Exploring Today’s Tailgates: Which One Meets Your Needs?

For years, truck drivers have focused on performance and power when choosing the right truck for their needs. It makes sense. Trucks have historically been known as workhorses that help get the job done with confidence and ease. However, while performance and power are still at the forefront, the capabilities of certain aspects are steadily gaining ground. Take, for instance, the increased focus on the tailgate. As more and more drivers recognize the advantage of owning a truck, the truck industry has responded with better functionality, creating a tailgate battle that is continuing to escalate. Leading the charge is the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 and its Multi-Flex Tailgate. While contenders such as the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150 have also focused their sites on enticing drivers, Chevy’s history of dependability and innovation puts its tailgate at the top of the class.

At McCluskey Chevrolet, we offer drivers the chance to check out a wide selection of trucks for sale near Florence, KY, allowing you to check out the Multi-Flex Tailgate and others up close and personal. As the Tri-State’s largest dealer, we also offer many other amenities that make shopping with our team easy and convenient, from our guaranteed financing options to our state-of-the-art service center, not to mention our long-standing history in the community. Continue reading to learn how the Silverado 1500 Multi-Flex Tailgate can support your day-to-day tasks and how it compares to the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 options. Then, stop in to test drive the Silverado to see what else it offers. We’re sure you’ll find the right truck when shopping with our team.

The History of the Tailgate

Over time, the idea of a tailgate on a truck has changed, with early vehicles frequently lacking the contemporary tailgates we are accustomed to. When trucks were first designed, their cargo beds frequently had fixed beds without tailgates. They were essentially flatbeds with no removable or articulating back panel. To load and unload freight, these early trucks used physical labor or specialized machinery.

The concept of a tailgate—a removable or hinged panel located at the back of the cargo bed—started to catch on as trucks grew more adaptable to transporting various kinds of freight. Items from the back of the truck bed were simpler to load and unload, thanks to tailgates. The shape and operation of tailgates kept changing as more sophisticated latching systems and drop-down tailgates became standard on contemporary trucks. Today, tailgates are expected and vital for most truck owners, which explains the focus on creating one that meets and exceeds others.

Which Tailgate Meets Your Needs?

The truth is that you might not have ever considered this question. After all, a tailgate has historically simply been a means to gain access to a truck bed. At least, that’s what it used to be. Today’s tailgates are much more.

Chevy Silverado 1500 – Multi-Flex Tailgate

In the competitive world of pickup trucks, a vehicle’s success is mostly determined by its creativity and utility. Pickup truck technology has always been at the forefront for Chevrolet, and the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 is no exception. The Multi-Flex Tailgate, a revolutionary design that has completely changed how you can use the bed of your pickup truck, is one of its most notable features. While the Multi-Flex Tailgate might seem like a typical tailgate at first, it is an extremely versatile tool that can be adjusted to suit your specific needs with its six distinct positions and functionalities.

Primary Gate Access: In this position, the Multi-Flex Tailgate works similarly to a conventional tailgate, making loading and unloading freight simple. You can easily open the tailgate using your key fob or releasing a button inside the truck.

Primary Gate Load Stop: You can establish a load stop that keeps objects from sliding out of the truck while allowing for simple access to the interior of the bed by lowering the second portion of the tailgate. This feature is key as you navigate the cut in a hill, transporting goods from Cincinnati into Northern Kentucky or vice versa.

Foldable Inner Gate: This position gets you closer to the bed, simplifying loading large objects or reaching goods. Wondering why that matters? Consider this. Easier accessibility means that even the smallest passengers can jump in and help you unload chairs to enjoy the fireworks at Thomas More Stadium when the Florence Ya’lls are in town or for a day of soccer at the Arboretum.

Inner Gate Work Surface: When you fold both tailgate portions flat, you have a handy work surface that’s perfect for tasks requiring a steady area for documents or equipment.

Full-Width Step: You can create an integrated step by folding the inner piece of the tailgate down while leaving the outside section up. This eliminates the need for additional equipment and simplifies getting in and out of bed. The step is capable of holding up to 375 lbs.

Inner Gate Load Stop: By folding the inner portion, you can add another load stop to the bed, which is ideal for locking objects in place without taking up any additional space on the bed. This second tier gives you options that other tailgates in its class don’t.

Ram 1500 Multifunction Tailgate

How does the Ram 1500 tailgate stack up to Chevy’s Multi-Flex Tailgate? While drivers might enjoy the dual side-hinged tailgate doors for easy access to the bed, the same access can be found by utilizing Chevy’s Foldable Inner Gate. In addition, the Ram tailgate offers less flexibility, with only four configurations compared to the six that Chevy’s tailgate gives drivers. The Multifunction Tailgate options include folding it flat like a traditional tailgate, opening either the left side or right side, or both swing doors at the same time. There’s also the option to add a retractable step for better bed access, depending on the trim you choose.

Ford F-150 Pro-Access Tailgate

The third option in the tailgate battle comes from Ford. The Pro-Access Tailgate is new on the scene, offering increased functionality to appeal to more drivers. The Ford F-150 takes a page from Ram’s Multifunction Tailgate with the option to swing open the tailgate rather than lower it down. Again, this access is also available with the Silverado’s tailgate using the Foldable Inner Gate. Drivers choosing the Ford F-150 can also opt for a rear bumper step to increase accessibility.

When comparing the three tailgates side by side, it’s easy to see that all three provide drivers easier access to the bed, but the Chevy Silverado 1500 Multi-Flex Tailgate goes further, thinking about other ways that drivers can utilize it for their day-to-day tasks. In addition, Silverado drivers can enjoy a built-in Bluetooth-connected speaker that makes it easier to stay connected while working or listening to your favorite playlist. This is great for days when you head home a little early to enjoy fishing at Camp Ernst Lake.

Check Out the Multi-Flex Tailgate Today

Chevy’s Multi-Flex Tailgate adds value for a variety of uses, including load security and sturdy workspace provision. It also streamlines your work and adjusts to your demands. Getting in and out of bed is made simpler by the step-up feature. This design exemplifies Chevy’s focus on user convenience, whether the tailgate is used for loading, unloading, or just accessing items in the rear.

It’s easy to see that this tailgate is perfect for anyone who works in construction, enjoys the great outdoors, or occasionally has to transport oversized objects. Plus, the Multi-Flex Tailgate is made of the same premium materials as the rest of the truck and is intended to last despite frequent use. Simply put, the Multi-Flex Tailgate is a game-changer, redefining what pickup truck adaptability and usability look like. With this cutting-edge feature, your truck becomes more functional and can be used for work and play.

If you’re curious about how the Silverado 1500 and the Multi-Flex Tailgate can change the way you go about your day, stop by our dealership. We can walk you through all the amenities the Silverado offers, helping you find the one that meets your needs.