The 2019 Ram 1500 Dials-Up the Tailgate Game: 4 Features of Note

The party's in the back.

Pickup tailgates are getting a lot of love these days. And why not? They serve an important function and have pretty much been exactly the same, forever. Adding greater functionality with more utility to these underrated rear doors only makes sense.

Ten years ago, Ford introduced the simple yet awesome integrated tailgate step. Last year, GMC took things to another level with the 6-way, Transformers-esque MultiPro tailgate on their new Sierra. 

Today, Ram joins the tailgate party with the new Multifunction Tailgate for their new 2019 Ram 1500 — a feature that adds even greater utility to the truck industry’s cargo management and storage leader. Here’s a closer look at what makes it stand out.

Cargo Access

Offering more cargo-access flexibility is what really sets Ram’s version apart. The 60-40 split, swing-away door is a first in the truck segment.

Swing those doors open

The major benefit of independent-opening doors is loading duties curbside; plus, you’re able to access the bed closer to the bumper which makes stepping into the bed that much easier.

Aside from swinging, it’s also a fully dampened drop-down door with remote release options.

Trailer-friendly

2019 Ram 1500 tailgate drop down door
Just a couple of buddies really taking in the new drop-down tailgate on the new 2019 Ram 1500. Photo: Ram

With other pickups, you need to unhitch the trailer in order to access the tailgate. The Ram 1500’s door doesn’t require that, so go ahead and pull 907 kg or 2,000 lb of stuff without removing the hitch.

4 “Configurations”

Ram promotes this feature as “4 configurations” but really, it’s just the ability to open 2 doors in 4 ways: open flat, open left door only, open right door only, and open both doors.

We think they just threw this one in but nevertheless, with the 88-degree door swings, the retractable centre-mounted step option further enhances access.

Plus, the ability to swing open AND drop-down is pretty cool, and handy, like when you’re just chilling out, taping your hockey sticks like these guys below:

So there you have it, 4 things that make the new Ram 1500 Multifunction Tailgate special, and what separates it from the pack.

Our takeaway? A 2 door tailgate seems so simple, and it is. But we’re glad Ram did this. And, the ability to access the rear door without requiring that the trailer and hitch be removed before opening is a game changer as well.

Let the tailgate wars begin!

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Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.