Ford is testing a new breed of pickup-truck innovation in a patent application that shows a combination of aerodynamic bed cover and other outlandish exterior vehicle features. A new patent application from the automaker (via Carbuzz) documents a power-operated fastback tonneau cover that allows a full-sized pickup truck to convert its open-bed workhorse into a sealed, wedge-shaped box with the push of a button. Using a collection of power actuators, foldable exterior bed panels, and an integrated composite rear window, the cover extends a rather elaborate contraption well beyond what most truck fans might think of as a “tonneau” cover. The application was published earlier this month following Ram’s patent fill for a similar fastback bed cover in June.
The second Ford patent is completely different in the way it approaches pickup utility. The description for U.S. patent #12,728,722: “Systems and methods for moving a vehicle using externally mounted HMI,” the vehicle can be moved forward or backwards in small increments-without the operator being in the truck’s cabin. And it makes use of the popping-up grab handle on the tailgate step as an outside control, which could allow workers to precisely maneuver trucks during landscaping or other demanding jobs. While neither concept necessarily leads to production, the patents suggest Ford is interested in designing aerodynamic, useful and high-tech pickups.
1. Ford’s Motorized Fastback Tonneau Cover Changes Pickup Bed Design
Ford’s new fastback tonneau-cover patent transforms a conventional pickup bed from a flat cargo area into a powered, wedge-shaped enclosure at the push of a button. The system begins as a flat cover, but the front section can rise toward the roofline while the rear remains connected near the tailgate, creating a sloped profile between the cab and the tailgate. This design is considerably more complex than a traditional flat tonneau cover because it changes the overall shape of the bed rather than simply covering it. The fastback profile is also intended to guide airflow more smoothly over the rear of the truck, combining cargo protection with potential aerodynamic benefits.
Fastback Cover Fundamentals:
- Motorized cover operation
- Flat cover transforms upward
- Main panel uses hinges
- Wedge-shaped enclosure forms
- Continuous cab-to-tailgate profile
The basic idea is straightforward, but the mechanism required to achieve it is considerably more involved. Instead of simply opening or closing like a conventional cover, Ford’s proposed system changes its shape when activated. The main panel rises toward the roofline while maintaining a connection with the tailgate area, producing the fastback profile. This transformation creates a sealed enclosure over the bed while also giving the truck a more streamlined shape. The patent therefore combines several functions into one mechanism rather than treating the tonneau cover as a simple cargo accessory. Its design is aimed at reshaping how the pickup bed interacts with airflow while also enclosing the cargo area. The fact that Ford is exploring such a complicated system shows how far pickup-bed technology could potentially move beyond traditional flat covers.
2. Folding Side Panels Complete Ford’s Aerodynamic Enclosure
To get the fastback shape, it was necessary for Ford to address another important issue. There were the empty spaces on the sides of the box. When the main section is raised towards the roof, gaps were formed between the lid and the sides of the truck. Ford has invented the means of dealing with these gaps. The solution is the folding arms that open up when the main part is raised. The arms are meant to completely close the sides, so that there is no air coming from the sides of the fastback. The sealing function is necessary since uncontrolled air from the sides would be able to destroy any aerodynamic properties of the fastback shape. Thus, a number of moving elements working together are used in the entire system.
Side-Sealing Engineering:
- Folding side panels
- Automatic panel deployment
- Complete side enclosure
- Reduced airflow openings
- Supports aerodynamic function
The folding side panels are not just for looks because they play a big role in how the whole system works. When the main cover is lifted, the truck bed would not have any side panels. If the gaps occur, the air moving will get into the closed unit leading to a loss of aerodynamic efficiency. Ford solved the problem by connecting the side panels to the main cover and using their automatic deployment. So, as soon as the main panel pops up, the side panels pull down and close the edges of the unit. This is done to ensure that the entire system works as one unit. All of the above shows why the Ford patent is more complicated than the typical hard tonneau cover.
