Talking About Tailgates: The Best Truck Tailgate Innovations

Best Truck Tailgate Aftermarket Accessories & Upgrades

Before we get into spotlighting the latest and greatest in tailgate truck tech, it is worth taking a look at how and why you can upgrade a truck and its tailgate. No matter if you are the owner of a brand new fancy truck that has all the bells and whistles or if your old workhorse is living her best life, the automotive aftermarket has options of plenty. 

Whether it is a simple functional accessory or an operational upgrade, RealTruck offers dozens of cool tailgate-oriented products that can step up your truck game. Many of these products are vehicle-specific, and some are universal that fit most makes and models. 

Best Tailgate Accessories

• Tailgate Assist Struts – Hydraulic dampers that slow the tailgate’s descent for a smoother, controlled drop.

• Tailgate Locks – Additional security for protecting cargo and preventing unauthorized access.

• Tailgate Seals & Gaskets – Help keep dust, moisture, and debris out of the truck bed.

• Tailgate Lighting Kits – LED strip lights for better visibility when loading or unloading at night.

• Tailgate Steps & Ladders – Bolt-on steps for easier bed access, especially for lifted trucks.

• Tailgate Tables & Workstations – Fold-out surfaces for job sites, tailgating, or outdoor use.

• Tailgate Mats and Pads – One additional layer of protection for the vehicle area that sees a lot of use and abuse.

Best Truck Bed Accessories

• Bed Liners & Mats – Protect the bed from scratches, dents, and rust. Options include spray-in liners, drop-in liners, and heavy-duty rubber mats.

• Tonneau Covers – Hard or soft covers that provide security and weather protection for cargo.

• Bed Extenders – Flip-out or slide-in extenders to accommodate longer loads.

• Cargo Management Systems – Sliding trays, storage bins, and adjustable dividers for organizing gear.

• Bed Lighting Kits – LED lights for better visibility inside the truck bed at night.

• Retractable Bed Steps – Assistive steps mounted to the bumper or frame for easier access.

• Hitch-Mounted Accessories – Additional cargo carriers, bike racks, and tailgate pads for transporting gear.

These aftermarket upgrades allow truck owners to customize their truck tailgate and bed setup for work, recreation, and daily use.

What The Top Selling Pickup Truck Tailgates Are Packing

From GMC’s six-function MultiPro to Ford’s unique Pro Access tailgate, manufacturers have reimagined what a truck tailgate can do. Today’s designs go beyond simple open-and-close functionality, offering enhanced access, built-in steps, work surfaces, and even hands-free operation. Whether you need a tailgate that simplifies loading, improves towing convenience, or adds job site versatility, these innovations cater to a wide range of truck owners. Let’s take a closer look at the most advanced tailgate designs on the market and how they enhance everyday use.

Ford Pro Access Tailgate

Ford’s latest take and its best truck tailgate innovation is the Pro Access Tailgate, introduced with the 2024 Ford F-150 lineup. The main design feature is a unique swing-out center panel that allows easier entry and access to the truck bed. This is especially useful when the truck has a hitched trailer, when a tailgate can sometimes be obstructed, addressing a common frustration among truck owners. By eliminating the inconvenience of working around a lowered tailgate while towing, this feature provides a practical solution for both work and everyday use.

Ford Pro Access Tailgate Key Features:

• Swing-Out Center Panel: Provides direct access to cargo without lowering the full tailgate, making it especially useful when towing.

• Adjustable Opening Angles: The panel can open at 37, 70, or 100 degrees, offering flexibility based on cargo and space constraints.

• Power Assist: One press of a button and the tailgate will slowly drop down open and power up closed.

• Tailgate Worksurface: The tailgate’s interior side features a built-in cup holder, tablet device prop, measuring stick indicator

The Pro Access Tailgate is available as standard on the King Ranch and Platinum trims of the 2024 Ford F-150 and Super Duty trucks. It is also an upgrade offered as an option on the Lariat and Tremor trims. Look for Ford’s Bed and Utility Package to upgrade your F-150 with a Pro Access Tailgate.

GMC MultiPro & Chevy Multi-Flex Tailgate

General Motors revolutionized its truck tailgate functionality when it debuted its GMC’s MultiPro Tailgate on the 2019 Sierra 1500, later expanding to Sierra HD models. Chevrolet followed suit in 2021 with the Multi-Flex Tailgate, bringing the same six-way versatility to the Silverado lineup. Both tailgates are identical in function with the key difference being the make and model badging.

In addition to the six tailgate positions, the Chevy Multi-Flex offers a built-in weather-proof Bluetooth-connected Kicker Audio System option as an official accessory. The speaker and controls are housed in the outboard section of the mid-gate panel.

Explanation of the six-position Chevy multi-flex tailgate and GMC’s MultiPro Tailgate:

1. Primary Gate Operation: Functions like a traditional tailgate and can be opened via the key fob, an interior button, or a control on the tailgate itself.

2. Primary Gate Load Stop: Helps keep cargo secure by preventing items from sliding out when the tailgate is open.

3. Fold-Down Inner Gate: Lowers to provide easier access when loading or unloading the truck bed.

4. Full-Width Step: Converts into a sturdy step with a 375-pound (170 kg) capacity, featuring a driver-side assist handle for easier entry.

