GM launched the MultiPro tailgate with the debut of 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, while a few years later, Chevy adopted the feature with the launch of the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500, rebranding it as the Multi-Flex tailgate. Both tailgates are essentially identical, offering a variety of configurations and adding both convenience and functionality along the way. However, there’s always room for improvement. As such, we’ve put together a list of three enhancements we’d like to see in future iterations of these tailgates.
Power-Up Option for Primary Tailgate
While the MultiPro and Multi-Flex tailgates are already equipped with a power-down function and EZ-down assist, a power-up option would likely serve users far better. After all, with the EZ down function already equipped, a power-down function seems somewhat superfluous. In addition, the convenience of one-touch tailgate closing, especially during bad weather or when carrying heavy items, would add another layer of convenience that would elevate the tailgate even higher in the eyes of customers – literally, in fact.
Ball Hitch Detection
One of the most common complaints among Chevy and GMC owners is the lack of a built-in ball hitch detection system for their configurable tailgate. As GM Authority covered way back in 2019, certain tailgate configurations will inadvertently collide with a ball hitch, potentially causing damage to the tailgate. While some aftermarket solutions do exist, we think this is an oversight that General Motors should address directly. An integrated sensor system or a hitch-safe mode would prevent these issues, enhancing user confidence when deploying the tailgate.
Integrated Storage Compartment
Drawing inspiration from features like Chevy’s StowFlex and GMC’s MultiStow tailgates, adding a storage compartment within the primary gate could provide an innovative solution for organizing smaller items. This compartment could include a weatherproof design and optional lockable storage, further improving the utility of the Multi-Flex and MultiPro tailgates.
By implementing these changes, GM could ensure its tailgates remain benchmarks of innovation in the competitive truck market. What features would you like to see implemented?
Comments
Make them harder to steal would be a great improvement.
Tacoma tailgates are being stolen as well…no difference there.
I would say FIX THE QC issues they have, since they have been recalled TWICE now…
They told me they weren’t available!
Those three additions would be a massive improvement and should be a must do.
Easier up assitance would be great. Can’t get enough storage. The ball hitch protection has been needed also from the start.
Looking forward to the improvements.
The sidestep bumper on the Chevrolet is one of the simplest solutions on any pickup. The inclusion of a functional, lockable, waterproof tailgate box is a great idea. The multifunction tailgate is an interesting idea, but I believe the split tailgates of Ram and Ford and/or the swing gate of the Ridgeline are better for accessing the bed.
Great suggestions. I ordered the multi-flex tailgate on my Silverado and use it for almost every bed load. I got the standard bed (6′ 7″) because an 8-foot-long item will fit behind the Multi-Flex cargo stop position. With the short bed (5′ 9″), 8-foot long items extend past the lowered tailgate.
the power up function is impossible to do because there is no room inside the tailgate to put it. Hence, why the power up option is only for non multi pro gates.
Offer a multi-flex to replace the standard tailgate on ’19 and ’20 Silverado.
1. Take it off.
2. Throw it away.
3. Get a regular tailgate .
They are not that handy. They look awful. Not worth the sacrifice of looks to have useless functionality
Get rid of the Tonka Toy tailgate and put an 8 ft. box on the truck.
And those of us with bad backs and bad knees like myself, these multi flex tailgates are the best thing Chevy has done in a long time
They need to make a manual version if anything to avoid the power problems, but I would rather have a regular non power tailgate with that storage in it than anything. All the folding mechanisms will get clogged with back road dirt, and anything poured in the bed like gravel, sand, dirt, mulch, etc. Don’t get me started on the power option, what city boy that doesn’t use a truck bed thought that up? It has proven across all brands to not be reliable. Just make in manual open and close (soft close) with a powered locked. A storage compartment is great to store d-rings and tow hitches in and it is sealed from debris and easy to wipe off stuff from around it before opening if it hasn’t already slide off when opening the tailgate.
“Integrated Storage Compartment”
Half of the tailgates on my workplace fleet trucks are V-shaped from abuse. How will that “weatherproof design and optional lockable storage” work after any kind of real-word scuff ups? A tailgate needs to be dead simple; go back to the dash iPad if they want to play with over-engineering things.
Need a manual way to open tailgate, plus tailgate needs to be made of steel, aluminum dents too easily
Want a 3 speed Kitchen Aide style mixer attachment so that you can mix up some brownies and bake them under the hood as you go to Home Depot for three bag of mulch in your $70k truck with the moon roof, heated leather seats and heated steering wheel.
The multi-pro tailgate is most handy when I want to load a pallet of steel in the back of my truck. How many times has a forklift driver driven up to the back of my truck and set the pallet down backed up 8 in and driven in to get that last little bit to clear the tailgate. . That is the most useful part of that tailgate.
The thing I would like to see GM do is give us more storage. I think that the Dodge tool boxes in the side of the bed is the greatest idea ever for a pickup truck.
In 2021, when I ordered my 2022 truck they offered in bed tool boxes that went over the wheel wells. However, by the time the truck arrived in 2023, there were none available and I was given my money back. I’ve never heard whether they were good or bad. However, it is the concept of having some in bed storage that is really important. Just like I have in my corvair pickup.
The tailgate is fine as it is. Having driven the truck for a couple of years, I’ve yet to bash it off of my hitch. In fact automation of the opening closing is the only thing I could see that would lead us to bashing up the tailgate on the hitch. Leave the tailgate as it is and let’s work on some inbox storage.
So make the bed smaller like ram? Yeah, again back to my city boy comment…
If they keep the tailgate, it needs to be manual, period. This powered junk isn’t cutting it. These things see COMPLETELY different usage and exposure compared to an SUV tailgate. Those have the mechanisms covered, sealed and protected, trucks have them exposed and constantly filled with dirt, debris and weather, that is why I can’t recall hearing or seeing an automatic tailgate on an SUV, but trucks it is constant. I can maybe see powered release along with a manual handle, but powered up is a joke and no handle to open when it gets tough or stuck is silly.
The tailgate needs a manual release with a key lock. If the power release fails or the battery dies there is no way to open the tailgate.