The tailgate wars are on. On the heels of GMC introducing its MultiPro tailgate for the 2019 Sierra 1500, Ram is now offering a trick Multifunction Tailgate. But while the Sierra’s gate has a center section that drops to transform into steps or to ease loading, Ram’s tailgate has a vertical 60/40 split. It can be dropped down in its entirety like a traditional panel or each side can be opened barn-door-style.
The new gate comes after the brand first patented the idea some five years ago, and will be available on all seven 2019 Ram 1500 models. It retails for $995 and an optional retractable center step adds another $295. Ram says the new tailgate retains the strength of a dampened drop-down tailgate, and has a 2,000-pound load rating.
The dual side-hinged doors make it easier to load and access the bed—key in this age when even light-duty trucks are gargantuan—including to facilitate forklift loading. If your hands are full, Ram says a remote-opening function is also available. Unlike GMC’s solution, the Multifunction Tailgate does not require that a trailer or hitch be removed before opening.
In total, the Ram tailgate has four configurations: flat open, left door open, right door open, and both doors open. The doors can each swing out a maximum of 88 degrees. We’ll admit it does look handy, and if you add the Honda Ridgeline’s drop-or-swing tailgate to the mix, it seems we have a new truck-related feature fight to follow.
Source: Ram
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