5. Inner Gate Load Stop: Acts as a barrier to keep second-tier cargo from shifting or falling out.

6. Inner Gate Work Surface: Folds outward to create a practical work surface while also enabling two-tier cargo storage.

GMC MultiPro & Chevy Multi-Flex Tailgate Key Features:

• Configurable Flexibility: The six-position adjustments cover the full range of truck bed access needs. 

• Easier Access: Accessing the truck bed cargo space is made supremely easy.

• Step Up: A step entry and egress mode that, when paired with the assist handle, offers both step and seated functionality.

• Power Assist Open: One press of a button from inside the truck, a button on the tailgate, or the key fob, and the tailgate will slowly drop down open.

GM’s tailgate innovation was originally developed through an internal engineering competition. Executives selected various concepts to evolve the first iteration of the configurable tailgate which had the singular focus of integrating the fold-out step. The Multi-Flex tailgate first appeared on the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 and the 2020 GMC Sierra HD, where it was branded as the MultiPro tailgate.

Chevrolet introduced the Multi-Flex tailgate on the 2021 Silverado 1500, making it available on all trims, from the entry-level Work Truck to the top-tier High Country. It later became an option for the 2022 Silverado HD lineup, including the 2500 HD and 3500 HD models.

RAM Multi-Function Tailgate

Taking a completely different approach, RAM’s Multi-Function Tailgate features a 60/40 split barn door arrangement instead of a traditional drop-down panel. Unlike conventional tailgates, it features a swing-away design that can open independently or function as a standard drop-down tailgate.

RAM Multi-Function Tailgate Key Features:

• 60/40 Split Swing-Away Doors: Allows independent left/right opening for better access, especially when towing. 

• Conventional Drop-Down Function: Operates like a traditional tailgate when needed. 

• Powered Tailgate Release: At the press of a button on the gate or key fob, the tailgate opens with a measured restriction. 

• Up to 2,000 lbs Capacity: Supports heavy loads for worksite and recreational use. 

• Bed Step Compatibility: Works with Ram’s available retractable step for easier access.

The RAM Multi-Function Tailgate is not available on 2500 or 3500 models. It is exclusive to the RAM 1500 and available on the Big Horn trim and up, but trucks like the Rebel, RHO, Ramcharger, and REV are all excluded. Additionally, RAM offers a Power Tailgate, which is compatible with the RAM Multi-Function Tailgate. The Power Tailgate comes standard on its high-end trim models such as Limited, Limited Longhorn, and Tungsten.

Toyota Tundra’s Smart Tailgate

While not as complex as some other designs, Toyota’s contribution is the Tundra’s Smart Tailgate which is designed to make daily use more convenient. The main feature here is the power open-and-close tailgate function which is especially useful when your hands are full.

The Smart Tailgate power function can be initiated from inside the cab, on the truck tailgate itself, with a key fob, or if the truck is equipped, via a conveniently located and hidden rear taillight switch. There is one other feature to note, the power close function can be prompted by simply lifting your knee to nudge the tailgate and it will automatically close if the key fob is nearby.

Toyota Smart Tailgate Key Features:

• Power Open-And-Close Tailgate: Automated and hands-free tailgate that opens and closes electronically for added convenience.

• Quick Release Dampened Opening: The tailgate lowers slowly to prevent slamming.

• Bumper Release Button: A side-mounted button on the driver’s side of the taillight allows for hands-free tailgate release when carrying cargo.

• Hands-Free Tailgate Closing: Gently nudge with your knee to activate the automatic tailgate closure.

• Rear View Camera and Hitch Lamp: Enhances visibility for easier reversing and precise trailer hitch alignment.

• Lightweight Aluminum Construction: Reduces weight for easier lifting and closing.

• Integrated Bed Step Compatibility: Works with Toyota’s retractable step for easier bed access.

Debuting with the 2022 Toyota Tundra redesign, the Smart Tailgate is available on several trims, including the SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, TRD Pro, and Capstone. It comes standard on most mid-to-high-end trims, starting with the Limited, while on lower trims like the SR5 and select Limited configurations, it may be offered as an optional upgrade. The latest-gen Toyota Tacoma soon benefitted with the same trims following suit.

One last thing to note, the Toyota Wireless Camera System (WCS) is an option upgrade accessed through the Towing Technology Package.

Honorable Mentions & The Future of Tailgates

Having run through the most popular full-size trucks and their tailgates, we have to mention what else is on the deck. The other manufacturers have either adopted the widely used technology and functions or introduced their own unique truck tailgate enhancements worth noting:

• Nissan’s Tailgate Assist: Features damping for a controlled, smooth opening and closing.

• Honda Ridgeline’s Dual-Action Tailgate: Swings open or drops down for versatile access.

• Future Innovations? Expect more power-operated and modular tailgates as manufacturers continue to refine usability.

Closing Out On The Tail End

Modern tailgates offer more than just a way to access the truck bed. They provide ease of operation and enhanced functionality for work, recreation, and daily life. Whether you need the step-up convenience of GMC’s MultiPro, the ease of towing with Ford’s Pro Access, or RAM’s side-opening design, there’s an innovative truck tailgate to match your needs.

Which pickup tailgate innovation do you find most useful? Share your thoughts in the comments below!