Ford vs GM vs Ram: Who Did The Best Job Re-inventing the Tailgate? We Test & Rank Them!
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- Опубликовано: 4 мар 2020
- ( www.TFLtruck.com ) Ford vs GM vs Ram: Who Did The Best Job Re-inventing the Tailgate? We Test & Rank Them!
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Great review! It's good for us consumers no matter what brand you're loyal to, that manufacturers continue to think outside the box.
One area to think outside the box (though not really) would be to have an indicator when the tailgate is open - the same as already exist for the doors. Edit: and make it standard like the door open indicators.
I can see them costing the buys million dollars a year when they're done my 72 jeep has a tailgate that I can still jump up and down on my 2010 gmc if I stepped on it I would crush it in to s big u
When are they gonna test the 8 speed ram 2500 6.4 on the Ike gauntlet!!!!!????
i2rtw I would hate that... what happens when you want to haul things that go over the tailgate? I don’t want my truck screeching at me that my tailgate is closing. Also, it’s not as much of hazard to have the tailgate open than a door open.
I’m sorry but that second test was pointless, if something is really heavy I’m gonna set it on the tailgate and slide it into the bed
I know that’s what I was thinking so the FORD F250 WINS
Exactly
Yup that test was silly
Bryson Wiley Exactly what I was thinking. If it is that heavy, sit it on the tailgate and slide it in. Now rams is nice, but something else to break. Especially on a ram.
Bryson Wiley Thats true but when you have to get it back out that extra room is nice. I’ve loaded/unloaded a new GMC and boy was it much easier which is the point. It can be done without but much easier with.
Wow!! A sterio in a tailgate! Where's my White Claw? 🤣
Ya, and I looked up the stereo system, it an additional $750+. They didn't tell us that though. Why show a tailgate that's about $1,500 more then a standard tailgate and NOT tell us the stereo and the other goodies cost a LOT MORE! At least they didn't try to BULLSHIT us with the Ram and ford tailgate prices! LMAO
Ya $750 is quite a bit, those speakers better be top of the line Bose speakers or equivalent for that price.
@@90cat1 :My problem was it was suppose to be the cost of the 3 tailgates, they didn't say what the cost was for the gmc they tested. They do this all the time.
@@90cat1 :Another note, "gmc, we are proffecional grade", that's the add, why would you spend all that money on a tailgate that's more then likley going to be TRASHED on a work truck.
Lmaoooo
There is no way that big half door on the Ram swings all the way with the trailer attached.
Ron Scott - Concur. With a travel trailer that will hit the tongue jack!
I came here to say that same thing. The tailgate is completely useless with a trailer attached.
Yep! Will certainly depend a bit on the trailer but I saw someone try that recently.. bed hit the trailer jack. To me the RAM tailgate is the worse for people towing, maybe the best for non-towers.. hence why the Ridgeline had a side opening tailgate for awhile.. works for those going shopping vs towing.
In the demonstration I saw (granted that only applies to the trailers they had attached to the trucks) the guy was able to open the big side of the ram gate enough to get the smaller side completely open with a boat behind it and with a car hauler he could open either side fine
The Ram tailgate still opens the normal way too. It doesn't have to be opened like a clamshell.
Ford was first, with the most simple one yet.
And
It has a stripper pole.
sam moore dam u got
me there
Yep lol
Yep lol
Yep lol
was not expecting that lmao
But you can just put your heavy things on the tailgate 🤯 I’ve been doing it like that for over 20 years lol
Especially when the tailgate is one piece and won't break.
@@googleuser1456 just don't be a little girl and throw it in.
Google user put a tarp down and slide it in dude. This is a gimmick for people who don’t actually use their beds.
@@googleuser1456 is a cement block going to rip? Maybe you could remove the tailgate in ten seconds if it didn't have wires in it. If you honestly believe you need a fancy tailgate to get your work done your either a little girl or to old and you should buy a car instead.
@@Zach-ju5vi sure it can be done it's just easier with a side opening tailgate. I would get one over a regular one. Just like most people drive an automatic transmission over manual. Not a big deal just ease of use
I like how older GM commercials used to make fun of Fords step tailgate...
I like how they used to make fun of Ford for using aluminum
"sissy step" is what they had Howie call them.
RIGHT!!
SEGA DOES what NintenDON'T!!
I’d like to see the test revisited after driving 10 years in the rust belt.
or 2 years near the ocean
Absolutely!!! Wouldn't take that long though. Tailgates tend to accumulate all kinds of crud just because of the way air travels over them. The more moving parts, the worse it's going to fare over time. I'm over 60, and I have no problem climbing onto my Ford tailgate. I'll take simple over stupid any day. Give the GM owners a few years, and they'll realize how stupid they were to buy that silly tailgate.
