Top Tailgate Tricks in Today’s Trucks

Top Tailgate Tricks in Today’s Trucks

Today’s trucks aren’t just more comfortable than ever, they’re also more capable than ever. Just think about something as basic as a pickup’s tailgate. Of course, they’re not all that basic anymore. Engineers looking to maximize functionality have developed a wide range of advanced tailgates to make owners’ lives easier. Automakers, however, make things trickier by branding their innovations in different ways. So we’re here to help you understand what sellers are talking about when they’re talking about tailgates.

The full-size GMC Sierra showcases the Multi-Pro tailgate, which offers a small inner tailgate inset into the traditional tailgate panel; can function as a bed extender, bed step, and outdoor work surface; and is available with a built-in sound system by Kicker. It’s also worth noting that GMC offers the Sierra with a CarbonPro bed made from strong, lightweight carbon fiber to resist scratches, dents, and corrosion better than a steel bed.

The Sierra’s corporate cousin, the Chevrolet Silverado, features a Multi-Flex tailgate that’s essentially the Chevrolet version of the GMC Multi-Pro tailgate. It’s available with the Kicker sound system, too.

Both the Sierra and Silverado – and the midsize Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon – can be ordered with the MultiStow system for wide but shallow watertight/lockable storage, with a drain, built into the tailgate.

RAM 1500 Dual Action tailgate: Consists of 60/40 vertically split doors that can swing open together or independently, and can be locked together to use as a traditional drop-down tailgate. You can further upgrade the RAM bed with Rambox system, which provides lockable storage built into the exterior bed walls. 

Ford F-150 ProAccess tailgate: This one offers typical drop-down functionality plus a swing-out center section that’s especially helpful when trying to access the bed with a trailer attached. It additionally integrates bed steps and small integrated storage spaces, and it’s a great complement to the F-150’s available stowable bed ramps. They slide out from below the bed for drive-on loading.

Honda Ridgeline: This midsize unibody truck has a tailgate that can drop down like a traditional unit or swing open in one piece. The Ridegline shows its extra utility with a lockable trunk underneath the bed floor, complete with a drain plug so stowing beverages and ice is a breeze.

The Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra, and RAM 1500 are also available with power up/down tailgates for even more convenience.

Now that you know more about pickup tailgates, you can start shopping here, start selling here, and enjoy the whole HMSMC site from wherever you have an Internet connection.