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Three Reasons to Upgrade to the Multifunction Tailgate on the 2020 Ram 1500

One of the most innovative and useful upgrades available on the 2020 Ram 1500 is the multifunction tailgate, with the 60/40 split. We look at why it might be a gamechanger for any buyer.

They say a picture is worth 1000 words and this picture illustrates three reasons why you may want to upgrade to the multifunction tailgate with the 60/40 split on your 2020 Ram 1500. This tailgate is unlike any other tailgate and offers you a number of options that can make someone’s life easier.

The Tailgate Can Operate like a Traditional Tailgate or Swing Open

The biggest question is also the easiest answer. Yes, the tailgate can function like a regular tailgate and swing down. It can still be operated remotely. However, the doors of the tailgate can also swing open like regular doors, giving the driver a wide range of options. You can open the right door only if that is all you need, or you can open the left side only, if that helps. You can also open both doors at once to give you access to the entire truck bed. Each door opens to an 88 degree angle, allowing the driver to load the truck whichever way is easier for him or her.

The multifunction tailgate does not sacrifice any capability. With a 2,000-lb. load rating, the Ram 60/40 split tailgate still has all of the regular tailgate’s strength and ability. Ram also offers a retractable center-mounted step to make it even easier to reach further into the truck bed.

Get Closer to the Truck Bed

Unless your arms are eight feet long, putting items in the truck bed is a hassle. Look at the picture, with this 60/40 split tailgate, you can get right up to the truck bed. No longer will you have to lift items over the tailgate while it is down, or when it is upright. With doors that swing open, you can get right up to the truck bed and lift your items in place.

Being able to access the bed closer to the bumper makes stepping up easier, you don’t have to climb over the tailgate. It is easier to lift bulky boxes or cargo. It also makes is easier to unload your items, no more throwing your back out trying to lift over the gate. Ram also points out that because the doors swing open, you can even use a forklift to load, because you are placing the items directly into the bed, not staging them on the tailgate.

In describing the Ram exclusive tailgate design, Reid Bigland, the head of Ram said, “The Ram multifunction tailgate is intuitive to operate and owners will find it immediately useful. Combined with Ram’s class-exclusive RamBox feature and new tailgate step, we’re taking Ram’s cargo management and storage to the next level.”

The Trailer Hitch Doesn’t Interfere With the Tailgate

The Ram multifunction tailgate can be used even with a trailer hooked up. That isn’t true with most other multifunction tailgates. Again, look at the photo. The 60/40 split doors are designed to let the driver have access to the cargo bed while the trailer is hitched. Seeing as the majority of truck owners use their pickups to haul at some point, it makes it much more convenient to have a tailgate that allows you to tow and have access to the cargo area at the same time.

A picture is worth 1000 words. When you figure the cost of the multifunction tailgate is about $1000, it is a picture worth considering.

Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.

Comments

Ronald D Puryear (not verified)    June 2, 2021 - 8:13PM

Hate the fact your not told when you buy the multi function tailgate there is very few options on putting a bed cover on it because of the braces in the bed ! If I had known this I would have not bought it ! This should be noted on there build sheets and advertising

William Goodknight (not verified)    December 14, 2021 - 10:04AM

I agree that the dealer did not inform me with the mft tailgate that there is no covers compatible with it....Dodge needs to step up and come up with a solution!!! I will probably go back to a Ford when I decide to tra
de it in because they have more options and after market accessories available.

Paul Grant (not verified)    October 8, 2022 - 6:05AM

Could I order the multi-function 60/40 tail gate, would fit the Ram 1500 Express 2018.
How much would it cost.