Future Ford Vehicles Could Detect When Pop-Up Campers Deploy

Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a trailer and camper pop out or deployed slider detection system that may be used in future Ford vehicles, Ford Authority has learned.

The patent was filed on March 25^th, 2025, published on September 25^th, 2025, and assigned serial number 0296436.

The Ford Authority Take

Ford has filed a number of patents recently exploring potential future features that may make the act of towing trailers and campers safer, as well as easier. This makes sense given the rise in such technology over the years in actual production vehicles, too. That list includes ideas for things like a trailer brake fade recognition system and a trailer content monitoring system, and now, they’re being joined by this – a new patent filing for a trailer and camper pop out or deployed slider detection system that may be used in future Ford vehicles, too.

In this case, Ford envisions providing those towing a pop up or slider-type camper/trailer with a way to prevent accidentally driving off when those units are deployed. It would accomplish that by first asking the user what type of trailer they’re towing, and then use sensors to determine when the camper or trailer is deployed – even partially. If that is the case, the system would warn the user, and could even prevent the vehicle from moving as well, which could prove useful for folks that own such a trailer or camper.

“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.”