3. Power Actuators and Gas Struts Make the Heavy Cover Practical
A fastback cover such as this one will be impractical to use without mechanical assistance. The Ford patent meets that technological challenge through the use of power actuators and gas struts for opening and closing the assembly. It is similar to the systems utilized in power-liftgate SUVs today. The mechanism receives the power from the actuators and then uses the gas struts for the lifting process. This is crucial since this cover cannot be classified as a simple fabric accessory; it’s a large structure that consists of several panels and a rear window. Automating the mechanism will simplify the process considerably for the user while driving and filling the cargo bay. If manual operation is used, it will be hard to deal with a structure of such size and weight.
Powered Cover Hardware:
- Power actuators provide movement
- Gas struts assist lifting
- Automated raising and lowering
- Rigid cover construction
- Designed for daily operation
The mechanical system shows the engineering effort needed to operate the large fastback cover. Power actuators move the structure along a controlled path, while gas springs support it during operation, making opening and closing easier. Inspired by power tailgate technology but applied on a larger scale, the system is designed for frequent cargo access and shows that Ford is treating the fastback cover as a complete functional system rather than simply an aerodynamic accessory.
4. An Integrated Rear Window Gives Ford’s Design a Visibility Advantage
One of the key features of Ford’s patent is the rear window incorporated into the fastback cover. The cover has a composite panel that is glazed in the back of it so that the driver can see behind and drive the vehicle in a safe manner even with the fastback system in use. Rear visibility is essential for the safety of drivers especially when any large item is present behind the cab. Thus, by using the window incorporated in the cover, Ford is trying to provide the solution to this issue without leaving the fastback open. Moreover, the use of the rear window shows a significant difference between Ford’s patent and the previous patents for fastback covers filed by Ram.
Integrated Visibility Features:
- Composite rear window
- Rearward sightline maintained
- Window integrated into cover
- Supports driver visibility
- Adds practical functionality
The rear window is an important part of Ford’s fastback design because the cover could otherwise obstruct the driver’s rear visibility. Ford’s composite construction includes a transparent section that can maintain rearward visibility even when the cover is closed. Unlike the Ram patents discussed, this rear-window solution appears specific to Ford’s design, showing that the concept considers not only aerodynamics but also visibility and practical everyday use.
5. Ford’s Fastback Cover Faces Ram’s Competing Designs
Ford’s patent becomes more interesting when compared with Ram’s earlier fastback-cover patents. Ram explored two approaches: a simple hard panel that forms a wedge shape and a more flexible cover that can create an aerodynamic wedge or lift at either end like a bed topper or pop-up camper shell. Ford’s design appears less flexible but adds features such as an integrated composite rear window and foldable side panels, showing that both automakers are exploring different ways to improve pickup-bed aerodynamics and functionality.
Ford Versus Ram Concepts:
- Ram filed earlier patents
- Two Ram designs described
- Ford uses folding panels
- Ford integrates rear window
- Camper flexibility differs
Ford and Ram are addressing similar pickup aerodynamic challenges through different engineering approaches. Ram’s designs range from a simple hard panel to a highly customizable cover, while Ford uses a fastback closure with collapsible side sections and a composite rear window. These differences reflect varying priorities, from easier cargo access to improved aerodynamics and flexibility. The available information does not show which system is more effective, but the patents demonstrate that automakers are exploring multiple ways to improve pickup-bed functionality.
6. A Fastback Profile Could Improve Highway Aerodynamics
Ford’s fastback bed technology appears focused on improving pickup aerodynamics. An open bed can create turbulence as air drops behind the cab, while a flat tonneau cover still leaves a blunt transition. The fastback design instead guides airflow gradually from the cab roof toward the tailgate, potentially reducing the low-pressure wake and drag. Although the patent gives no specific mileage improvement and Ford has not confirmed production plans, the concept reflects growing interest in improving pickup aerodynamic efficiency.