The Ford would win that one cause it’s body is aluminum
6 years on my F150 tailgate with the old style step, only complaint is the loud noise from the spring assist when closing
Fine Corinthian Videos the step itself is steel
why is durability not one of the metrics? thats the most important quality.
wesworld98 How would you test that?
@@NathanDAdlen getting dirt/sand on/in components, then exercising them, a very realistic scenario for actually using a truck. I suspect the gmc with all it's small, electrical components will not stand the test of time.
@@NathanDAdlen this may be something to test on a long term truck y'all purchase!
wesworld98 You’re absolutely right; however, we have to return these trucks to the automaker undamaged. For now, the Ford is the only one we can abuse over the long term.
@@NathanDAdlen good to know! Thank you for the response!!
What's wrong with a good old tailgate that just drops down and that's it
Why use a truck at all? Why not a horse and a wagon?
because the more options the bigger the price and profit
I still use my carriage and two horses reliable as all heck I tell ya what
Nothing wrong with it, people are just lazy nowadays
Whats wrong with a good old carrier pigeon that just flies your messages to your friends.
Still suprises me how General Motors bashed Ford for having a tailgate step, and now, they have one.
Ryan Kinsler and for using aluminum, now everything on hinges is aluminum, and they didn’t go all the way to avoid being bashed themselves
Ford's tailgate is kind a 1 trick pony, it only has the step were they made gm to do other things like be an stopper for an extra almost 2 ft bed room. Add on top the speaker system that can be added in.
Because it looks like the integration of it was done by a high school shop class.
@@arbiter1 Take away the fact it only has a 350lb weight limit.......The Ford and Ram are over 1k
Gm loves to bash ford then steal their idea lol always have always will.
Great review! I think there is one thing you forgot to take into account when rating the GMC tailgate for hitch compatibility. While you cannot lower the inner tailgate when using a hitch and trailer, you can still put the tailgate down and use the bumper steps to climb into the bed. For that reason I would have ranked the GMC a two and the Ford a one because there are no steps available to use on the Ford with a trailer attached.
the simplicity of the ford tailgate is what makes it the best one. also you can get that ford tailgate on a base model while you need the higher trims on the other two trucks.
You can get the multifunction tailgate on the base tradesman Ram...
The ram is much less moving parts
Not accurate information at all! The multi functional tailgate is available across all Ram Truck trims!
I don’t need a Swiss Army tailgate. Just open and close that’s all a tailgate needs to do...
telephones never used to take photos either, and yet here we are.
@@samkitto010 or use comments to complain on RUclips videos, but here we are again.
@@samkitto010 Telephones don't cost a years salary.
Neo Smith sounds like you need a new job homie
@@4liter Nah man. I am smart with money and will never spend that kind of dough on a new vehicle. The last time I bought a new vehicle was about 10 years ago and I paid cash with one of my bonuses. I still have that vehicle, but I tend to spend money on raw land and making improvements and building tiny homes as Airbnb. Now that is my full-time job with three other partners. We just finished improvements on a Joshua Tree CA property. I can buy 4 used trucks for the price of one.
You forgot cost of replacement when they get damaged. Its pointless crap like this that make new trucks so expensive.
BlueDually4x4 #insurance
Matt insurance is just going to raise your rates and cost you even more
bruh ice lol whatever you say. Just sold a 2015 Hyundai Genesis and switched to a loaded AT4. My premium went down by $21.
They are options for a reason... they are optional! Don't like it? Don't get it. Pretty simple 🤦♂️
@@frankgrochot8719 Except when they jack up the price of a "package" of some sort that includes it when you only want one of the ten things on there.
GMC has done a really good job in the research. The most practical and solid tailgate ever. And yes, if i have a hitch on my truck, i won't open the smaller tailgate, i have my bumper steps to climb the box which you guys forgot to mention!
I love how GMC gave their tailgate a tailgate. That solution is so American.
Exactly
I personally prefer simple tailgates, like on old trucks when they were just a big piece of steel.
No you don't. Lol
Agreed these new tailgates and trucks for that matter just aren't made for abuse.
Same, I like a heavy tail gate and I know it’s gonna take a beating and last
@@Zach-ju5vi It's because trucks these days are just luxury vehicles.
@@lynestrotheconqueror5010 exactly, not made for work.
Test the tailgates after shoveling sand or gravel out of the bed... I bet there is a clear winner after that.
Silly rabbit, these are pavement princess trucks for white collar people making over 6 figures. Well that is if you actually buy the vehicle using the 20/3/10 rule, or the dreaded 1/10th rule.
