Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for unique accessory steps that may one day be available for the Ford Bronco, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on December 4th, 2023, published on June 5th, 2025, and assigned serial number 0178537.
The Ford Authority Take
With off-road vehicles and accessories as popular as ever these days, we’ve seen a bunch of Ford patents outlining new ones surface as of late – giving us ideas for things like a combined climbing ladder and recovery board, and a roof-mounted chair system, to name just a couple. Now, this newly published patent keeps that trend going with another new and interesting accessory – a pair of steps that could one day be available to mount on the tailgate of the Ford Bronco.
Step attachments like the ones outlined in this patent already exist for a number of off-road-focused models out there in the world, but in this case, they’re designed specifically for the tailgate area of the Ford Bronco. The steps could attach directly to the tailgate hinges, and feature a textured top portion that’s perfect for gripping onto one’s footwear and preventing them from slipping off. The purpose behind such a feature is pretty simple – it provides easier access to the roof and roof-mounted accessories like a rack or tent, without having to mount a full-blown ladder somewhere.
“Submitting patent applications is a normal part of any strong business as the process protects new ideas and helps us build a robust portfolio of intellectual property,” Ford said in a statement. “The ideas described within a patent application should not be viewed as an indication of our business or product plans. No matter what the patent application outlines, we will always put the customer first in the decision-making behind the development and marketing of new products and services.”
Comments
…. great idea. However for me, I’d prefer them being on hide-away hindges,
so that they’re not in the drop down position all the time. jmo.
I agree with NEBronco25. Some car washes are picky about what’s attached to the back of vehicles. I have been eyeing the Bronco Sport as a possible future purchase. They remind me of the Nightfall Ed. Terrain. Rugged looking and fun.