Pickup truck tailgates served as simple drop-down panels for decades. That changed in 2019 when Ram and GMC introduced unconventional designs that redefined tailgate functionality on construction job sites. These innovations matter for contractors who rely on pickup beds for hauling materials and equipment. Understanding these tailgate systems helps fleet managers make informed purchasing decisions. Crews should review Job Site First Aid Construction Safety protocols for safe working environments around vehicles and equipment.
The Rise of Innovative Tailgate Designs in Modern Pickups
The traditional drop-down tailgate served its purpose well for generations. However, as pickup trucks evolved into multipurpose work vehicles, contractors began demanding more functionality from every part of their trucks. The tailgate, positioned at the most frequently accessed point of the cargo bed, became a prime target for innovation. Both Ram and GMC recognized that improving tailgate access directly translates to improved job site productivity. When workers can load and unload materials faster and with less strain, projects move forward more efficiently. The competition between these two manufacturers sparked what industry observers dubbed the tailgate wars, pushing each company to develop features that genuinely help construction professionals on the ground.
Why Tailgate Innovation Matters for Construction
For construction crews, the pickup bed serves as mobile storage, tool organizer, and material transporter. A standard drop-down tailgate presents several limitations:
- Reaching items near the cab requires leaning over the tailgate, straining the lower back
- Loading heavy materials like concrete blocks or rebar requires lifting them over the tailgate height
- Forklift loading is difficult because the tailgate blocks direct access to the bed floor
- Washout and cleanup are hampered by the tailgate lip that traps debris
- Accessing the bed while a trailer is hitched requires dropping the tailgate onto the trailer tongue or removing the hitch entirely
Both Ram and GMC addressed these pain points with fundamentally different engineering approaches. Their solutions reflect two valid philosophies about how contractors use their trucks daily. Understanding these differences helps buyers choose the system that best matches their typical job site workflow. Contractors interested in broader vehicle safety considerations should review the Detailed Analysis of Construction Safety the First Tool for a comprehensive look at site safety practices.
Ram Multifunction Tailgate: 60-40 Split Design and Cargo Access
Ram Truck introduced its multifunction tailgate for the 2019 Ram 1500 as a first-of-its-kind 60-40 split, swing-away design. Instead of a single solid panel that drops down, the Ram tailgate splits into two independently operating doors. Each door swings open 88 degrees, providing flexible access configurations that adapt to different job site scenarios. This design represents a fundamental departure from anything previously available in the pickup truck market.
Four Operating Configurations
The Ram multifunction tailgate offers four distinct configurations that give contractors precise control over bed access:
- Full drop-down mode : Both doors lowered together like a conventional tailgate, retaining traditional functionality with full dampening and remote release
- Left door only open : The smaller 40-percent door swings open for curbside loading, perfect when parked parallel to a loading dock or in tight spaces
- Right door only open : The larger 60-percent door opens for street-side access, useful when obstacles block the other side
- Both doors open : Full-width access with both doors swung open 88 degrees, providing the widest possible opening for bulky loads
A contractor can open just the smaller door to grab a tool without exposing all bed contents. It also allows closer access to the bumper area, making it easier to step up into the bed for reaching items stored near the cab.
Trailer-Friendly Operation
One of the most practical advantages of the Ram multifunction tailgate is its compatibility with trailers. Unlike other multi-element tailgates, the Ram design does not require removing the hitch before opening. The split doors swing sideways rather than dropping down, so they clear the trailer tongue completely. This feature alone saves significant time for contractors who frequently tow equipment trailers to job sites while needing bed access during the workday.
Load Rating and Pricing
The Ram multifunction tailgate retains a 2,000-pound load rating, matching the capability of a conventional tailgate. Contractors can load heavy materials without worrying about compromising the tailgate structure. The system is available across all seven 2019 Ram 1500 trim levels and reached dealerships in the second quarter of 2019. The manufacturer suggested retail price is $995, with an optional retractable center-mounted step available for $295. For construction teams that frequently load heavy materials, the center step provides a stable platform for stepping into the bed without placing weight on the tailgate itself.
GMC MultiPro Tailgate: Six-Function Versatility
GMC took a different engineering path with its MultiPro tailgate, which the company markets as the world’s first six-function tailgate. Rather than splitting vertically like the Ram design, the MultiPro consists of two gates nested within each other: a primary gate that hinges like a conventional tailgate and a smaller inner gate hinged within the primary gate panel. Raising and lowering these two panels in different combinations creates six distinct functional modes. The MultiPro tailgate is available on all GMC Sierra trim levels and comes standard on SLT, AT4, and Denali models in the Sierra Heavy Duty lineup.