Yeah....I like the access that the Ram gate provides, but the break in the total length might be an issues if you get a heavy load on it. What's the failure limit? :(
@@Lex-Rex I have a GMC AT4 with a multi pro tailgate and I don't make a 6 figure paycheck. It's put too work on construction sight. @ben bochenek I that situation yes the ram's would be better but trust lifting bags of quick mix concrete into the back of my truck that multiple pro is so useful.
@@foxwithshades7080 Waste of money. Especially if you cannot pay cash. Most construction dudes I know get used beat up trucks so they don't give a shit if they get dented and scratched. To each their own though homie. Not everyone wants to take on a 500-600/month payment for a depreciating asset.
Neo Smith how about you stop judging how people spend their money. I’m on sites and at production facilities with my AT4 all the time. And loaded gravel. No issues. I wouldn’t want the barn door on the ram with a bunch of weight pushing against it. And I tow a 7000# wakeboat with the Sierra on the weekends. Again no problem. Towing tech and tailgate, the Sierra blows everything else away. And the integrated bumper step is much better.
Couldn’t call a dealership to get a replacement price when it gets stolen ?
I bet that GM gate is stupid expensive.
It’s on the gmc which is the premium truck brand, if you don’t want super expensive buy a Silverado
It is STUPID expensive. I just bought a 2020 GMC Sierra. The finance guy told me "Be careful with that tailgate because it costs close to $7000 to replace due to the cameras, mechanics, etc."
My reaction: 😱😭
Finance guy: 😀💵
Not sure if he was full of crap or not, but he seemed serious.
@@Arnamus73 Full of crap. Its about $2600 not including paint.
ANASTASIOS NEDELKOS wow so much better!!
@@higg2156 🤣👏
The full length of the tailgate while loading, prevents you from wrecking your knee on the hitch. Ford is preferred for me.
Edit: Price. There is no way I would ever spend $900 on a tailgate. If the GM is only available on upscale trim packages, it's worthless to me. Ford is a little pricey still at almost $400. I probably wouldn't get any of them, but the Ford is the only one I would even consider.
Had it on previous super duty work trucks and really appreciated it. I wish my current F-150 work truck had it.
USMC Vet same I’m young though Mandy if I was in my 60s or 70s I would get them but there is no point for me to get them
With the GMC, if you have your hitch installed, just open it like you would have previously. You don't have to fold down the smaller section. Plus, when you fold the whole thing down in one piece, you still have the bumper steps in each corner that you can use to get into the bed.
I'm surprised they didn't show that to be honest. I was thinking to myself that instead of using the step part of the tailgate. Use the bumper steps that also comes with a handle built in to the side of the bed.
The common sense approach. But then, there will inevitably be the accidental button pushes when someone forgets they're hooked up, or just not paying attention. Probably start seeing little rusted out dents on trucks around town in no time.
@@derekortiz3663 there's an aftermarket switch available that senses when a hitch is in and disables the secondary gate. I ordered one for my GMC
@@billcoopey6376 that is the dumbest thing I've ever heard. But hey, hope it works.
@@derekortiz3663 Perhaps. For those that are accident prone, there's already a fix available online from tailgatefix.com.
I love the ram tailgate, but I do remember back in the late 60's early 70's ford had a station wagon with a dual tailgate, it could fold down like a truck, or swing out like a barn door plus it had a window.
Try 2000-2005. Ford Excursion had the same tailgate. Add a topper to the Ram, and bingo, Ford Excursion.
jerkyturkey007 Yep you’re right we had one when I was a kid but the gravel roads were so rough it only took a few years I want to want to close properly as a barn door
Not that the honda ridgeline is a truck but I believe it has a swinging tailgate, not split in the middle though, which I think I'd rather have one solid tailgate all the way across anyway.
@@trevors8577 Yep Ridgeline tailgate is pretty slick. I'd prefer that to the Ram's design, which makes for a rather narrow loading area. But, I'd still prefer the Ram to the GMC design. What these guys don't mention in the video is that that step you can get with the Ram can be used with the tailgate up. Of course, you can by that step for any pickup, but I just think it's the most flexible design by far. The GMC is way too gimmicky and only available on high level trims.
@@plmn93 No thanks, I mean a stereo is kinda cool on the tailgate on the chevy but just more things to break 3:05. The Ram does open slightly wider than the box is wide but the tailgate looks to swing only 90 degrees, it would be nice if it would swing something like 130 degrees or further though. Ram shot at 1:19
Add 5 years of road salt dust grime and use. It would be interesting to see how all the extra latches and hinges hold up.
Also the electronics in the gm
@@dalehovland3283 Electronics in the Ford as well.
