The 2019 Ram 1500 will add a MultiFunction tailgate that improves the utility and cargo management capability of the 1/2-ton pickup, Ram Trucks has announced.

The new tailgate uses dual side-hinged tailgate doors similar to a compact cargo van that provides unique access to the bed for loading and unloading of cargo. The doors are split 60-40 and have swing-away functionality. The tailgate is also trailer friendly in that a user can leave the trailer and hitch in place when opening it.

The MultiFunction tailgate provides four configurations, including open flat, open left door only, open right door only, and open both doors. It's rated to support 2,000 pounds of load and comes with a spray-in bedliner.

A new retractable tailgate step allows a commercial driver to access the bed.

"The Ram Multifunction Tailgate is intuitive to operate, and owners will find it immediately useful," said Reid Bigland, head of FCA's Ram brand. "Combined with Ram's class-exclusive RamBox feature and new tailgate step, we're taking Ram’s cargo management and storage to the next level."