When GMC introduced the new MultiPro Tailgate on the 2019 Sierra 1500 last year, we were (and still are) impressed. Not only did it offer vastly expanded functionality thanks to its six configurable positions, including a primary gate load stop, a full-width step, and an inner gate work surface, but it managed to do so through clever engineering and no extra digital doodads. However, since its introduction, some Sierra owners have notified us of an “issue” that should probably be brought to light: in its lowest configuration, the GMC Sierra MultiPro Tailgate can hit a ball hitch.
We recently got a chance to test the claim for ourselves with a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4. Without the ball hitch, the tailgate’s mid-gate drops exactly as intended, providing easier bed access as well as an extra step-up, along with all of its other benefits.
However, when we attached a standard ball hitch to the truck, we found that the GMC Sierra MultiPro tailgate would actually sit at a 45-degree angle when the mid-gate was dropped.
Obviously, this is less than ideal, as not only does it prevent the use of the step feature along with easier access to the bed, but it could also potentially scratch the paint or even dent the tailgate for those who drop it without exercising care or caution.
Luckily, GMC is aware of the issue, and even included this handy little sticker on the inside of the bed to notify owners not to lower the mid-gate when using the hitch.
Quite frankly, we’re somewhat mystified why anyone would consider this to be a real “issue.” After all, one can still open the tailgate normally (without dropping the mid-gate) on the 2019 GMC Sierra when a ball hitch is attached. In addition, the Sierra also comes with the CornerStep rear bumper – cutouts in the bumper to make it easier and more convenient to step up into the bed – so it’s not like bed access is limited when there’s a hitch attached. To the contrary, access to the bed with a hitch is identical to any other pickup truck on the market.
To that end, we think it’s far better to have the GMC Sierra MultiPro Tailgate and to be aware of its one limitation with a hitch, rather than not have the MultiPro Tailgate at all. The tailgate works like a standard (traditional) tailgate when a hitch is attached, while gaining significantly expanded functionality when the hitch comes off. All this makes this entire scenario a non-issue to us.
So, what do you think, readers? Is this an issue GMC should (somehow) address, or is it fine exactly how it is? Let us know in the poll, and voice your opinions in the comments.
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View Comments
This is like that problem when you leave your hitch in and you hit your shin on it. Here's Your Sign.
How are you going to use your step when your towing a trailer. I guess some think GM need to come up with some voodoo to fix that also.
Just don't get this tailgate if it's too complicated to for you to figure out.
Nothing mentioned here yet...But what about those that use their hitch daily?
This is no different than when you open your door in a parking lot and if there is a pole in the way you just do not open it all the way.
The simple way to deal with this is if you are incapable of knowing your limits then buy the Chevy with the remote gate and if you need the gate and are responsible enough to deal with it buy the GMC.
Anyone who will dent it on the ball will dent it on the trailer jack anyways.
You can fool proof most things but it is difficult to idiot proof everything. At some point the owner needs to take responsibility for their own actions.
There is always some jerk that will push the bottom step button when vehicle is unlocked by mistake .. Not if it will happen ,its when it happens lol
If I was GM I would implement the Tow Hitch that the Land Rover Discovery utilizes ASAP. They cannot allow their Rivals to use this mistake against them. It is an easy Solution.
Put a tennis ball on the hitch ball or put a reminder label on top of the tailgate about the hitch.
nobody cares about what whoever doesnt like about something. dont like it scroll and laugh
I bought one of these over-ride switches when they first came out and it's worked out great for me, and much cheaper than fixing a dented up tailgate.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081245HDQ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=splitgate+override&qid=1572983683&sr=8-1
Took me 5 minutes to disconnect the wire to the step .. I Dont use it and dont like it.. Problem solved. Oh im one of the azzholes that leaves his ball in the hitch year round
Disagree, it is clearly a design flaw, GM dropped the tailgates at the press release and looked foolish. I have the multi purpose tailgate on a 2020 GMC Sierra, the engineer team on this project should be fired for sucking at their jobs. I do remove my hitch when not in use, but when I am in northern Michigan and I am using trailers all day, i do not remove my hitch every couples of hours especially since not leaving my property. I agree that people that leave hitches in all the time are idiots looking to hurt other vehicles. GM should offer to fix all damaged tailgates and make the plastic on the tailgate cover this area with a rubber stopper of some sorts. i hope some GM engineers read this as it will be changed in next year or two. I just still can not understand how many people looked at this design and signed off on it, maybe I will throw some Buick stickers on it and everyone will understand.
Don’t consider it an issue ??? Luv my new Sierra . Got all the “bells & whistles”. BUT , GMC Engineering ... how ‘bout showing up with me when my friends meet me at the cabin , boat still hooked up & help me make sure they don’t drop gate on trailer ball while helping me unload items fro bed. The TC