The battle of truck tailgates is on! The 2020 Ram 1500 is upping its multifunctional tailgate game. This is to compete against the 2021 Ford F-150 that just introduced an optional multifunctional workbench tailgate feature. 

2020 Ram 1500 new tailgate features

Other trucks like the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500 have been playing catch up since Ram first introduced their multifunctional tailgate. Now to stay ahead of rivals, the 2020 Ram 1500 is improving their tailgate. 

Ram and its aftermarket Mopar division developed new ways to add retractable steps to each of its trucks’ tailgates. The steps make it easier to climb in and out of their lineup of tall Ram trucks. Exiting the truck is also made safer with these steps, because you don’t have to jump down. 

The retractable steps were mainly designed for the 2020 Ram 1500’s multifunctional tailgate. This optional tailgate has a 60/40 split that allows it to swing open like barn doors. If paired with this tailgate, the new factory-installed steps will be mounted on the center of the back. 

If ordered with a regular tailgate, the step is mounted toward the side, near the corner of the bumper. But this is one expensive step. The retractable step is $395, while the step for regular tailgates is $365. 

About the Ram tailgate step 

The prices are high for these steps because of their quality. The step for the multifunctional tailgate is made of high-strength aluminum with a black e-coat finish. It can hold up to 350 lb. 

The step that fits with the standard tailgate is easy to access. It can be lowered down and retracts to a stored position within the bumper. It can also hold up to 350 lb. 

Another step for the Ram 1500 Classic swings out from the driver’s side corner on the rear bumper. It can also retract to its stored position and is load rated at 350 lb. It’s designed to fit both single and dual-exhaust models. 

The step for Ram heavy-duty trucks is manufactured from high-strength aluminum and sports a black powder-coat finish. It can support up to 350 lb and lowers down for easy access and retracted beneath the rear bumper. 

If you want to step up into your truck bed, you can order this part with your truck or stand-alone option. The step will be covered under your new vehicle warranty if purchased with your new truck. If you buy the step as a stand-alone option, it will have a two-year warranty that begins on the date of purchase. 

What can the Ram 1500 multifunctional tailgate do?  

Along with swinging open, the Ram 1500 multifunctional tailgate can also swing down like a traditional tailgate. Having the doors swing open allows you to stand closer to your cargo, as the tailgate doesn’t block you when it’s folded down. Also, it enables you to access your load while a trailer is hitched. 

The tailgate is still extremely strong and can hold up to 2,000 lb. But that’s about all that makes it unique. The Ram 1500 also has a RAMBOX cargo system that includes lockable, weatherproof, drainable storage bins on both sides of the bed.