[GMGuy]

Without removing the multi flex mid gate the Silverado has a big bed advantage over the F-150 Lightning. The Lightning's bed is 5 feet 5 inches.

 

[camaroz1985]

Its basically the Avalanche Mid-Gate with the enhancement of being able to be split 60/40. That was a major complaint of Avalanche owners in the past.

 

[ChargedSilvE]

This is another feature that shows how much more of a work truck it is than the F-150 Lightning.
I wonder if the fleet version will be any different.

 

[GMGuy]

This is another feature that shows how much more of a work truck it is than the F-150 Lightning.
I wonder if the fleet version will be any different.

I think it's possible since Chevy has said that the towing capacity for the fleet version is 20,000 pounds. They seem to be willing to make the fleet model different than the other models.

 

[Afn10694]

Chevrolet shed some light about the Silverado EV's bed size in their press release.

The bed is 5 foot 11 long and has something Chevy calls a "Multi-Flex Midgate" which provides 9 feet of storage between the cab and the tailgate when the midgate is open.

The 40/60 second row seat has 4 configurations to maximize storage capability. With the "Multi-Flex Midgate" the Silverado EV RST can have as much as 10 feet, 10 inches of load floor and storage space.

There's a bunch of photos that show how the bed can be configured.

The Pickup Reimagined: Introducing the 2024 All-Electric Chevrolet Silverado

Chevrolet Pressroom

media.chevrolet.com

On the RST, the storage capacity of the 5-foot-11-inch bed is maximized thanks to the innovative available Multi-Flex Midgate, which provides just over 9 feet of storage between the cab and the tailgate when the Midgate is open.

A 40/60 second row seat offers four configurations that allow users to haul gear or equipment while still accommodating a passenger in the second row. With the addition of the available Multi-Flex Tailgate the Silverado EV RST enables up to 10 feet, 10 inches of load floor and storage capability. An available tonneau cover allows items such as lumber or a kayak to be loaded into a fully lockable, weatherproof storage compartment.

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[Afn10694]

It surprises me that Chevy is not emphasizing the advantages of the mid-gate would operate for sleeping in the bed with a waterproof cover or camper top.

 

[camaroz1985]

It surprises me that Chevy is not emphasizing the advantages of the mid-gate would operate for sleeping in the bed with a waterproof cover or camper top.

Maybe we even see the return of the bed tent like the Avalanche had. I had the tent for my Avalanche, and basically used it every other weekend for a couple years (April to October). It was a great addition, but if I didn't feel like setting it up, or if it was really bad weather, I would just fold the midgate down and sleep that way with my head in the back seat area. Hope they have a nice multipiece hard cover as an option like the Avalanche had.

 

[Ch-EV-y]

It surprises me that Chevy is not emphasizing the advantages of the mid-gate would operate for sleeping in the bed with a waterproof cover or camper top.

It would be a good way for Chevy and GM to steal some thunder away from Rivian. Show that the Silverado is just as good as an overlanding truck than the R1T.

 

[ChargedSilvE]

It surprises me that Chevy is not emphasizing the advantages of the mid-gate would operate for sleeping in the bed with a waterproof cover or camper top.

Chevy should eventually cover how well it will work for camping, sort of like what GM did with the Hummer by showing off a bunch of overland accessories. I'm sure they'll find a way to work in that part of the bed.

 

[GMGuy]

Chevy should eventually cover how well it will work for camping, sort of like what GM did with the Hummer by showing off a bunch of overland accessories. I'm sure they'll find a way to work in that part of the bed.
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Chevy will probably roll out accessories like that when they'll officially reveal the Trail Boss.

 

[Ch-EV-y]

Chevy should eventually cover how well it will work for camping, sort of like what GM did with the Hummer by showing off a bunch of overland accessories. I'm sure they'll find a way to work in that part of the bed.
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With the removable midgate maybe you can connect a tent to the cabin/bed similar to the Aztek.

 

[camaroz1985]

With the removable midgate maybe you can connect a tent to the cabin/bed similar to the Aztek.

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Avalanche tent worked with the midgate folded to give you lots of room, even a bit of climate control if you needed to take the chill off or cool down a litle bit. Would be even better not having to start the engine. I used mine a lot.

 

[Flapjacks]

This is another feature that shows how much more of a work truck it is than the F-150 Lightning.
I wonder if the fleet version will be any different.

I thought I read that the WT version will not offfer the midgate. I think that would be a huge miss for WT functionality.

 

[RickKeen]

Not sure the flex tailgate will fare well when hauling loose loads that are unloaded by shovel. Any lip or seam on the bed or tailgate turns into something to snag the shovel or rake on.

Some examples of uses typical of how I use my truck:

 

[Flapjacks]

Not sure the flex tailgate will fare well when hauling loose loads that are unloaded by shovel. Any lip or seam on the bed or tailgate turns into something to snag the shovel or rake on.

Some examples of uses typical of how I use my truck:
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I think that’s a pretty valid concern, but it’s not a new feature either. I poked around and couldn’t find any complaints related to gravel.

Biggest issue seems to be dropping the tailgate and hitting the ball hitch…hopefully they’ve worked out a solution for that.

 

[ChargedSilvE]

I thought I read that the WT version will not offfer the midgate. I think that would be a huge miss for WT functionality.

Good point. A traditional gate is definitely the way to go on a work truck. It also plays into what @RickKeen brought up.

 

[DiscoLives4ever]

Not sure the flex tailgate will fare well when hauling loose loads that are unloaded by shovel. Any lip or seam on the bed or tailgate turns into something to snag the shovel or rake on.

Some examples of uses typical of how I use my truck:
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Just out of curiousity (I'm not much of a work truck user), but is there a reason you don't drop in a thick plastic liner before a load of dirt or gravel? I've often seen that used to get out the bottom layers of whatever is being hauled but not sure what drawbacks there are to it

 

[RickKeen]

Just out of curiosity (I'm not much of a work truck user), but is there a reason you don't drop in a thick plastic liner before a load of dirt or gravel? I've often seen that used to get out the bottom layers of whatever is being hauled but not sure what drawbacks there are to it

I typically have a permanent thick plastic ribbed bed liner in my truck. Similar to the first and second photos (except never would have that fold-up handle right in the way on the inside of the tailgate like the Ford in second photo has).
You would not want a loose tarp or plastic sheeting under the load - it would just get snagged in the shovel and make the unloading even more work.
Pickup truck beds have evolved to how they are for good reasons. If Chevy wants to sell to people who use their trucks for general purpose stuff hauling, they should have kept a lot of the traditional bed features.
None of the photos (except maybe the tree branches) would be practical in the EV due to its low payload capacity. A 1 yard load of gravel or rock likely weighs 2000 to 2500 lbs.
Seems like they are marketing this model to people who would otherwise not consider buying a truck just because they want a long-range EV that can be used as a (very) light truck if necessary.