{"id":26004,"date":"2020-09-16T08:45:23","date_gmt":"2020-09-16T12:45:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=26004"},"modified":"2020-09-17T08:49:48","modified_gmt":"2020-09-17T12:49:48","slug":"battle-of-tailgate-ram-multifunction-feature-fires-back-against-ford-gmc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2020\/09\/battle-of-tailgate-ram-multifunction-feature-fires-back-against-ford-gmc","title":{"rendered":"Battle of Tailgate: Ram Multifunction feature fires back against Ford, GMC"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Barb<\/p>\n<\/div>

Call it The Battle of Tailgate.<\/p>\n

This week, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s Ram launched another salvo at the truck market, making its dazzling, 60-40 split tailgate even more versatile with a companion, retractable step. Unlike conventional drop gates, the Ram 1500\u2019s tailgate opens outward like a barn door allowing easier fork-lift pallet access to the bed \u2014 or easier individual access via a pop-out step.<\/p>\n

The full-size truck\u2019s innovation was the latest weapon in a battle begun by Ford Motor Co. over a decade ago with its Tailgate step \u2014 recently eclipsed by the General Motors Co. GMC Sierra\u2019s jaw-dropping (literally, check out the ads), six-function Multi-Pro gate.<\/p>\n

Once upon a time, the Detroit Three pickup wars were about who could tow more. But today, with pickup sales earning big profits at over 3 million units sold a year, skirmishes are breaking out all over the truck \u2014 not just under its hood.<\/p>\n

The trick tailgate clash follows pitched battles over best interior, most creative bed, coolest console, and best super truck.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery truckmaker is looking for some away to set themselves apart,\u201d said Roman Mica, publisher of The Fast Lane Truck, a leading truck benchmarking website. \u201cSo now we have a tailgate battle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Combined with the $395 retractable step available via Ram\u2019s Mopar parts subsidiary, the $995 Multifunction tailgate is a cheaper option than the GMC Sierra\u2019s Multi-Pro tailgate which is only available on upper trim models starting around\u00a0$45,000. But it probably won\u2019t bring your neighbor running for a demo. The six-way Multi-Pro has wowed truck buyers with its button-operated, six-way versatility: 1) tailgate drop, 2) long-board load stop, 3) second-tier, board load stop, 4) work surface, 5) walk-in standing desk, 6) bed-entry stairs.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/figure>\n

GMC\u2019s Multi-Pro ads \u2014 with jaws and tailgates dropping in awe as a GMC Sierra rolls by \u2014 have been a staple of weekend football games.<\/p>\n

The Ram\u2019s two-way tailgate not only opens to an 88-degree angle for easier forklift loading \u2014 but it also drops like a normal tailgate. The pop-out bed step is mounted under the middle of the rear bumper for easy bed access when the barn door opens. The retractable step is also available with a regular tailgate \u2014 swinging out from the driver\u2019s side, rear-bumper corner.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur retractable bed step further enhances the convenience and utility of Ram\u2019s industry-leading cargo management system,\u201d said Mopar parts chief Mark Bosanac.<\/p>\n

Ram\u2019s innovation leaves Ford trailing its cross-town rivals, which is ironic since TFL Truck\u2019s Mica said Ford started the tailgate battle.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe F-150 has had a tailgate step for years,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd to be fair, the Honda Ridgeline (midsize pickup) pioneered the swing gate before Ram.\u201d<\/p>\n