By Robby DeGraff
Ram threw their weight into the light-duty tailgate war, recently announcing a new multi-function tailgate soon available on the 2019 Ram 1500 next quarter. Later last year, GM had a foot ahead of the game with their special and impressive, MultiPro six-way tailgate available on the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 (SLT trims and up). Now, Ram has stepped up with a version of their own.
In addition to just dropping down, the tailgate splits down the middle creating a 60/40 clamshell and can hold 2,000 pounds . Both doors open outwards 88-degrees and according to Ram, either door may be left latched independently (open the right door only, leave the left one shut).
The tailgate is available on all new Ram 1500s models and even as a stand-alone option for customers that have already purchased a 2019 Ram 1500 prior to this intuitive tailgate’s debut. The multi-function tailgate will cost $995 while the optional deployable center step, also seen below, commands $295.
This is again, another fantastic effort done by Ram, to make the already-great 1500 even better. Let’s see if Ford can come with something creative beyond their “man-step”.
[Tailgate animation: FCA]
[Images copyright Hooniverse 2019]
Ross Ballot
http://tanshanomi.com/temp/animated/vistacruiser-tailgate.gif
Maybe I’m showing my “get off my lawn”-ness here, but maybe… maybe… if we had lower bed heights all of these multi function tailgates, while pretty cool, could allow for a simpler, cheaper truck.
Instead, the growing trucks seemingly to market to those that might be compensating for something have to add gadgets just to make them still be useful as trucks. And will probably never get within 40% of their capability. Get only the truck you need! https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/35ede17d6abd0f1d125313bae14232f4d28d57da3787affb5866cbe988cf0b73.jpg
But…but…they no longer make the truck I need.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6eb1e9b803bf8fbede70cdccf6cf51384be9feb58f30917dd25dc178005675ad.jpg
It really looks like you couldn’t open the right side without the left being open, given the overlapping outer panel, inner liner and concealed handle.
The idea is good, but the execution has sacrificed practicality for a seamless style – eg partially exposed hinges would allow a much wider opening angle. And I’m not sure that the latches will stand up to the abuse/overloading that tailgates can cop. Overly elaborate, just like the Ram Boxes that cut down the width of the bed.
A couple times per week, I load 66lb bags of mortar in the back of my pickup. Not having to reach past the tailgate would be a real back saver, especially when unloading. So I’m a big fan of this idea!
great article! thank U!