Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a different kind of Pro Access Tailgate that may be used in future Ford pickups, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on April 25th, 2023, published on October 31st, 2024, and assigned serial number 0359750.
The Ford Authority Take
As far back as early 2022, Ford was publishing patents outlining different kinds of potential multifunction tailgates, and after years of speculation and anticipation, the automaker’s new Pro Access Tailgate debuted on the refreshed 2024 Ford F-150. The Pro Access Tailgate features a swing gate with built-in stops that can open up 37, 70, or 100 degrees, making it easier to reach items in the bed, even when towing a trailer – allowing for 19 inches of additional reach, which one can see in action here. However, this newly published patent previews a potentially different sort of Pro Access Tailgate design that The Blue Oval is exploring, too.
The tailgate depicted in this patent is a bit different than the current Pro Access Tailgate in terms of how it’s split – it appears to something like a 70/30 ratio – and both doors would be capable of opening up more than 90 degrees. In this case, the tailgate actually uses externally-mounted hinges as well, providing 100 percent access into the bed when both doors are fully open. It seems as if the tailgate could be removed rather easily as well, which could come in handy for a variety of purposes.
In fact, Ford also shows off some drawings of the tailgate panels opened up with a panel mounted behind them, which would effectively extend the length of the bed, too. It’s an interesting idea for certain, and even if it doesn’t come to fruition, it’s pretty safe to say that Ford isn’t done innovating its Pro Access Tailgate, and won’t be resting on its laurels with the current design.
Comments
I’m a Ford guy but I still think GM has the best tailgate. That is a nice piece of engineering. Ford should have got the guy who came up with that before GM got him.
A tail gate, really ? How about you designers in the Glass House understand we need a F-150 XL Reg Cab, V-6, auto, air, cruise, cloth seats, carpeting, 6 1/2 box that we can buy for maybe the $25K price range. Went on line an did the build your own thing … was close to $40K !!! You need to worry about not if but when Toyota starts importing the “Land Cruiser Family” of Reg Cab pickups and 2-door traditional Land Cruiser SUVs which sell for around $25K for a Land Cruiser Reg Cab 4WD w/air, cruise, auto, pwr windows/locks. Wake up guys !