88-degrees*
So actually, even narrower.
What i picture, like a lot of cargo vans, is the tailgate barn door hyper extending into the tail light. Smashing/cracking the light and denting the tailgate panel. None of this is cheap, especially the light with the reverse and blind spot sensors built in.
And also, with frequent heavy loads placed (or driven over a la quad/sled) with the tail gate in conventional down position, the panels no longer lining up when closed. And being Ram this is a realistic possibility.
I think Ridgeline executed this swing gate better. Yes the 60:40 can be opened with a trailer where as the full ‘100′ swing gate on the Ridgeline likely can’t (depending on trailer)… and i’d wager the 60 side of the Ram gate cant be opened with a boat trailer on or if you have a tongue cargo box.
I think it’s a solution to a new trend and selling feature on trucks, this just isn’t the best solution. Not saying GMC is, it certainly offers more in a tidy package, but I think the GMC can evolve to being king. Especially if they can develop one without all the electronic releases.
Also, Ram’s center step solution is shit, just like the corner drop down step on Ram, Nissan, etc, it’s shit. They hang down, they hang out if forgotten (ie ever plant your shin into a trailer hitch left in?).
I think GM offers the best bed solutions at the moment. Even if it’s just a standard tailgate with the bumper steps.
Also to note. I dont see how they can be opened independently of one another. The release for the 60 side is inside the common bezel for the main tailgate drop release, and the release for the 40 is inside the jamb between the two halves. Also the 40 side has a lip that, if 60 side closed first, the lip on the 40 would smash into the front of the 60.
Ram has a commericial out and when slowed down on youtube it’s more clear that the 60 side must be opened first just like extended cab trucks used to be… I remember my buddy yelling at being as they slammed the rear door first and bouncing it off the door jamb. Ram went to front hinged extended cab doors just to bring that pain in the ass back on their tailgate.
This can only be labelled “an embarrassment” for Ram following the incredible new GMC tailgate.
I think its funny RAM comes out with their all NEW tailgate like ford didn’t do this almost 2 decades ago on the Lincoln Blackwood. This is nothing new it didn’t work back then or Ford would have continued to make them on the other truck’s. For the few times that this would make it easier to load something it’s not worth it especially at an additional 1000-1300. I think Gmc has the best solution with their multipro tailgate even thou it’s only available on SLT and higher trim levels.
Actually, GM did this in the early 90’s with the Chevy Astro and GMC Safari vans. I vote GMC Multi Pro all the way!
lots of companies have had barn doors. from LR to Tahoe to Mini
What’s Chevrolet’s answer to GM’s Multipro tailgate and now this Ram tailgate?? That’s the one I’m most interested in.
My guess is once it gets over the GMC exclusivity and customers demand it, Chevy will have one in a year. Can’t imagine the bigger seller of the GM trucks would not get it at some point.
The Ram Answer is to a question that no real be asked.
This is lame.
GM did the Dutch doors on the Astro and it was nothing but more rattles.
The GMC is the most useful for my needs and I love my bumper steps the others have yet to copy.
I prefer the GMC to me having a bed extension is more ideal than have a swinging tailgate. Both may have their advantages but I wish they do something with the Silverado, they could offer a tailgate that would differentiate from GMC
. Although not likely but it would be nice.
I would take the RAM tailgate over the GMC one.
99% of the time I don’t need to climb into the box and the tailgate just makes for a farther reach to get stuff out. With the barn door tailgates, perfect for me.