I was thinking the same thing for the GM once you have that little lip up and it starts raining all that water is going to go right on to your speaker system you drive on a gravel road that's all going to be destroyed
Ever think of keeping your truck clean?
Keep the up the simplicity Ford! That’s the way to go.
Do you really need a $1000 tail gate?
Yeah, I think they'll be a bit more than that to replace when stolen.
They are a lot more than $1000
First world problems right
A fully loaded rebel cost me 83k Canadian after negotiations. Don't think 1000 (which is less than most phones now) would have made any difference. I have the regular tailgate though.
Yes....yes I do
Could you guys do a towing and mpg test of two of the same truck, but with different axle ratios? Like 3.55 or 3.73 vs 4.10 or 4.30? I really want to SEE what difference there is in towing time and fuel consumption 👍🙏
I'm still waiting for them to do "max load" tests, almost to the point of failure. I want to know realistically what my future truck can haul/tow. I already know a heavier load will effect my mpg.
@@souldoctor10 I wonder if it's something they've wanted to do but the manufacturers would rather they don't abuse a pickup like that. And I don't think they're a large enough company to purchase a truck just to possibly break things. But it would certainly be interesting to see how the trucks do.
If it's any help, at work we consistently go above what our 2015 SRW F350 can do by about 1,000-2,000 pounds and don't seem to have any issues (yet) besides a slightly rougher ride (we have airbags as well). But that is not a great analog to the duallies, as they're capable of towing twice as much weight, which is significant.
You pose a great question, but I'm still really struggling to take your name seriously haha :P
@@BradChadley Yeah, I get that it'd be expensive if the vehicle did fail while testing. I've been looking at getting a RAM 2500 just because I don't want to overtax a 1500, primarily in payload for dirt/gravel, etc. I know I goofed and overtowed my 2004 GMC Envoy by about 2000lbs. It handled it, but it was pushing the limits. Don't want to have that happen again.
@@souldoctor10 i don't blame you there. The stiffer ride on the 3/4 tons and 1 tons isn't as nice unladen, but I also drive a 2018 Chevy 1 ton with the Duramax and it rides so well i forget it's a 1 ton, so if you buy the newest gen or last gen, you'll barely notice.
You should have actually hooked up a trailer. I was helping a buddy unload his Ram with the trailer attached. We couldn't open the tailgate fully because it blows out at the top and the tailgate hits the trailer jack.
If his trailer jack is that high then every tailgate would hit it. Tell your buddy his jack is in the wrong place.
@@MakoCon Not necessarily. The tailgate on my Fords clear all 4 of my trailers jacks, with about a 1/2" of clearance, but the Ram gate would not clear any of them. Folding down the gate will, but not swinging out, one would be hard pressed to find any trailer with that much room between the jack and bumper.
@@acdii neither of my boat trailer Jacks come close to my tailgate touching them.
@@MakoCon Boat trailers are the oddball as the jacks sit much further back from the tongue, all other trailers, cargo, flatbed, travel, dump, horse, all have the jack right behind the tongue, and can't be relocated because it is mounted at the V of the frame, that a boat trailer doesn't have, so if the Ram tailgate can't clear a boat trailer, well, that is a different issue then.
I agree you should have hook the trailer up to check for trailer jack clearances.
One thing that’s nice about the GM if you have a trailer attached just lower the tailgate normally, like if you didn’t have the multi pro one, and then you have the bumper side steps to get in. So they thought of getting in and out under different circumstances.
Regarding the trailer test, I have always used the trailer as a step when I have had to get into the bed of my truck after Being hooked up.
Also, you should list the cost to replace the tailgate should it get damaged beyond repair. That’s the tru cost.
That cost is simply whatever your deductible is. lol Not too many 2020 trucks running around without full coverage, and if they are, money is no object to the owner anyway.
@@elcaminosunlimited < great, so your deductible is $500. Now, your insurance premiums go up. What's the true cost of that over the life of the truck? not saying some don't/ aren't going to think of this but it is a factor (For the record, I think all of these tailgate solutions are great).
@@willhickman3756 Premiums only go up if you are causing the accidents. Not too common to cause your own tailgate accident, and if you do well then that's a cost you yourself incur. I agree that all of the designs are good solutions and its also good they are optional.
I love the tailgate on my ford. I find that step so nice to have .
Unnecessary
@@pryme2013 unnecessary comment, God forbid someone likes something you don't.
@@jmeakus your reply to my unnecessary comment is unnecessary.
As someone with a back injury I completely agree the step on my 2016 F350 is used all the time. Game changer really.
