When the Chevrolet Silverado Multi-Flex and GMC Sierra Multi-Pro tailgates launched, we all oohed and ahhed over these transformer-esque tailgates that created steps, benches and more. That is until real users started pointing out a huge design flaw.
Recently, Publisher Tim Esterdahl drove a 2022 GMC Sierra, and he has news! General Motors fixed the tailgate issue for both Silverado and Sierra.
The problem
These GM tailgates are pretty darned fancy, and they just seem to keep unfolding like an accordion. First, it’s a tailgate. Then it has a bench. Oh, now it’s a full set of stairs so you can walk right up into the bed of your truck.
Unless you have a ball hitch installed. Then you’re in trouble because the moment you drop that inner section it will hit the ball hitch and possibly dent the tailgate.
Oops.
GM tailgate issue fixed
Considering how many truck owners pull trailers, the GM tailgate issue with the ball hitch could not continue. So, the designers fitted the receiver with a sensor that tells the truck when a hitch is installed. Then the truck makes sure the mid-section of the tailgate remains locked so it cannot drop down and hit the ball hitch.
While this does keep the tailgate from getting damaged, it doesn’t fix the issue where all the fancy features of this tailgate are useless if you have a hitch installed. We believe these scenarios are what fueled the new Ford tailgate design and made Ram’s multifunction tailgate look a little less awkward.
What do you think? Would you choose a Multi-Flex or Multi-Pro tailgate now that this issue is fixed, or would you opt for the old-fashioned tailgate without all the extra bells and whistles?
Related posts
7 comments
James H
I have a 2024 and just had this happen to me. Looking at the manual, there is mention of an enable/disable function to prevent this but is must be activated by the user, it doesn’t appear there is any detection switch in the hitch to lock the inner taligate step. You would think with a truck that costs $90K+ and has windshield wipers that can sense rain that the engineers could come up with a switch in the receiver to prevent this from happening.
Hell, there is a company making an aftermarket component that wires in to the tailgate that does this very thing, but GMC can’t incorporate it into their vehicles? I have to say, I am very disappointed in the quality of this vehicle with this being just one of the many reason why.
Jonathan Eubanks
I have a 2024 and it did not stop mine from getting dented?…
Bob Williamson
Chevrolet and GMC Tailgate Damage Issue. I would like to hear about your problems with the tailgate hitting the trailer hitch. This is about a $1500 repair. If it has happened to you, contact me.
James H
Are you still collecting names for this issue?
I just had it happen to my 2024 GMC 2500
Raul
I lent my truck to a cousin before I ever used the tailgate and I learned about the issue the hard way. Is Chevy helping with the 1500?
Tim Esterdahl
I had this truck for a week and never had an issue with the tailgate hitting the trailer hitch.
Bob Williamson
If you don’t have a step down tailgate, you won’t have the problem!