Ford claims the 2024 Ford F-150 is finally putting an end to the “Tailgate Wars” — automakers’ quest to offer the wackiest means by which to access the bed of a truck from the rear. Ford’s is a heck of a claim, so let’s go through the other contenders in this fierce conflict of truckish bed-gadgetry: the Honda Ridgeline and its swinging tailgate, the Ram 1500 with its Multi-Function Tailgate, the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado with their mighty Multipro tailgate, and Ford itself with the “Man Step.” Let’s start way back in 2006.
The Ridgeline’s Dual-Function Tailgate
When the Honda Ridgeline launched for the 2006 model year, it was a hard left turn from every other midsize pickup truck America had ever seen. A unibody truck not unlike a Honda Pilot, it had no separate frame, its engine was mounted sideways, and it had one novel dual-function tailgate. Pull the standard latch, and the tailgate drops down like any truck’s tailgate. However, pulling a hidden latch lets the tailgate swing out, offering greater bed access and entry to the hidden under-bed storage compartment. This was a novel idea that’s still incredibly practical today. As a bonus, the Ridgeline’s tailgate isn’t crazy heavy, which means it’s easy to swing in and out.
It’s roughly the same setup as the one in the modern Ridgeline; check it out:
Ford’s ‘Man Step’
While the Honda’s entire tailgate can drop down or swing out, it can’t help you get into the bed like Ford’s “Integrated Tailgate Step,” which even included a handle. While certainly a complete suite of bed access tools, the slide-out handle is rather clunky and the tailgate step rarely wants to retract smoothly.
As you might expect, Chevy made fun of Ford’s tailgate in a commercial, calling it a “Man Step”:
GM’s MultiPro Tailgate
In 2018, GM showed off its MultiPro tailgate, a tailgate within a tailgate within a tailgate. The tailgate includes a step, as well as a work surface that is on the same level as the tops of slots on the inside of the bedsides that create a second load floor. Here’s a young David Tracy taking a close first look:
Not only is this tailgate astoundingly complex, it can even house some of the worst Bluetooth speakers I’ve heard in my life. Regardless, do you reckon Xzibit approves of the tailgate-within-a-tailgate design?
Ram Multifunction Tailgate
In 2019, Ram took a segmented approach and splits its tailgate in two. Both halves fold down together like a traditional tailgate, or each can hinge out like barn doors on an old Chevrolet Suburban. While this is a more elegant solution for access while hitched to a trailer, it does result in Ram trucks with this novel tailgate looking like they have asymmetric ass cracks. Oh, and each half of the Ram tailgate is surprisingly heavy, with significant force required for a complete latch.
The New 2024 Ford F-150 Pro Access Tailgate
Ford appears to see the benefits of Ram’s design, but didn’t want its trucks to sport an Auburn Hills Butt Lift. As a result, the blue oval is lobbing a third option into the party — a tri-segmented tailgate with a door in the middle. With the tailgate up, the left and right panels are fixed, while the center panel pivots along its right edge for ease of access. Not only does this give the tailgate a symmetrical look, it lines side-hinged access up with the bumper step.
Speaking of the bumper step, now’s a good time to get into the nitty-gritty of what makes this setup especially special. Ford claims to have made the bumper step deeper and wider for extra usability on the 2024 F-150, a pragmatic touch that should benefit owners. As for the hinged panel, it features hinge detents so it doesn’t smash into your trailer, and its top cap incorporates clamp points for cutting lumber and other truck activities.
Ford claims that its Pro Access Tailgate increases the depth a human can reach into the bed by 24 inches (you no longer have to reach over the tailgate). Oh, and it opens to a maximum angle of 100 degrees, just in case you wanted more reach than you’d ever imagine. Nothing succeeds like excess, right?