I have a Ford and I call that step "My old man step". I am old and it is really nice, just ordered a new Ford and yes, I did order the step.
Ford's is also more durable, but they can't test that.
Ha ha that's a good one! Nothing more durable than a soda can with a plastic oil pan on wheels.
Please TFL trucks send some gravel though these tailgates. Ford will come out on top of that test just like it does everything else (soda can in wheels that out tows everything else in whatever class it's in) get these tailgates dirty please do we can see which one holds up best (Ford)
Oh durable? Ok, last time I checked aluminum isn’t very strong. Which in fact is what ford has been using. I’m afraid you’re wrong sir.
Go to any hardware store and watch the GM trucks come with ratchet straps holding the gates up
Now let's see which tailgate will last the longest in hard working conditions.
Definitely not the gmc's tailgate
Lambo guy nobody who buys that 85k truck is going to be using it in "hard working conditions". I don't.
I usually don’t reach over my tailgate when loading something in the bed I just set it on the tailgate and slide it over...
How about UNLOADING???
A generator with rubber feet isn’t going to slide over. I love my Ford which has the step, but they have a point.
there afraid it would damage the tailgates. Use a generator with rubber feet, instead of blocks and loaded tool boxes.
I would still go with the Ford
I disagree on price since you need to buy an expensive package for the GMC before you can get the tailgate.
I feel like the bed extender feature is underrated in the GMC, I actually use it all the time and it helps a ton
How about we do a more realistic test? Which tailgate will still function when severely dented
Patrick walker only ford.
Show us tailgate removal please. I remove mine quite often and it take 10-15 seconds.
if you've ever removed a F-150 tailtage this ones not any different, GMC with the speakers is a nightmare, never touched that split Dodge tailgate so can't comment.
They're all a PITA anymore because of the required backup cameras. You have to go underneath the truck to unplug them first.
@@ColeSpolaric I can disconnect the Ford camera harness with the gate down, it's right out in the open, and there is a cap in the glove box to cover the truck side. Carrying the gate once off, I think the Ford may be the lightest of the bunch.
@@acdii I have no doubt Ford is the lightest as it's aluminum. Nice when you're by yourself
Ram tailgate is not removable. Shouldn't matter to most people, but I know if I was loading pallets a lot I'd much rather remove the tailgate instead of trusting some forklift operator to navigate through the gate, which is a rather narrow passage. But I don't load pallets often, so it would work well for me.
I have the Ford. I don’t need it but my Dad who’s older & my wife who’s shorter really appreciate it.
Great review! Thanks for spending time covering what’s important to your viewers
Ford tried to add a little razzle dazzle first but didnt realize where this would lead to. GM and Ram stepped it up. Im sure Ford, Toyota, Nissan, will come out with something different later on.
Yeah but there will come a point of diminishing returns. Too much tech for a tailgate is overkill.
GM is only 350lb rating
Ya hopefully not, ford was the best in my eyes for obvious reasons.
I think they new others would compete with it, but that step came out in the super duties in 2008, the competition is over 10 years late
@@BamaShinesDistillery the same for ford.
i'm all about as simple as possible with a high level of functionality...so for me it would be that Ford offering all day long
Or you can buy an AMP Research step for any truck which is even simpler and can be used with the tailgate up or down and with a trailer attached.
Good video as always guys! Personally I feel the GMC is better for hauling longer items. I use my Multi Pro a lot more than I though I would, especially the upper portion. Its very handy in keeping stuff in place, and you guys should have tested some hauling of cargo.
The Ram with Ram Boxes also includes a lock in place cargo extender. Check it out!
See how those GM and Ram tailgates look and work after being in the salt belt for a few years. Not very well I will bet.
True! Whereas Ford's would be good as new.
You didn't do a dirt or gravel test to see which one functions when it's all dirty like in the real world of a work truck. I take the Ford tailgate, the RAM is my second pick but the GMC is just too much for me.
Agreed. As a concrete guy, I have enough trouble closing a standard tailgate after a really dirty job.
Complicated means more failures and cost to own and repair if damaged!! I would take the ford over them other ones!!
Lmao you would regret that decision in less than a week.
Thought the dodge opened mechanically and it was only the chevy that had the push buttons.
Larry I agree and I think the other two would end up rattling more and all the extra hinges and bushings would wear out I just think they would end up being a annoying pain in the ass
No
The big problem that I see with the Ram is wind closing them especially in the wrong order damaging them
There is a rubber bumper on the door of the ram to prevent damage to the tailgate.
