​​Do you need a Multifunction Tailgate​?

Automakers may still struggle to re-invent the wheel, but they certainly seem to have found a few ways to re-invent the pickup truck’s tailgate. We’ve seen several varieties of fanciful multi-purpose truck tailgates hit the market in recent years, which probably has you wondering: is that something I truly need or want in my next truck purchase?  Barry’s Chevrolet discusses what has and has not changed with the tailgate, and what it may mean to the modern pickup truck shopper.  

 For most of the 20th century, pickup trucks were little more than a stamped steel panel with a hinge at the bottom, allowing it to drop down for easy cargo loading and unloading. For a time, it seemed as if innovation focused mainly on refining handle and hinge designs, including torsion springs and dampers that allowed the tailgate to be opened and closed with a single hand.   

Honda arguably had the first innovation with its 2006 Ridgeline pickup, which borrowed a trick from the station wagons of the 1970s, and installed a tailgate that both folded down and swung out to the side. While this was primarily to allow access to an enclosed trunk area placed under the cargo box, the side-swinging ‘gate also gave the owner easier access to contents in the bed itself.  

Two years later, Ford made it a little easier to climb up into its massive Super Duty pickups by installing a fold-out step and grab handle within its tailgates.  

The biggest step forward in tailgate design arguably came a decade later when GMC first introduced the MultiPro Tailgate on the 2019 Sierra, which then migrated to Chevrolet Silverados a year later under the Multi-Flex name.  

 The MultiPro/ Multi-Flex tailgate was designed based on GM’s research into how owners use their trucks and features several modes to make certain tasks easier. It features a 48-inch upper tailgate within the full tailgate, which lowers to a horizontal position like any other tailgate. The upper tailgate can drop 90 degrees, creating a lower edge that is perfect for loading long items like wood beams or poles. Nestled in an indented area within the main tailgate, this edge can keep items from swinging to the sides or over the corners, making them much easier to secure. This configuration also provides a work surface for a laptop, work plans, or even just a place to eat at a convenient chest-high level. It can also give you access to the cargo load that is 10 inches closer than with the primary tailgate down. 

When the primary tailgate is lowered to the horizontal position to accommodate longer loads, the upper tailgate includes a panel the full width of the upper tailgate that sticks up 90 degrees to act as mini-tailgate or “load stop” as GMC calls it, to help keep cargo in place.

With the primary tailgate down, the inner tailgate drops low enough that opening the load stop creates a 48-inch–wide step supporting 375 pounds to assist you in entering the bed. A dealer option can add an embedded audio system in the upper tailgate with weatherproof speakers for tailgate parties or just music while you work, sourcing content via Bluetooth or an auxiliary jack.  

Numerous patents prevent copying the MultiPro tailgate, so Ford introduced its new ProAccess gate shortly after, which swings the middle half of the tailgate to the side by up to 100 degrees for better bed access. To accommodate towing, it has indents for opening at 37 and 70 degrees, the former to avoid striking a trailer hitch or coupler. 

Ram has its own Multi-function tailgate as well, which is split 60/40 and swings open like a pair of barn doors, allowing improved acces to what’s within the pickup box. 

Do you absolutely need these multi-function tailgates? You could argue no, given the motoring world survived with “standard” tailgates for the better part of a century. That said…some of our favorite tools are those that make our jobs a little bit easier, to say nothing of tools that can tackle several different tasks.  

One thing to consider is that the added functionality of these tailgates does make them a bit heavier, more complex, and potentially more expensive. That’s probably not a worry on a new truck, which hasn’t been abused and is still within warranty coverage, but may be something to consider – or an inspection point to add – when buying a used or CPO truck.  

Browse the Barry’s Chevrolet vast used inventory to find trucks with Multi-Flex/pro tailgates or side-swing Ford and Ram tailgates. These are listed among features or visible in rear images—upper tailgate for GM or split on the Fords and Rams. With our large truck inventory, you are likely to find the truck you want. But we can’t guarantee it will remain available, so visit Barry’s Chevrolet soon to test–drive your next truck.