How the Ram 1500's Multifunction Tailgate Makes Loading and Unloading a Breeze

Recent Trends in Truck Bed Access

Over the past several model years, full-size pickup manufacturers have focused on improving bed accessibility. Traditional drop-down tailgates, while reliable, often force users to reach awkwardly over the gate or climb into the bed for cargo near the cab. In response, several brands have introduced split or multi-position tailgates. Ram’s Multifunction Tailgate, launched on the Ram 1500 in the late 2010s and refined since, stands out for its 60/40 split doors that open either outward like barn doors or fold down as a conventional unit.

Background: How the Multifunction Tailgate Works

The tailgate is built around two independently hinged doors that swing open to 90 degrees. Key features include:

• Dual-mode operation: Each door can open separately, or both can fold down together like a standard tailgate.
• Stowable bed extender: A reversible panel locks into slots inside the bed to support longer loads when the doors are open.
• Integrated step and grab handle: A pull-out step pops out of the driver-side door, paired with a handle in the bed side for easier climbing.

This design allows users to reach the front of the bed more easily—by opening just the driver-side door and stepping up—or to load wide items without the tailgate blocking access.

User Concerns and Practical Considerations

While many owners praise the flexibility, some have raised issues worth noting:

• Reach vs. traditional tailgates: Without a split gate, a standard tailgate forces users to stretch from the rear. The Multifunction Tailgate reduces that reach significantly for center or near-cab cargo.
• Parking space constraints: Opening both doors requires about two feet of lateral clearance on each side. In tight lots, users may need to fold both doors down instead.
• Weight and complexity: The mechanism adds about 60 pounds compared to a conventional tailgate, and the power-release option (available on higher trims) introduces electronic components that could require service over time.
• Bed size compatibility: The tailgate is available on crew cab models with 5’7” and 6’4” beds, but not on the shorter Quad Cab configurations in all years.

Likely Impact on Everyday Use

The tailgate’s primary benefit is reducing physical strain during loading and unloading. Frequent users—contractors, landscapers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone hauling bulky items—report less bending and reaching. The step-and-handle combination makes entering the bed safer, especially when wet or icy. For those who regularly load long lumber or kayaks, the bed extender feature adds stability. However, because the barn-door style requires clearance, owners towing a trailer with a close-coupled hitch may find the swing path obstructed; in those cases, the fold-down mode still works. Overall, the design trades some simplicity for day-to-day convenience in most scenarios.

What to Watch Next

Several developments could shape how this feature evolves:

• Electric vehicle adoption: As Ram transitions to electric and hybrid powertrains (e.g., the Ram 1500 REV), the tailgate design may be integrated with powered steps or remote operation via app.
• Competitor moves: Ford’s Pro Access Tailgate (which includes a built-in step) and GM’s Multi-Flex Tailgate offer similar split designs. Each generation brings refinements; future Ram updates may include lighter materials or wider opening angles.
• Aftermarket compatibility: Third-party solutions for bed liners or tonneau covers must account for the split doors—some require special adapters. Watch for more integrated accessories that work with the factory openings.
• Long-term durability reports: Owners forums and independent reviews over the next few years will provide data on hinge and latch reliability, especially in cold climates where ice can affect operation.

The Multifunction Tailgate has become a distinctive selling point for the Ram 1500. Whether it remains a niche feature or influences industry-wide design will depend on how well it addresses the most common loading challenges without adding unnecessary complexity.