@@drivendaily4284 That will it prevent damage. When people close taligates they don't do it gingerly. All it takes is one time and bang! Just like the GMC with a trailer hooked up
i don't believe so. The wind will close one door, but not both as they swing in different directions. Most of the time the wind will only blow from one direction. Although, admittedly, the wind can change direction enough to close long side first and then the short side. That is, however, a VERY rare and unlikely occurrence. It's a moderate problem IF it happens, but it is such an extremely rare occurrence and likely 90%+ of users will NEVER have it happen in the entirety of their ownership of the vehicle.
Each one have their different quirks. I see the GMC getting damaged on hitches, but they have a sidestep available if there is a hitch or trailer hooked up. With the Ram is I see the doors getting damaged by wind or just someone not closing them in order. And the Ford just plain sucks, I know I have one with an F250. I just like my sidesteps on my 2018 GMC, less complicated and nothing to break
That’s the point you not suppose to think about so you spend money at a ram shop to buy or fix it
If I had to choose out of the 3 I definitely would choose the GMC tailgate without a problem. it has not only the most different positions and options but also those positions are all good and useful for lots of things. also to add its pretty easy and simple to use (with simple buttons for the most part). the ford doesn't seem very practical for lots of reasons first off who the heck would want to go and waste their time to do all of that JUST to get into the bed of the truck? and ram well theres no real easy way to get in... so it makes the most sense to choose the GMC tailgate here.and only the GM trucks also get the built in side steps as well! thats an extra win right there! so in the terms of tailgates Id definitely would choose the GMC.
I would like to see you load these tailgates with 1000 lbs or more and see how they take it. Abuse them and find their weak points. Thats what I want to see.
This was very informative. Thank you TFL Truck.
Can't believe you guys are where you are at. I lived there for 15 years, and worked at the Lockheed building down the street. I left there in 2014. Never noticed you guys.
All 3 manufacturers offer both! Some people want all the frills and some just need a functional truck! I prefer simplicity and functionality! Give me the basic tailgate with no step!
I will say, the steps are very nice, and what GM and Chrysler have done to make loading heavy items easier in the rear are certainly helpful in the real world. Necessary? Absolutely not. While the presence of these features makes zero difference to me in purchasing a truck, it's one of those nice little touches that makes the truck a little more functional. It feels akin to getting a surprisingly good cup of coffee at a restaurant you would not expect to have good coffee.
Probably not worth the $995 on the RAM tho. Maybe the $445 on the GM since it usually comes with other packages anyway.
Once you go tailgate step, you will not go without! Especially as the body ages and the knees and hips protest. Many a man has scoffed at the grampa step when it first came out on the Ford, then later they actually got one and found out how useful they really are and wouldn't go without one now. Fords is simple and functional, what more could anyone want.
@@acdii Very good points. Also very helpful for those fond of lift kits but still would like a functional truck.
Cant beat the simple Ford step one of the best inventions ever
I wonder which one would still work if the tailgate gets damaged on the top?
The original simple tail gate has worked fine for me in the past years.
i got a 2020 ram with multifunction, and love it super convenient especially with groceries
Couldn’t name a time when I don’t put things on the tailgate first before putting it in the bed.
what happens to the chevy when the electronics fail on them...
Who can make an 11-minute video on tailgates?
YOU can.
Rock on, TFL. Rock on.
Cool comparison. Question. On the GMC, aren't the in-bumper steps still accessible when you can't fold down the tailgate step? If so, I would think they would be included in your analysis. Thanks for the video!
Man! GMC has you all covered with stereo system, steps/seat and grips all on the tailgate so you can look cool while waiting for the tow truck!! Awesome! 👍🏼😂
I will definitely take the Ram tailgate with the Ram box . I’ve got the Ram box and love it . I use it all the time for everything and don’t forget these are easy drain coolers also . Fill and throw in ice cubes and pull drains when done . It’s the best hunters box out there for storing guns .
Keep up the great work on the exceptional videos.
Love my '98 gmc sierra tailgate. No locks or steps. New cables being $10 is also a nice touch
Which one is the lightest should of been one of your category's really matters to some older people
The third test wasn’t really necessary. Why would you need a step when you have a trailer attached?
I love this comparison. Great job guys!
When there is a trailler at the back of your truck you dont have to use the integrated step just use the trailler arm to get up🤷🏾♂️
Casey moreau Exactly that’s what I do. It’s easier.
I suppose just setting your heavy box 5:38 on the tailgate and sliding it in like a normal person wouldn't be dramatic enough? So you create this artificial requirement of lifting the weight all of the way to the bed.
C. C. Yep. Great way to break your back. Total bs test.
Lol I thought the same thing. Very dumb
How about actually having a trailer hooked up when you try to open the rams tailgate
Jamie Leeper what I was thinking....the longer door would hit an enclosed trailer for sure.