[Editor’s Note: I’d just like to point out that, it appears the main part of the tailgate is a big U-shape, with wide tailgate sections on the left and right, and a thin but probably absurdly stiff structural member at the bottom, parallel to the axis of rotation when the tailgate folds down. The hinged door cantilever off the right wide section of this main U-shaped part. Here’s a look at the stiff structural member:
Here you can clearly see the seal and the striker on top of that stiff member:
I can’t wait to get an up-close look. -DT]
Honorable Mentions
In addition to the main players, there have been some intriguing honorable mentions in the tailgate wars this millennium (if we go further back, we can find some even weirder ones, but let’s keep this list to “modern” tailgates). The most recent of these is on the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. These tailgates feature hidden pockets (see above) — perfect for stashing a little bit of road safety gear.
The Subaru Baja had an utterly conventional tailgate with one exception — its license plate holder flips down so you can haul a big load with the tailgate open and remain street-legal. Granted, most trucks don’t have their license plates on their tailgates, but Subaru used to be weird at some point.
Is the GMC Envoy XUV a pickup truck? Well, it has a tailgate, but that tailgate has a piece of retractable glass that mates with a retractable roof to create an unbroken roofline. A tailgate with glass is definitely weird, but this oddball SUV falls into a weird grey area of vehicles.
The continuation of the tailgate wars feels as good as guaranteed. With Ford firing the latest salvo, don’t be surprised if we see return fire from Ram or General Motors within the next few years.
(Photo credits: Ford, Chevrolet, Subaru, GMC)
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BIG QUESTION!!! Why the right handed opening Why have the tailgate swing toward the curb so things have to be carried AROUND the gate instead of the gate swinging driver side so loading and unloading is easier????
Road crown helping it stay open, Gate swinging into traffic? Too many right handed people???
I have the same issue with my jeep JK tailgate. I want it to open the other direction. The ridgeline opens the other direction allowing for ease of loading from the curb.
Ridgeline swing and the storage compartment for me, please. And the Ram storage compartments on the sides, too, not that we’re talking about those right now. And I’d like it all in a small, efficient pickup. That’s also comfortable.
I’m asking too much again.
This. I know “it’s not a real truck” and all that BS, but Ridgelines would suffice for almost every need a non-professional tradesman would need a truck to do. I have had just over 1600# of crusher run gravel in mine, and have also towed extensively with it. Never an issue. And that giant in-bed trunk and double opening tailgate are used almost every day. Built 3 decks and one mini house/cabin thing out in the woods, all with lumber brought to site by a Ridgeline. Have owned full size trucks before, don’t think I will again.
No saying it’s the truck for everyone, but it is enough truck for almost everyone.
If only they’d release it in a hybrid or otherwise improve fuel efficiency, I’d buy one tomorrow. But it just feels like it shouldn’t get worse mileage than an F150.
But, yeah, I really liked driving it and it has pretty much everything I want/need. I’ve definitely been tempted.
I cant believe more trucks don’t have storage in the bed sides. they have huge open spaces that would be perfect for things like tie downs, hand tools, recovery gear.
I heard the Tailgaters play a mean game of softball against the Tail lighters.
What about the tailcrocs?
That’s the Pickleball team.
I’ve got the GMC Multipro. Since most days, it’s doing suburban runabouts, lowering the small gate makes reaching into the bed so easy.
I do like the way Ford is going with this new one.
The door hinge side should be an option. Many will like jumping out of the driver’s door and opening it as shown. Others may prefer access from the curb. Depends how you use your truck.
I hope the step is powered. Nothing worse than operating a step like that when it’s covered in slush or mud.
All this being said, lose the Ford oval and just stamp FORD on the tailgate.
Is there a published weight capacity for the tailgate yet?
Chevy’s Multipro has a 375 lbs limit which can be exceeded with a couple of motorcycles or two people sitting on the tailgate. Their owners manual even says to use ramps with the little gate open or distribute the load if it’s not open.
Those weight limits are for the inner gate only.
Can I see a French-door option with some flowy sheers to let in just the right amount of light but still some privacy?
Give it 3 years and a day until it rusts through. Then that little door will fly open to disgorge the bed contents onto the unsuspecting vehicle behind. Or gets too warped to function.
Good thing Ford F-Series tailgates are aluminum…
For some reason I thought they were still steel. Maybe they won’t suffer that fate!
Taller trucks are more manly. Oh wait, you mean those manly men can’t actually step into our manly trucks?
