Future Ford Trucks May Get Removable Multifunction Tailgate

Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a removable multifunction tailgate that may be used on future Ford trucks, Ford Authority has learned.

The patent was filed on November 24^th, 2020, published on May 9^th, 2023, and assigned serial number 11643151.

The Ford Authority Take

Ford has been exploring the idea of multifunction tailgates for some time now, filing patents for movable steps and even one with a hinged door and a new type of step design. As Ford Authority reported late last year, the refreshed 2024 Ford F-150 may finally mark the debut of a multi-function tailgate on a Blue Oval pickup, which would help it better compete with the likes of the Chevy Silverado and Ram 1500, both of which feature a similar type of feature. Now, to add more smoke to that potential fire, this newly filed patent outlines an idea for a removable multifunction tailgate that may be used on future Ford trucks.

This new tailgate design is a bit different than the ones we’ve seen to date, as it features a removable section in the center consisting of a door assembly that’s also hinged on one side. That section could open downward as part of the entire tailgate, on its own to the side as a separate piece, or be removed completely if so desired. In the patent drawings, we can clearly see the presence of a traditional tailgate handle, as well as a second handle used to open that portion like a regular vehicle door.

What’s particularly interesting about this concept, however, is that when removed, the center tailgate section can be stored at the front of the bed thanks to built-in hardware designed for that specific purpose. That would make it far easier and safer for that particular part to remain out of the way until it’s needed again, at which point it could be reinstalled.

This type of feature could prove useful for those that want to carry loads longer than the bed, which would typically require lifting it up and over the top of the tailgate while it’s closed, or having it stick out of the bed with the tailgate down. Whether or not Ford deems this type of feature viable for production remains to be seen, but it’s certainly likely that we’ll see The Blue Oval offer some sort of multifunction tailgate in the near future.

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