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
Ouch!
Order OR purchase a 60K oh wait 80K plus truck, then forget to remove the hitch as it was kinda late OR u always have one as a parking lot or tail gater deterrent. Then you hit the remote tail gate open. You then drop the step as your hands are full so you can step in... massive ding on a expensive tailgate. A micro sw of some sort will keep that section from folding down. Oh well its too late for the 2020 models.
Chuck
Take the hitch off when you're not using it. It normally just works like a bump stop damaging the cars of others when you leave the bar and almost never as a deterrent. Give others a break and don't be so lazy. Oh and retract those trailer mirrors when not in use too, other need to share the road.
Well what if you are using the Hitch? How anyone doesn't see an issue with this is ridiculous and just a GM fan no matter what and will never point to any flaws.
This is a Terrible design and I cannot believe GM thinks this was ok to Mass Produce. If I am a Rival Company, I am making so many Media and Commercials making fun of this that GM's head will be spinning.
Man the 1500's just keep getting worse and worse news by the Day. I hope GM knows what they are doing and are in Full Court Press to redesign all their weaknesses on these Trucks ASAP.
I bought one of these when they first came out and its worked well 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
I believe it's actually illegal to drive with the hitch in the receiver in Minnesota. Also, if the hitch is left in the receiver, it's so easily stolen. I know of few people that actually leave the hitch in the receiver. It's great tailgate and the consumers I talk to love it.
Only happens to A..Holes that insist on leaving a ball sticking out and pull a trailer once a month or less.
I agree, this is unacceptable! If I stand too close to the tailgate on a truck, the tailgate hits my leg when I let it down. This is a definite design flaw!
If I'm parked too close to a car behind me, the tailgate hits their car hood when I drop it. This is also a design flaw!
We won't stand for this! We demand the mandatory installation of hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of failure--prone sensors and electronics to prevent the tailgate from being opened when the trailer hitch is installed, or someone is standing too close, or when parked too close to something.
Or maybe, perhaps, people need to take responsibility for their actions...
This is no different than dropping the tailgate with a trailer on and denting the tailgate on the trailer jack. People will do it. GM isn't responsible.
Ryan yes it IS a great tail gate. I totally agree, but personally I don't leave my hitch with its giddy up in the reciever. But you have to think the some what bigger picture... there are 49 other states that utilize that tail gate AND there are people that WILL leave the hitch in and complain when it messes their tail gate. Remember Roy that professional fisherman that hit his shin on his hitch.... lol, In our community the hitch is the least of police enforcement. They have a lot bigger problems.
Illegal in PA as well. $300 fine and yes they have much better things to do but still write you up for it. But hey, It's always someone else fault !
Serves them right! PU owners are the worst offenders for leaving their hitch installed when not using it. Has nobody else ever witnessed someone injuring themselves walking on a sidewalk near a truck backed over it so to not extend into an aisle?
I am a Chevy customer that just purchased a 2019 2500HD so this issue does not affect me. However I think that this is an obvious miss by their engineering staff in the development process of this feature. It is a cool feature, but not if there is an interference condition with such a common hitch configuration. I have always left my ball hitch in place and am sure that I am not alone.
Of course there are many who leave the ball hitch on all the time, or when they won't be needing it. However the bottom line is that it is inconsiderate and causes unnecessary damage to other vehicles whose drivers may not be able to see it when parking. People can also get nasty cracks on the knee or shin while trying to walk past in parking lots. I wouldn't blame someone victimized by your hitch for retaliating. Don't be an obviously inconsiderate person, please.
While I don't think it is a big deal, the fix would be fairly easy. Add a sensor to the receiver and if a hitch is inserted, don't electronically allow the lower gate to drop down. Fixed!
Yeah, keep adding more features to the truck that 1. drive up the cost to unreasonable prices, 2 provide "convenience" add ons that will require the consumer returning to the dealer due for warranty work, 3. continue to have designers and engineers design and develop these "convenience packages" that appeal to only the folks that rarely use a truck for its intended purpose ( hauling & working)!