Once upon a time, tailgates were just a part of the truck that opened and closed. Then someone had the idea to make tailgates more functional, such as closing with the touch of a button, steps that help climb up into the back of the truck, and even a tailgate that transforms into a table. Now Ford is trying to get in on the game by creating a multi-function tailgate for the F-150.

So what does this new tailgate look like on the F-150? When will we see it? And has Chevy finally found a way to take a chunk out of the legendary F-150’s sales? We have all the details.

My tailgate is cooler than your tailgate

As strange as it sounds, tailgates are the newest way to show off your truck. While everyone may still be impressed that you have the biggest rims in the parking lot, the driver with the coolest trick tailgate is now most likely to win the popularity contest.

So what is a trick tailgate anyway? And why are automakers falling over themselves as they try to come up with a tailgate that has the most functions? 

A trick tailgate is simply a tailgate that does more than lay flat. It all started with the GMC Sierra 1500 and HD. GMC decided to add on the MultiPro Tailgate. 

According to MotorTrend, “The tailgate has a hinged upper portion that can become a step when the gate is down, a small table when the gate is up, and a load stop in either position. In total, there are six different configurations.”

This got the rest of the auto world’s attention. The tailgate was no longer a part that got slapped on, while all the attention was focused elsewhere like on what engine is under the hood or how long the truck bed is. The tailgate is now a significant part of the truck, and until the next fad comes along, the possibilities for what a tailgate can do are endless.

There are a lot of rumors about the F-150 tailgate

According to Autoblog, there is a new tailgate on the way for the F-150. Maybe. Ford originally tried to act like the level-headed older brother waiting for the younger siblings to realize their new fad would backfire. Now, it appears that Ford might be rethinking its refusal to join in the fray and may have a new trick tailgate coming down the pipe. 

At the moment, it’s just a rumor floating around the auto world. All we know is that the 2021 F-150 won’t be getting it.

AutoBlog reports, “It’s said one of the ideas engineers are rapid prototyping is ‘a barn-door-like layout with three vertical sections.’ They could lower like a traditional tailgate, or be ‘opened individually in thirds — left to right or right to left.'”

There are many questions about whether such a luxury is even possible with the current F-150 tailgate or if Ford will have to redesign the tailgate. This might not even happen, but Motor1 has some spy photos showing an F-150 with a wooden tailgate with an 80:20 split. Is this enough to back up the rumors? Perhaps. It shows Ford is testing out a few theories, if nothing else.

What we know for sure is that the F-150 currently has an option for a step. While it’s not quite as elaborate as some of the competition’s current tailgates, it is something.

The Silverado is definitely getting a trick tailgate

While Ford may be on the fence about whether trick tailgates are here to stay or not, Chevy is all in. The 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 and HD will be getting a MultiFlex tailgate.

It will be very similar to the Sierra 1500. DriveTribe seems to think that consumers will be able to get the MultiFlex tailgate on RST, LTZ, and High Country trim levels. 

Perhaps most drivers are looking forward to the Kicker audio system that will be integrated into the tailgate. For anyone looking forward to tailgate parties again once Covid-19 begins to die down, this will be a welcome upgrade.