Six Functions in Detail
Understanding the six functions requires visualizing how the inner and primary gates interact:
| Function | Configuration | Job Site Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional drop-down | Primary gate lowered, inner gate stowed | Standard loading and unloading as with any traditional tailgate |
| Primary gate with inner gate lowered | Both gates fully lowered | Allows standing 7-9 inches closer to the cargo box floor for reaching deep into the bed |
| Inner gate load stop | Primary gate raised, inner gate extended | Creates a stop for long items placed in the upper tier of the two-tier loading system |
| Bed extender | Primary gate raised, inner gate folded out | Extends the bed length for carrying longer materials like lumber or pipe |
| Entry step | Inner gate lowered as step, primary gate provides handhold | Provides a stable stepping surface for climbing into the bed without a separate step stool |
| Forklift loading platform | Inner gate lowered flat | Creates a flush platform for forklift tines to slide materials directly into the bed |
The MultiPro tailgate can be operated using a release button on the tailgate itself, a button on the instrument panel inside the cab, or a button on the remote key fob. This means a contractor approaching with arms full of materials can open the tailgate without fumbling for handles.
Two-Tier Loading Integration
GMC Sierra cargo boxes feature a two-tier loading design that allows owners to insert a platform such as a plywood sheet to separate items within the bed. The MultiPro tailgate extends this versatility by providing a dedicated load stop for items placed in the upper tier. This means a crew can carry lumber on the upper tier while keeping tools and smaller materials on the lower tier, accessing either level without unloading everything. For contractors who carry mixed loads, this organization capability reduces time spent digging through the bed for specific items.
Reach and Ergonomics
Lowering the MultiPro inner gate while the primary gate is also lowered allows a worker to stand nearly seven to nine inches closer to the pickup box floor compared to a conventional tailgate. This reduced reach distance makes a real difference when loading heavy items repeatedly. The ergonomic benefit reduces strain on the lower back and shoulders, common injury sites in construction work. Fleet managers should consider how tailgate design affects daily physical demands on crews.
Comparing Tailgate Technologies for Construction Applications
Choosing between the Ram multifunction tailgate and the GMC MultiPro tailgate depends on the specific needs of a construction operation. Both systems represent significant improvements over traditional tailgates, but they excel in different scenarios. Understanding the strengths of each helps contractors match the right truck to the right job.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Ram Multifunction Tailgate | GMC MultiPro Tailgate |
|---|---|---|
| Design approach | 60-40 vertical split, swing-away doors | Primary gate with nested inner gate |
| Number of configurations | 4 | 6 |
| Load rating | 2,000 lbs | Standard load rating |
| Trailer compatibility | Works without removing hitch | Requires hitch removal for full function |
| Step integration | Optional retractable center step ($295) | Built-in inner gate step function |
| Bed extender capability | Limited | Dedicated bed extender mode |
| Two-tier loading support | Standard bed access | Integrated load stop for upper tier |
| Price | $995 base + $295 optional step | Included in trim packages |
Selecting the Right System for Your Fleet
When evaluating these tailgate systems for a construction fleet, consider the following factors:
- Trailer towing frequency: Crews that tow trailers daily will benefit more from the Ram swing-away design that eliminates the need to disconnect. The ability to access the bed without touching the trailer saves valuable minutes on every trip.
- Material types: Operations that regularly carry long materials such as lumber, pipe, or rebar will appreciate the GMC bed extender function and the two-tier loading system with its integrated load stop.
- Loading methods: Forks that load palletized materials into the bed benefit from the MultiPro’s flat inner gate platform, while crews loading by hand will value the closer reach both systems provide.
- Crew ergonomics: Reducing physical strain on workers matters for long-term workforce health. Both systems improve bed access, but the GMC MultiPro’s step function and inner gate lowering provide more ergonomic configurations for frequent access.
- Budget considerations: The Ram system carries a specific price tag, while the GMC MultiPro is bundled into trim packages. Total cost of ownership should include the productivity gains from reduced loading and unloading time.
Future Implications for Pickup Design
The tailgate wars pushed both manufacturers to innovate, and the construction industry benefits directly. As truck designers continue to refine these systems, contractors can expect even greater integration between tailgate functionality, bed organization, and vehicle safety systems. Future developments may include powered tailgate configurations and integration with fleet telematics systems. For construction companies, the tailgate has evolved from a simple hinge into an access system that directly impacts productivity and worker safety. Just as innovative vehicle design improves job site efficiency, forward-looking construction concepts like the Essential Guide to Voyager Station Design Features of the world’s first space hotel show how access and structural innovation go hand in hand across all scales of building. Similarly, the rapid pace of transportation technology, as seen in the Virgin Hyperloop Conducts First Passenger Test in Las Vegas, demonstrates how industries evolve when manufacturers compete to solve real-world access and efficiency challenges.
Both Ram and GMC deserve credit for breaking away from decades of tailgate convention. Their investment in new engineering has given contractors real choices that make daily work easier, safer, and more productive. Whether a fleet chooses the swing-away versatility of the Ram system or the multi-configuration capability of the GMC MultiPro, the era of the one-function tailgate is officially over.