Ford's Latest Truck Patent Could Change the Camping Game for Good
Like most OEMs in the industry, Ford typically leaves the development of overlanding equipment to aftermarket suppliers. After all, their specialization creates a competitive product.
However, the Blue Oval appears to have had its eye on the pickup accessories market lately. As evidenced by a recently discovered patent, Ford's engineers are kicking around a few ideas that could change the camping game.
Pickup pop-top
As reported by Carbuzz, Ford filed a patent for a rooftop tent in 2024 — the 'Shelter System Having Deployable Platform' — that was published last week.
While a pop-up sleeper in itself is nothing new, the Blue Oval's engineers have designed this particular patent specifically for use with a pickup. Rather than adapting an existing design developed for the roof of an SUV, Ford's concept takes advantage of a truck bed.
When stowed, the tent acts as an angled aerodynamic tonneau cover — it packs flat and shields the bed while leaving its cargo area unobstructed. However, come time for deployment, it unfolds over top of the cab and creates a spacious overlanding shelter.
In addition to a set of slippery side panels for extra wind-cheating abilities, Ford engineers also envisioned the system featuring some front struts for structural support. It's a slick system in that it forgoes the need for a rear rack common to truck tent setups.
Electric implications
Throughout the patent document, Ford made specific and multiple references to the fact that the pictured pickup was electric. After all, improving aerodynamic efficiency reaps significant benefits when it comes to EV range.
However, even in the absence of its fancy bed-based tent design, the truck doesn't really look like anything that's in the Blue Oval's lineup.
While there are some obvious similarities to the Ford Maverick, the F-150 Lightning is currently the only electric Ford pickup on the market. At this stage, the brand does have a hybrid Maverick, though it's a PHEV.
Considering the recent rumors surrounding Ford's forthcoming affordable battery-powered truck, this patent may give an early look at a soon-to-be-announced vehicle. While you shouldn't hold your breath for a release because of a patent filing, past designs have made the jump to reality.
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