tbone Posted November 15, 2017 Share Posted November 15, 2017 As a person who has owned a truck for 90% of my driving life, I'm having difficulty identifying the value of this feature. Not that I don't think they should try to develop added value, but like others have suggested, it seems like a solution trying to find a problem. I have to imagine this will be an optional item, because anyone using their truck for work likely would not want this kind of tailgate. Maybe it is like the Ford tailgate step, where you didn't know how useful it is until you have it. Now I wouldn't buy a truck without it. The old man step, as I call it, is worth the money. With this tailgate option, I don't see how Ram can add a tailgate step to compete with the Ford option. Another point against it for me is I don't like extra seems. Like their bedside integrated toolbox, I wouldn't order this option because I don't like what it does to the lines of the truck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trailhiker Posted November 16, 2017 Share Posted November 16, 2017 If the split tailgate had external hinges, and could open fully to the side of the bed, then I would see a good value for loading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted November 16, 2017 Author Share Posted November 16, 2017 As a person who has owned a truck for 90% of my driving life, I'm having difficulty identifying the value of this feature. Not that I don't think they should try to develop added value, but like others have suggested, it seems like a solution trying to find a problem. I have to imagine this will be an optional item, because anyone using their truck for work likely would not want this kind of tailgate. Maybe it is like the Ford tailgate step, where you didn't know how useful it is until you have it. Now I wouldn't buy a truck without it. The old man step, as I call it, is worth the money. With this tailgate option, I don't see how Ram can add a tailgate step to compete with the Ford option. Another point against it for me is I don't like extra seems. Like their bedside integrated toolbox, I wouldn't order this option because I don't like what it does to the lines of the truck. That's why I proposed that perhaps the thought is that the customer will open the larger side sideways and then use the bumper step to step into the bed as opposed to a tailgate-integrated step. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbone Posted November 16, 2017 Share Posted November 16, 2017 That's why I proposed that perhaps the thought is that the customer will open the larger side sideways and then use the bumper step to step into the bed as opposed to a tailgate-integrated step. The difference is the Ford step allows for a larger drop for the step, which is much easier to use than the small drop allowed for by a bumper step. I can load dirt bikes into the back of my truck because of the step, whereas with a bumper step, I don't believe that would be possible, at least in the manner in which I load them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted November 16, 2017 Author Share Posted November 16, 2017 The difference is the Ford step allows for a larger drop for the step, which is much easier to use than the small drop allowed for by a bumper step. I can load dirt bikes into the back of my truck because of the step, whereas with a bumper step, I don't believe that would be possible, at least in the manner in which I load them. Good point. Like everyone else here, I was just trying to find a potential use for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted November 16, 2017 Share Posted November 16, 2017 The difference with that patent they filed is that the one spied in the pictures has a 60/40 (or 70/30) split, and only one release handle, whereas that patent has one on each door. . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 (edited) The difference with that patent they filed is that the one spied in the pictures has a 60/40 (or 70/30) split, and only one release handle, whereas that patent has one on each door. In the patent (US 8740279 B1) it mentions the different split ratios. So it is possible you may be able to order a couple different ways... "... with additional reference to FIGS. 2-6, multifunctional tailgate 10 can include first and second doors 40, 44 in a 50/50 split configuration. It should be appreciated, however, that doors 40, 44 can be provided in various split configurations, such as 60/40, 65/35 or 70/30. ..." Edited November 17, 2017 by Anthony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted November 17, 2017 Author Share Posted November 17, 2017 That makes even less sense.....can't see how it'd make sense for them to offer multiple versions of the tailgate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordmantpw Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 I don't think they will offer multiple versions of the tailgate, the patent just says it is possible to have different percentages. That's my take. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MKX1960 Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 They have a smaller truck called Toro that's not sold in the US. The tailgate on that one splits 50/50 and has panels that drop down to extend the bed. That's probably a better idea than what they propose for the RAM. https://www.google.com/search?q=ram+toro&tbm=isch&source=iu&pf=m&ictx=1&fir=qBNxlZSh4W-tSM%253A%252C_IKsj9adHKabNM%252C_&usg=__L-tkuuLWLbFccatQK2O6xDRTYd4%3D&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjb0qfvscbXAhUV1mMKHVZgCj4Q9QEIPjAK#imgrc=qBNxlZSh4W-tSM: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-150 Posted November 18, 2017 Share Posted November 18, 2017 Front end screams Colorado to me. ??♂️ I see Global Ranger. Right down to the six sided grill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoss96racing Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 My wife was just complaining that height wise she can reach stuff in the bed of the truck but once you put the tailgate down she is to short to reach stuff. if it swung to the side it would help that. they are scraping the bottom of the barrel for "new creative features". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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