Ram Split Tailgate

Based on patent drawings earlier, the tailgate halves are expected to be able to swing out and fold down:

 

Just seems like A bad idea.

 

If they made it so it could fold down or swing out as one piece would be ok for reaching into the bed but that doesn't look right. Plus they better get it to line up better than that if they are going to try and sell it.

 

It does make stepping up into the bed or reaching into the bed easier. Yea there's a lot more mechanical complexity. You can already see the misaligned sheetmetal. Knowing FCA they will probably cheap out on some fitting or hardware, forcing you to repair it often.

 

I wonder the cost to fix it if it gets jacked up

 

If that's for the Dodge Ram no thanks. It's the last truck I would buy out of them all lol.

 

Honda probably has a patent on that with the ridgeline

 

^All the major automakers have bulk patent cross-licensing agreements. The other automakers probably don't think the Ridgeline tailgate is a worthwhile feature.

 

I think Lincoln blackwood looking at this.

 

If they really want to get innovative, make it so it slides down laying flat into a compartment under the bed at the push of a button.

 

^You mean like this?

 

That's awesome... I've had that thought for quite some time. Dnt know someone had made one...

 

I'm really happy that Toyota doesn't waste their time with silly features like this.

Although this isn't half as silly as the RAM shift knob.

 

The RAM line is one of the few they rarely take big risks with. RAM is their bread and butter lineup, whether this forum likes them or not Americans on the east coast and midwest tend to buy domestic and many love their RAM trucks and have had only RAM trucks. It's almost a cult-like following, and most only keep their trucks 3-6 years before trading in on a new one (data from FCA). Chances are that test mule is just that, a test and we'll see a more polished unit in 6 to 8 months.

I have to say though I don't dislike the idea but I'd rather see equal halfs and an offset handle or a handle on each gate.

 

It's been done before by the domestic manufacturers in the 60s, 70s, and 80s haha, station wagons used to have rear gates like the Ridgeline, can't think of the name but I believe it was a Plymouth model haha.

 

At least you have another functioning half-tailgate after you break off the other half with an 80lb bag of cement.

 

If you thought it sucked to have your tailgate stolen before..... Now you'll have to take out a second mortgage to replace it!

 

I would say Ram probably introduced the most new features in its class over the past 10 years:
RamBox bedside storage
Factory air suspension on 4-link rear axle
Stupid circular shift knob
Small diesel engine

However the implementation isn't refined. Ever looked at a RamBox up close? Very cheap plastic.