Solution: The Expensive Rube Goldberg Man Step!
That’s the irony in all this. I had a 90s 1500 Silverado that I could easily just step onto the tailgate directly from the ground. I could also easily reach over the bed sides. You can’t even do that in a mid-size truck nowadays. So, enter a solution to a problem created by a solution to no problem.
I call bullshit, unless your like 7′ tall. My brother has a ’69 C10 and even stepping into that requires pants with some crotch room, and I still end up grabbing on the bed side like a railing to steady myself in/out. I mean, it’s doable, but its like climbing stairs by threes and then a bit.
Heck, my father-in-law has a ’87 K10, and I “can’t” single step into that. I mean, it’s one of those things that you technically can, but you’d only do it to prove you could. It’s simply too high to really do with any regularity. I typically step on top of the rear bumper, and then up in the save a mere few inches.
I’m 6′ 4″ and did it regularly. It wasn’t a 4×4 in case your picturing something else. I’m also not fat and somewhat athletic so maybe I’m just special.
Just like this: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e3/Chevrolet_1500_Scottsdale_1992_%289374429018%29.jpg/1280px-Chevrolet_1500_Scottsdale_1992_%289374429018%29.jpg
Assuming the bed floor is even with the top of the tire, that’s a 28-29″ step…
The top of my desk is 29.5 inches off the floor and I just stepped up on it. So, I guess that sounds right.
My Colorado is 32 inches high and I really have to work to step up onto that. IDK what a current Silverado is but it’s even higher.
I step into the bed of my 2003 Tundra and I’m 5′-10″ and no spring chicken.
This usually horseshit though. When you’re comparing appropriate drivelines and weight capacities new trucks aren’t significantly bigger than old ones, at least according to tape measures.
There is this weird fantasy everyone has of reaching over the side of the bed to get something that rarely gets typed right out though. It’s like all you guys watched the same old TV show where the town handyman puts his toolbox in his old F100 outside of the main street hardware store while he’s explaining a plot point to our hero and never let go of that image
It’s like I actually did it, for years or something. tool boxes, cutoff saws, hilti guns, chainsaws. All that stuff goes into the nose of the bed (8ft bed btw) and the heavy stuff goes through the back near the tailgate.
Try and lift a Stihl cutoff saw over the bedside of a current base model 1500 and you’ll understand. More then once and you’ll blow out your sholder.
The fantasy is all what these people are living buying a truck and pretending to use them as they head to the piggly wiggly for groceries.
Like the F150 I have? Or maybe you mean the F250 I used to have. Comparing a 4×4 to a 4×4 they’re only maybe an inch taller now
base model Chevrolet 1500 Silverado is my comparison. Not 4×4.
Fords were always a little bit taller which is why most tradesmen I knew used Chevys. Also, their suspension was stiffer which was a pain to ride in all day.
They’re all still basically the same height dude
Part of the problem is the trend to taller bed sides following the trend of rhe 2004 F150 which created a double whammy lift over height increase. Even with the lower bed and sides of my 2 wheel drive 02 Ford I carry a mini work platform to make loading more comfortable
“Have you SEEN the price of new trucks these days?!” – Me
“My truck’s tailgate has a built in meat slicer that also doubles as a table saw” – Also, me.
You can get a well-equipped Colorado in the high 30s. Guessing Rangers and Tacos are around the same. That doesn’t seem terrible.
They will handle 100% of what most suburban family buyers will need. And 95% of what most truck users need.
Unless your regularly towing serious weight (over 6,000 lbs) or need load capacity over 1,500 lbs. But that is like 1% of people and for them full size trucks are worth the money.
With a 9.2 audio setup.
There was already a proper solution. The option to swing the whole gate open or drop it down. There was one on the late 80’s cutlass station wagon I rode in as a kid.
Honda did it with the ridgline, etc, etc.
