A pickup truck comes out with a new feature. Other truck makers deride that new feature. They then introduce the same feature with a different name and tout how it’s different and better than the competition’s feature, which was previously an object of ridicule. The latest such feature is the multi-function tailgate. Ford added a step to theirs years ago. Now GMC has its Swiss Army tailgate on the new Sierra. Ram can’t sit idly by in THE TAILGATE WARS, so the 2019 1500 is now available with a multifunction tailgate of its own.
The Ram version makes use of an cut line running down the back of the tailgate. It allows the rear swinger to open like a standard tailgate or swing open to the side. You can swing one side open or both sides open, like some offset barn doors. This setup reminds me of the old Magic Doorgate on Ford Country Sedans.
Ram takes a nice swipe at the GMC MultiPro tailgate in its press release. Apparently the GM setup has it so the inner portion of the multi-piece tailgate may hit a tow hitch. Per Ram:
Unlike other multi-element tailgates, the Ram multifunction tailgate is trailer-friendly and does not require that the trailer and hitch be removed before opening.
Boom! Multi-function tailgate shots fired! Who’s side are you on in THE 2019 TAILGATE WARS?
If it’s Ram, then you can add one of these onto the back of your truck starting in Q2 of 2019. It will cost an extra $995 to do so.
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