Nowadays, trucks come in all different shapes and sizes; but don’t even get us started on the multitude of configurations. One important feature, though, is the tailgate. After all, the tailgate is the entry-way into the cargo bed and while it can just be a door, it can also be so much more. Let’s have a look at the tailgates from three major truck offerings; RAM, GMC, and Ford, to see which one is the best.

RAM 1500 multifunction tailgate

According to RAM, the 1500’s multifunction tailgate offers “unprecedented access.” We would definitely agree as the multifunction offers up two different opening modes: the normal drop-down method and a 60/40 split.

The split-open doors are among the most functional method that we’ve seen in a truck thus far, considering the split doors offers a shallow load height when it comes to loading something heavy.

Need an easy way to step in? No problem, the split-door function completely moves the doors out of the way, making it easy for just about anyone to get into bed. Have a trailer hooked up and need to get into the bed? Don’t worry, the tailgate easily swings out of the way for easy access.

Also, in case you want to use your tailgate for tailgating, you can always drop it down normally and enjoy the 2,000-pound holding capacity that it’s capable of. We like how simple, yet versatile this tailgate design is. Check out this video below to see how it works:

GMC Sierra 1500 Multipro tailgate

GMC touts the new Multipro tailgate as the “most innovative tailgate ever.” That might be true, considering it has six different functions to adapt just about any situation, or so they say. The tailgate is electronically controlled and can be folded down with the push of a button on the tailgate or on the remote key fob.

There’s a built-in load stop to keep cargo in the truck bed with tailgate folded down, and there’s an “inner gate” that can be folded down to gain easier and closer access to the cargo bed. The inner gate also contains a step that can support up to 375 pounds and make it easier to step into the bed.

The inner gate has its own load stop as well, and when the main tailgate is folded up, the inner tailgate can be folded down to create a workbench. The Multipro tailgate is definitely the most tech-savvy of the three, but it did present issues when a trailer hitch was hooked up. Just at the guys at TFL Truck found out in the video below:

Ford F-150 Tailgate Step

Released in the 2008 model year, the Ford Tailgate step on the F-150 is probably the most archaic of the three highlighted here. That’s not to say that it’s not functional, although it is a simplistic design.

Simply lower the main tailgate, push a button to release the step, and then pull out the step. There’s a built-in handle as well. Just pull out the yellow bar and pull it up vertically until it locks into place. With the step out and grab bar in place, anyone can easily get in and out of the truck bed.

This setup is great for stepping in out of the cargo bed if you do a lot of cargo hauling or moving, however, it doesn’t have the same functionality and ease of access like the other two when it comes to loading in cargo. While we praise Ford for being a pioneer when it comes to multifunctional tailgates, it just didn’t stack up well against the other two.

Final ratings

Ultimately, we would have to rate the three truck beds in the same way that TFL Truck did; with the RAM 1500 being the best, the GMC Sierra 1500 coming in second, and the Ford F-150 coming in last. They’re all great tailgates in their own ways, but functionality is key and sometimes, simplicity wins it all.