The full swing is a clearance issue if you’re towing something. I’m pretty sure that’s the stated reason for the middle section swing
It’s still a clearance issue based on the video. IDK
My issue is that it would be useful to have it swing open so I could load heavy things onto the edge of the bed and not over the top of the tailgate. It’s hard to place an 80lb bag of concrete in the bed without throwing it over the tailgate. You can place it on the tailgate but then you still have to try and push it into the bed, and that only works for the first two bags, then the others have to go on top.
with a center design like Ford you just have this tiny little doorway to do it through. frustrating because it is almost useful. so it’s just a gimmick, like the GMC flex gate thingy.
One that is forgotten by most but still on sale is the Jeep Gladiator. It has a 3 position tailgate to allow an intermediate drop position that puts the top of the tailgate flush with the top of the top of the flat wheel wells in the bed. This allows for moving large sheet goods (plywood, drywall, OSB, insulation board, etc.) in an otherwise narrow bed. It is ingenious in its simplicity.
this was available on the Colorado 2 generations ago. I have no idea why it isn’t more of a thing. It’s brilliant in its simplicity and usefulness.
I though this was common to all pickups? You just loop the tailgate straps around the pins..
My ’22 Colorado is the first truck I’ve owned so apart from driving work trucks I’m a noob to all this.
That’s a hack and doesn’t always work. Especially if you hit some bumps and it slips off the pin. My house is on a pitted gravel road so a bigger concern to me then most.
They used to make a removable cable that had an intermediate eye half-way down the cable that you could reattach for a more reliable setup. I think they still have retrofits on the afermarket for most trucks. but they are not as good as the ones that were original from the manufacturer.
You’ve always been able to go under the pins but Jeep designed their’s to be retained better while traveling and to have the pins at a location to be exactly level with wheel wells. Jeep even gave intermediate position payload ratings for the tailgate. That’s the primary difference I believe that is was designed for it and not a workaround.
It’s also on the Ford Maverick. Maybe it was left off the list due to the number of vehicles with it?
The only potential explanation I’ve heard is that it has to do with the backup camera on the tailgate and some sort of regulations or something. I’m not sure about that even.
As far as I know, the backup camera is still pretty useless with the tailgate in the middle position, so I’m not sure that the multi-position fixes that. And they don’t limit it to the middle position, so I don’t think it’s a regulatory requirement that the backup cam work with the tailgate open (though regulations are sometimes written weirdly enough it could be). I think it’s just a common choice to be able to offer additional support for loads that rest on the wheel wells.
The Ford Man Step (I call it the Old Man Step) is fantastic. It makes it possible to step into/out of the bed even if your hands are full. That being said, it does make the tailgate a bit heavier. Also, the mechanism to latch the step back into the tailgate can be a bit finnicky.
Honda’s tailgate is also fantastic.
All the other ones seem either like a poorer execution of these two ideas (likely because of patents and shit) or too gimmicky.
I watched a neighbor go through the 20 step process to get the step and hand grab out on his F150, then spend 5 minutes trying to get it back in.
All to step into the bed and grab a cardboard box. It was good entertainment.
It’s not that bad. If you’ve never done it before it’s different, but it really isn’t bad.
Lift/twist the “top” of the tailgate (top when it’s closed) and pull straight out. Drop it, unfold the last bit of step. Grab the release lever for the handle and lift up. Boom, it’s open.
The problem is getting the step itself to latch into place back inside the tailgate. Sometimes you’ve got to give it a couple attempts to latch. It’s really a minor issue, but get’s annoying.
I think they were struggling with getting something to slide in/out. Like it kept binding or something. I mean, the truck was not in the best shape so something could have been out of whack. Rusty or bent or something.
But, that’s also sort of an issue, these complicated things are more prone to failure as they age. Like those running boards that retract into the rocker panel. The salt loves to destroy those things.
Yeah, I get the aging complications part.
My folks had the first generation version of the step and when their lease was up it was working good as new; same with the second generation version. I can’t remember if they have it in their current truck.
The first generation was a tiny bit simplier, but a bit less elegant looking when put away.
Chiming in to say the Old Man Step (I will also call it that from now on) is actually super handy.
I thought it was gimmicky at first, but it legitimately assists using the truck to haul materials, and doesn’t ruin the integrity of the tailgate.
