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Automotive

Ram 1500's new tailgate folds and swings for access with or without a trailer

By Aaron Turpen
February 07, 2019
Ram 1500's new tailgate folds and swings for access with or without a trailer
The new multifunction tailgate on the Ram 1500 will be available across the 1500's lineup in the second quarter of 2019
The new multifunction tailgate on the Ram 1500 will be available across the 1500's lineup in the second quarter of 2019
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Like a standard drop-down tailgate, Ram's new multifunction tailgate still holds weight when dropped down in standard mode
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Like a standard drop-down tailgate, Ram's new multifunction tailgate still holds weight when dropped down in standard mode
Many jobs that would have been made easier by removing the tailgate entirely can now be done by simply opening the multifunction tailgate instead
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Many jobs that would have been made easier by removing the tailgate entirely can now be done by simply opening the multifunction tailgate instead
The multifunction tailgate allows full access to the Ram's cargo bed without need to slid forward over a tailgate
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The multifunction tailgate allows full access to the Ram's cargo bed without need to slid forward over a tailgate
The new Ram multifunction tailgate can be used even with a trailer attached to the truck
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The new Ram multifunction tailgate can be used even with a trailer attached to the truck
A new rear drop-down step comes from under the rear bumper to allow someone to more easily step into the Ram's truck bed
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A new rear drop-down step comes from under the rear bumper to allow someone to more easily step into the Ram's truck bed
With both sides open, as shown, the Ram multifunction tailgate allows a forklift to access the truck bed directly
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With both sides open, as shown, the Ram multifunction tailgate allows a forklift to access the truck bed directly
The Ram multifunction tailgate allows the tailgate to be split 60/40 with either the left or right sides opening sideways independently
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The Ram multifunction tailgate allows the tailgate to be split 60/40 with either the left or right sides opening sideways independently
The new tailgate for the Ram 1500 can open as would any other standard drop-down tailgate
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The new tailgate for the Ram 1500 can open as would any other standard drop-down tailgate
The new multifunction tailgate on the Ram 1500 will be available across the 1500's lineup in the second quarter of 2019
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The new multifunction tailgate on the Ram 1500 will be available across the 1500's lineup in the second quarter of 2019
View gallery - 9 images

Ram Truck has unveiled a new multifunction tailgate for the Ram 1500 pickup truck that directly takes on the MultiPro tailgate from GMC. The multifunction tailgate from Ram opens downward, splits to open to either side, and can be used while a trailer is attached.

Like a standard drop-down tailgate, Ram's new option features dampened resistance for a smooth drop to open, and an easy lift to close. It can also split to open sideways, with the left side swinging about 60 percent of the tailgate to the driver's side of the truck, and the right side opening the other 40 to the passenger's side. This 60/40 split opening allows the sides to open independently or together in that 88-degree side swing.

Ram also added a new below-bumper step that lowers down to allow easy step-in for the truck bed from the rear of the pickup. The side-opening option allows a forklift to load something into the back of the Ram pickup without requiring sliding the load forward or putting the tailgate in danger.

The new Ram multifunction tailgate can be used even with a trailer attached to the truck
The new Ram multifunction tailgate can be used even with a trailer attached to the truck

The new multifunction tailgate, Ram says, is trailer-friendly, "unlike other multi-element tailgates." That latter quote is a ding against GMC, whose MultiPro, which we reviewed on the Sierra Denali pickup truck, does not allow most of its functions while a trailer is attached for towing.

Ram says that the multifunction tailgate will be available on all 2019 Ram 1500 models starting in the second quarter of 2019 at a suggested retail of US$995, plus $295 for the optional below-bumper step.

Source: Ram Truck

View gallery - 9 images

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AutomotiveTruckRAMChicago Auto Show 2019
5 comments
Aaron Turpen
Aaron Turpen
Aaron is a Wyoming-based automotive journalist with interests in electronic and engineering technology. Outside of New Atlas, Aaron is a prolific writer, father of two, and would-be chicken farmer.

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5 comments
Smokey_Bear
2019 trucks...the year tailgates began to cost thousands of dollars. But, they all are pretty cool.
rude.dawg
Hope someone can build a ute (that's "pickup tuck" to you yanks) with a tailgate that opens to become a ramp.
Nobody
Will this tailgate support ramps to load a heavy ATV. Being cautious, I added a second set of cables to the tailgate of my pickup after hearing of people breaking the cables on new pickups by simply sitting on the tailgate.
ljaques
rude.dawg, excellent idea, but can you imagine how heavy that would be? Add the cost of a winch, eh?
I can see the occasional draw for the split tailgate, but it's easy enough to just take the tailgate off my Tundra for the day. 5 minute job, if that.
To you Aussies, a Tundra is "a full-size Toyota pickup tuck."
nick101
If you do some digging you'll find that (gasp!) you can't get it on the base model, and in fact the 'base model' is quite a bit more expensive than it was 3 years ago. No thanks.