I’m a ram guy, and I don’t mind the barn door. It just needs to be in the HD line up. I almost always get a long bed 3500 and I use it to haul quite often. The barn door is good for when I get pallets of stuff. And would keep the teenager driving the fork lift from destroying my tailgate 😤
Those of us who are now well seasoned pickup users will remember when pickup tailgates had a very useful feature standard feature. They could drop down 180 degrees. So you could drop them all the way down and access the load bed directly without having to span across the open tailgate. And some enterprising people would bolt on fold out steps to the inside so the would have an intermediate step for entry and exit. Plus, they were light enough that a single person could easily remove and reinstall them when desired. Now they have gotten so heavy, your starting to see powered tailgates because of their huge massiveness makes them difficult to handle.
Ford no doubt about it simple and quick to do it, after years GM will start to have loose parts because is too busy that tailgate too many moving parts and ram i never like have cut off in the middle parts of my tailgate and same after time will start hanggin down like every door will do
The GMC tailgates are already falling apart 😂
No surprise there
The Ram is the easiest, you just open it. You have 2 ways to open not 1. The Ram should win every category except cost. But then you are getting more so you pay more.
I have a 2017 super duty with the tailgate step sitting in the driveway. The step does not come out anymore due to the cheap latch mechanism not wanting to release it. Not very impressive.
@@mikearlt6327 wow how about that
Didn't Chrysler just copy honda with their tailgate?
Seems like a hybrid of the Ridgeline tailgate and the Excursion rear doors
The Lincoln blackwood had it first over 15 years ago
@@trevormangus7832 Hmm, I didn't know the Blackwood had a barn door tailgate. Good to know.
The Ridgeline doesn't split, it's just hinged on either side so it will swing either way. To me, that's the best tailgate of all of these. I prefer the Ford over these three in the test though. It's simple and effective. I use mine quite a bit.
Honda’s have been doing the multi open tail gate for years
Cant ignore that GM still has the bumper cut outs making it super simple to get in back
Ive whitenessed GM trucks with crappy plastic broken tailgate handles for years, now its all electronic? Ya good luck with the reliability of that
The clear winner here for me as well was the Ram. I bought a 2019 Ram Rebel.....I kinda wish I would of waited and got the 2020 with this new tailgate.....ugh
Hey I noticed on your Gen-Y-hitch there was a ramp on the pintle hitch side. I need this for my Gen-y-hitch where do I get the replacement hitch head?
I have owned several truck brands and currently own a super duty. I love the truck and the mechanical pull out step is nice, but I sure love that new Ram tailgate. Would love to see an option like that on the big three!
U should really do how much does it cost to replace the tailgate if damaged
I bough a tailgate a few years ago and was shocked! I'm guessing but I'll bet the Ford is expensive to replace and the Dodge and GMC will probably scare you half out of your wits.
I have the ford step tail gate and love it, the handle is extremely handy and in my opinion safer. Less breaking parts also, please don’t make things harder on your self to prove a point.
I love watching these videos because I love cars and tech in general , but man all I ever come away with is how I really don’t care about any of this irl and how expensive trucks are now. Whenever I needed to use one of my dads trucks over the years I’d usually toss stuff over the sides into the bed and I stand on the tires to get into the bed. I don’t know if I’ve ever used the tailgate for anything but sitting on, or loading things that I couldn’t get over the side. Our questions when buying a truck were always: it’s ground clearance, it’s bed capacity, it’s towing capacity(doesn’t even matter post the 90s), its reliability, and how expensive it was to fix once someone inevitably broke it.
Ram can load pallets with a forklift without removing it. Real winner if anyone actually uses this truck for work
If the forklift can navigate its way through the narrow passage, that is. Would you trust an operator to do that? I'd prefer to take 30 seconds and remove my tailgate completely...which cannot be done on the Ram. That said, I agree it's a useful feature. Just not for loading pallets.
Which any of the trucks can do. Any forklift driver can just set it down and get a bite on the edge and push it in the rest of the way. So that point is moot. The real question is, do you want pallets sliding over your fancy new tailgate?
The amount of times the fork lift driver has either set to much weight on our tailgates and hurtling them or the more common use of them as a bump stop to know how far to drive in. They get mangled pretty quick
Dodge tailgate would not win if hook to a trailer. Tailgate doors to long , remember real world test. Hook them up.
I dont see a DODGE anywhere in this test... Maybe you are talking about a RAM? Dodge doesnt make trucks buddy :) Just keeping facts straight.
@mike hawk I still can’t get over that fact that RAM split into a different corporation from Dodge. I still call it a Dodge RAM, because that’s what I’m used to.