The handle isn’t the slickest thing on the face of the earth, but you figure it out if you’ve used it more than once, and it’s totally optional.
These multifunction tailgates are more for people who put groceries and other small items in their bed like it’s a sedan (I understand that’s most truck buyers these days) but I’d rather put that stuff in the dry, secure cab.
I wonder about the load bearing strength of split tailgates when lowered in traditional configuration. Also, wouldn’t it be a simpler engineering solution to have a one-piece, lightweight tailgate that is capable of being lowered to the standard open position as well as all the way down to allow more ease of access into the bed? There could even be steps built in to the inside surface of the tailgate. Finally, trucks are too damn tall; regardless of tailgate option, you still have to power clean heavy stuff up to bed height for loading.
This is only a concern if people use their F150 to haul things. Fortunately, this is largely not the case.
I suppose the intent is to make it easy for the driver to get out and open that gate in the quickest manner possible by getting out walking around the right hand side of the bed and then easily swinging it open. But, I don’t know why you wouldn’t have it open the other way to also make it beneficial if you’re street parked against a curb. It’s not as if the quickest access is really the goal here, it’s just the access in general and how it can still (marginally) function when a trailer is hooked up.
“absurdly stiff structural member “
Giggity.
Child. Ok, I giggled too.
that David can’t wait to get an up close look at…
It’s funny to me that there is a photo showing the detached trailer and using the swing portion, where the whole point should be to show that it’s usable while the camper is still hooked up. It seems to show the complete opposite. If they just used it like a traditional tailgate it would probably clear the jack while the trailer was still hooked up. At least in the video they show it being partially opened with the trailer hooked up and allowing access, though in the real world, I would worry about scratching or damaging the paint if it was used in this way.
Also, of course it’s an Airstream, because 90% of truck press photos, video, and advertising that show a camper must use an Airstream.
I guess I’m confused by all the mini-doors. Isn’t a traditional tailgate already a door? Opening it gives you access to the bed and increases the load floor. It seems like the tailgate concept was pretty much worked out back in the days of buckboard wagons.
By increasing the load floor height, we’ve made it harder to reach things in the bed, so these workarounds have come about to increase the space you can reach without climbing onto or into the bed.
Something, something, vans have low load floors, so just buy a van.
I just have a regular tailgate on my Ram. It was a total PITA to get up into the bed (I’d usually put a foot on the top of a tire and go over the side) until I bought and installed the retractable corner bumper step that was designed for the truck (there are about a million knock off versions that work really well too). It was a simple solution and took under 30 minutes to install. You barely notice it’s there too. It should just be a standard feature on the truck.
Colorados and Silverados have a step molded into the bumper. Similar, but even simpler. Zero moving parts. Works great.
Yeah, it felt like a “mis-step” by RAM. The retractable step (which was intended to be a dealer installed option) seemed clearly engineered into the frame (there was a threaded hole to add it), so they could have just included a good solution from the factory. The bumper steps are the easy solution.
Doesn’t RAM have air shocks in the back that can lower the bed down so you can just step up onto the tailgate directly? Or was I dreaming that?
Now THAT is a step in the right direction.
Mine does, but it’s still not getting low enough to be a comfortable step. Air suspension is only on the top trim. But yes, there’s even a button on the fob to lower the car.
ZR2 doesn’t, but luckily I’m still limber enough in my 40’s to get a foot on the tailgate. We’ll see how long that lasts..
One of the best things I’ve added to my Ford. Makes it so much easier to get in the bed!
Next in the tailgate wars? One that retracts into the floor, like GM station wagons of the 70’s.
Also, DT said (snickers) “stiff member”. Yes, I’m mentally 12…
Though not a truck, Fisker might have the lock on the retracting tailgate with the Pear…
Those old Chevy ads that only accomplished pointing out features their truck was lacking always seemed a bit odd to me.
Feels a little Samsung vs. Apple, like when Samsung knocked apple for not including a charger in the box, then immediately took the chargers out of their own boxes too.
