Here’s a Ram 1500 caught by KGP Photography, testing out the split tailgate system Allpar reported on quite a while back.
KGP wrote, “A few years ago, Allpar.com discovered Chrysler/Dodge/Ram patents for a multifunctional tailgate design that is split down the middle, allowing the tailgate halves to open horizontally (barn-door style), while also enabling it to fold downward in a single piece—like a traditional pickup’s tailgate. Combining all of the possible maneuvers, the new Ram tailgate would allow for eight different configuration combinations, for maximum flexibility.”
If you want a better idea of what it looks like in use, check out the patent drawings…
Update: it appears that there is some sheet metal that overlaps the center gap, so the photographed tailgate could be a 50/50 split. See the full 2019 Ram 1500 page.
So they didn't go with the split in the middle ... too complicated? Needed 2 release latches? I was hoping for 2 release to open the doors individually.
From the looks of the drawing, as mentioned, it looks like the sheet metal is overlapped, somewhat past the handle portion. If that's the way I'm seeing it, then it would have to be closed in order, like the rear doors on some full sized vans, one before the other. The photo is definitely not split in the middle, however. The drawings look more centered.
But then, look at where the rear handle is on the drawing. Offset to the left of the split. I don't see how it can be equally split, with a handle there. Having an offset handle, I think, would look worse than an offset split. JMO.
I am surprised the release handle isn't in the top of the tailgate, or with the power tailgate option, isn't just released by a button on the fob or by the hood release or door locks/window controls.
Great idea...Hopefully that isn't the finished product...which I think is the deal with all of the info on the new Ram.
It looks to me like that might just be sheet-metal skinning that might hide the full design yet. For all we know it's like that because they couldn't split the A in RAM well. lol
Another thought might be, that this is just a variant of it. As in there are more options to the tailgate than just the split-gate. It could be steps or something in that configuration, or that there is two options for size on the split gate. half or 2/3rds. There's a lot of possibilities.
Also, that's either a smaller class receiver hitch or the truck just makes it look small. lol
Perhaps just hiding any mechanism, but I wonder if the flaps at the lower edges of the tailgate might just be hiding built in ramps that would actually work since the tailgate can swing to each side rather than just down forcing ramps to be removed and placed on the gate after lowered... I mean I might know something, then again I might not.
Let's say you have long items in the bed. This way at least SOME of the tailgate can remain open, and the other half can remain closed, holding the rest of the cargo in all nice and snuglike.
Kind of reminds me of the Ram Box. Some people love it. But others wouldn't use it or like it.
I'm guessing it's going to be an option. Get it if you want, pass on it if you don't.
Kind of reminds me of the Ram Box. Some people love it. But others wouldn't use it or like it.
I'm guessing it's going to be an option. Get it if you want, pass on it if you don't.
Although Rebel keeps winking at me, I have never owned a pickup before. With that said, I think the Ram box is a neat idea, but I wouldn’t order them for the simple reason that they are very pricey, and they break the aesthetic lines of the truck.
This may be just like the Ram Box for me. I was adamant that I did not want the Ram Box but we found a Rebel that ticked all the boxes that we wanted except that it has Ram Box. We picked up the truck and now the Ram Box is one of my favorite features. We use the crap out of them. This could be the same, for me at least.
I am surprised the release handle isn't in the top of the tailgate, or with the power tailgate option, isn't just released by a button on the fob or by the hood release or door locks/window controls.
Great idea...Hopefully that isn't the finished product...which I think is the deal with all of the info on the new Ram.
The Lincoln Blackwood and Mark LT both had split tailgates. Of course they were marketed as upscale trucks and didn't last long. I don't remember if it also folded down. But I do remember it was split in the middle.
I'm not sure about this. The picture isn't impressive for sure, but I don't believe we are seeing the actual product. The sheet metal looks like a false cover over the actual tailgate, at least that's what I'm hoping. I hope it would have a more centered opening and possibly an opening arc of more than 90 degrees.
Something is odd about the picture. if you zoom in, there appears to be brushstrokes along the seam in the picture.
Zoom in a few hundred % and you will see it. Can a person better at photshop look at it and tell me if I am right or nuts?
I see what you're looking at, but no, they're folds in the metal. Here's a higher-res version (sorry Dave) : http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/ca/20171115/OEM04/171119829/AR/0/AR-171119829.jpg
.. and if you look into the darker parts, it does seem to be a legit split, not a camo'd "cover" for a split in the gate. Maybe they did a survey/study that had a few different options and people thought the 2/3rds version functioned better than the half? Or it could be specific tailgate to a particular package, like Outdoorsman, etc.
On another note, in higher-res, it looks that there are indeed ramps (or something) under those small tarps they tacked on.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Allpar Forums
757.1K posts
47.9K members
Since 2002
A forum community dedicated to Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, AMC owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!