Only reason you put "with a hitch" Is because of the GMC tailgate. Its still however the best in the bunch.
Or because many people with pickups have a hitch connected most of the time cuz they’re constantly hooking up trailers...
Yeah, like anyone would open the barn door on the Dodge with the A frame of the trailer in the way.
@@aldo9923 Yep, I'm sure thats it. NO-ONE has ever worried about opening their tailgate with a hitch in the receiver. But, don't matter, still a great video.
Right the tailgates all clear when opening traditional method for the most part. Neither beat the other there. If you hit your trailer with the GMC then it's your fault and the same with the Dodge. It's just the same as opening your car door with a pole next to it. You don't just sling the door open, you pay attention.
I leave a hitch in my receiver. GMC tailgate = FAIL
GM when trailer is hooked you can use bumper steps so that tailgate step don't really matter.
thanks for brining up the electronics Nathan!
I think Ram loses a half a point for when a trailer is attached you cant use the swing open portion, and a half a point for cost. I like Ford keep it simple.
That would depend on the trailer you were towing if you could open the swing tailgate on the RAM or not. If you were towing a small utility trailer or a single car dolly youd still be able to use the swing out function.
@@BigSam63 You should also be able to open the swing out tailgate just enough to release the shorter partition, and swing that out to have easier access to the bed. You just may not have room to swing out the longer partition.
I am puzzled; the RAM takes one motion to step in while the other two require multiple motions to set up before you step in. In daily use the RAM is the simplest by far to use. And you didn't provide the assist step; so this test is a fail in my opinion.
I also thought the Ram looked the easiest.
TFL Truck I work for a Contractors lumberyard and have a customer with the Ford tailgate step. The customer keeps tail gate up then pulls out the step using it prop lumber from his back rack to the tail gate step. I’m amazed of how much weight that step can hold
Great review, as always from you guys! I have a Ram with the multifunction tailgate, and It's been very useful for my my needs. It's a back saver which I appreciate and I'd buy it again. I'd guess that these features might not be very durable on a hardcore work truck, but that's probably not the target customer for this stuff anyway.
I think the Ford has a greater idea on getting and the back of truck..
I like the idea of the ford but the step needs to come out the side of the tail gate. To give accessibility to the bed when a gooseneck is being connected or utilized. the same for a bumper pull or one could just use the trailer as a step.
I personally see the GMC tailgate as the most practical.
More likely to break but no surprise there gm shit always breaks
Just look at all previous tailgate handle designs on gm trucks. My brother had the broken handle on his chevy
Yeah I call bullshit I've never had a problem with my gm vehicles and when the tailgate handle does break it's an easily replaceable clip that's like a dollar at the part store
@@jerredwayne8401 They still break though.. and the surrounds.. and these ones are all electronic so more likely to break than old mechanical ones anyways. The biggest problem is if you tow a lot and leave the hitch in. The magic taiilgate is complete crap in that situation. Useless and very prone to being damaged by mistake.
Jered go to a Home Depot or Lowes Or any lumber store any given day and watch the GM boys use screwdrivers and pliers or a wire to get their tailgates down Then watch the other half ratchet strap theirs closed LOL
Question about the Ram. With the offset barn door... isnt that going to hit a trailer when opened in barn door mode?
What's even better is the one on the VW transporter.
It's simple, sturdy and folds completely down. Even the sides fold away so you can (un-)load it from 3 sides and transport things wider than the bed itself.
Eventually GM will add a mirror so the "guy" can check his make-up and fix his man bun while not breaking a nail pushing the opener button.
In 15 years the Fords handle will have broken off 5 times, the GMC's electronics will have failed and the dodge will be bent and no longer close
Who keeps brand new trucks for 15 years? It's only a benefit to keep them for 4 years max with their depreciation being used as a tax write-off.
@@MakoCon people that dont want a payment forever
@@mcpuddin6106 that makes no sense... It's beneficial to use new vehicles as a tax write-off. Both payments towards said vehicle and it's depreciation value.
Keeping a new vehicle for 15 years makes no sense, you trade it in after 4 years for another new vehicle.
If you can't write off new vehicle payments and/or can't afford it, go buy a 2004. I don't get why you're trying to create hypotheticals for vehicles that are less than a year old based on older models.
You must be writing off a personal vehicle depreciation as a “business expense”. That’s called tax fraud.
@@MakoCon I'd rather not have a car payment, but hey keep buying new vehicles a making payments forever just to right them off. You do you
Boy that GM tailgate will be awesome for a bench to sit on while you are waiting on a tow truck you can even listen to you music while you are waiting
My 2020 Silverado 1500 has a simple tailgate and I like it.