Yeah, or it feels like any info-mercial, where they manage to show the most inept user failing to use something as simple as a can-opener, ladder, or other common household item. Oh, I can barely hold onto this post and also put my foot down on a step.
I can’t post the image, but this is my reaction to this new weird Ford tailgate: https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/y-tho
It’s just the middle with this weird notch opening? And as Mikan noted, it opens out towards the curb? Ford, what are you smoking? This is just unnecessary complication and another failure point introduced that doesn’t look all that helpful.
As a short person, like, all I want is to be able to access the crap in the bed without much trouble. Smaller, more reasonably sized trucks would help. Otherwise, if we’ve gotta stay big, simple fold-out steps freakin’ work. I kinda like GM’s weird seat tailgate because sitting and chilling on the tailgate is a thing, but that’s kind of it. Honestly, that Ridgeline seems to do the flop-down-or-open-out concept the best—and it actually opens towards the curb!
I’d have to use this weird Ford thing to haul Ikea mulch or some crap to really know, but this dumb-looking tailgate doesn’t seem like it’d be all that helpful to all 5’4″ of me if something slides in the corner.
I shared a Ridgeline with four friends and an overexcited labradoodle on a one-week camping road trip last year. It’s a delightful truck for doing what people actually do with trucks (camping, hauling random crap occasionally, commuting) than anything I’ve experienced. The flip down/out tailgate is genius, the under-bed storage is cavernous, and the actual cabin is perfectly cromulent.
There needs to be a new federal regulation that requires companies to use 5’4″ models in all truck advertisements. If your truck is hard to market with a video of someone flailingly trying to throw bags of soil over the bed sides and into the bed, maybe lower the bed.
Of course, this will also require any convertible/roadster advertisements to use 6’4″ models. If the model looks like a ferret in a size 5 shoe, maybe add a little headroom.
The one thing that side opening talgates are really useful for is getting heavy items into the bed of the truck. I had to load 30 – 80lb bags of concrete the other weekend. With a tailgate you have to literally thrown them into the bed of the truck, over the tailgate, so that you can close the tailgate when you are done. With a side opening tailgate you can carry the bag to the edge and drop it right next to you. It’s even better when you go to remove such things because you don’t have to first drag them to the edge of the tailgate.
But, that is about the only thing I can reasoanble think of. And 99% of truck owners won’t every do anything even remotely close to that. So, they design things for removing coolers and sleeping bags, and grocery bags.
Yeah—a full side-opening tailgate is pretty helpful. This weird notch situation looks like you’re gonna have to drop the full tailgate to grab whatever shifted into the corner anyway.
I’d guess it opens towards the curb because the expect the driver to be getting out and approaching from the driver’s side of the truck to open it.
Hmm—that’d make sense, sort of, kind of. Maybe. IDK, I still think it’s the wrong direction for just like, whacking shut with your arms full.
Well done. Best table read I’ve ever attended. 😉
I’m not sure why the F150’s door is right-hinged though, given it’s designed for countries that drive on the right and it seems like it’d get in the way of unloading things if you’re street parking.
Interesting. I don’t think I’d ever need to unload stuff while street parking-I’d be in my driveway. Or a campsite
Bingo. Seems the idea is to be more convenient for the driver rather than for street parking.
(old man screams at cumulonimbus)
Why so many YouTube videos when simple pictures would do the article more justice!?
I’m trying to read, not get sucked down a time wasting rabbit hole.
Eight videos in place of written descriptions is painful to slog through!
I have no idea what I’m doing wrong, but all the Autopian videos show up on my phone as zero minutes so are totally useless. And I’d rather read the description and see a couple of pictures.
Ford had a 2-way tailgate back in the 70s on their station wagons. The hinge was on the left side of the car when swinging it open (glass up or down) or down (glass lowered) for sliding a long load still in. There was also a Ridgeline like underfloor hold that was the footwell for wayback passengers or take the cushions out and stow reasonably large items.
I had the same thought. These could all be gifs, don’t make me watch a video.
Same here. A simple picture or two, maybe with arrows to call attention to important details, would have been much more useful.
Also, the videos are unplayable.
Who wants a ute with a tub anyway?