Aerodynamic Efficiency Potential:
- Open beds create turbulence
- Highway speeds increase drag
- Flat covers remain blunt
- Fastback smooths airflow
- Fuel savings remain unquantified
Pickup trucks face aerodynamic challenges because of their shape and open beds. Ford’s fastback concept aims to improve airflow by creating a gradual path from the cab toward the tailgate, potentially reducing the low-pressure wake and aerodynamic drag. Lower drag could improve highway fuel efficiency, but the patent provides no specific figures and Ford has not announced production plans, so the benefit remains theoretical. Ford and Ram exploring similar solutions suggests manufacturers see potential value in improving pickup aerodynamics.
7. A Sealed Motorized Cover Could Improve Cargo Protection
Beyond aerodynamics, Ford’s motorized fastback cover could provide everyday benefits by protecting cargo from rain, snow, and theft more effectively than an open bed or fabric cover. Its rigid enclosure would keep belongings protected, while the powered opening system would make loading and unloading easier without manually handling a heavy panel. For owners who use their trucks for both work and daily driving, the combination of cargo security, weather protection, and powered operation could offer useful convenience.
Practical Bed Advantages:
- Improved weather protection
- Greater cargo security
- Rigid protective enclosure
- Power-actuated access
- Easier loading operation
The fastback concept could offer more than aerodynamic benefits, providing stronger cargo protection from weather and theft than a roll-up fabric cover. Its motorized mechanism would also reduce physical effort by using actuators and gas struts to open the large panel. By combining protection, convenience, weather resistance, and improved aerodynamics, the system could be useful for everyday truck owners, even without a confirmed production plan.
8. Ford’s External Tailgate Controls Could Move the Truck Without a Driver
Ford’s second patent, U.S. Patent #12,728,722, describes an externally mounted HMI that lets operators move a truck forward or backward in small increments without sitting in the driver’s seat. Instead of repeatedly entering the cab, moving the truck, and getting out, users could control the vehicle from the rear of the bed. This could be useful for landscaping and other jobs involving stone, dirt, or mulch, making repeated short movements easier and reducing physical effort.
External Vehicle Control:
- U.S. patent #12,728,722
- External HMI system
- Forward incremental movement
- Reverse incremental movement
- Designed for job sites
The concept is useful for jobs requiring tiny vehicle movements, especially landscaping where trucks carrying stone, dirt, or mulch may need to move only inches or a foot at a time. Instead of repeatedly climbing into the cab and returning to the cargo area, the operator could control these small movements from outside. The system is not intended to make the pickup a conventional remote-control vehicle, but to provide controlled adjustments for specific work tasks, making it potentially practical for people who regularly perform this type of labor.
9. The Tailgate Grab Handle Could Become an External Vehicle Control
Ford’s external movement patent uses an unusual control mechanism by repurposing the existing pop-up grab handle on F-Series trucks with the tailgate step option. Pressing the handle sends signals to the vehicle’s control unit, allowing small forward or reverse movements. The pressure-sensitive system could vary movement based on how much force is applied or provide equal-size nudges. Originally designed to help users access the truck bed, the grab handle could therefore serve as a simple external vehicle-control interface.
Handle-Control Operation:
- Uses existing grab handle
- Pressure sends movement signals
- Forward nudging supported
- Reverse nudging supported
- Control unit manages movement
The pressure-based system turns the existing tailgate-step grab handle into an intuitive external vehicle-control input, eliminating the need for a separate remote. Different amounts or patterns of pressure could control longer movements or repeated small nudges, including when backing up. This gives the operator precise control while remaining outside the truck. The dual-purpose handle could therefore provide both bed access and vehicle movement control, showing how Ford could use existing truck hardware for additional functionality.
10. Safety Systems and Future Possibilities Could Expand Ford’s Truck Patents
Ford’s patent focuses on preventing unintended vehicle movement by requiring a specific handle-push-and-release sequence and possibly using a dead-man switch to confirm deliberate operation. These safety measures are important because the grab handle is designed to help users access the truck bed but could otherwise trigger vehicle movement accidentally. Future versions could also use a joystick-like control to let users guide the truck from outside, building on Ford’s existing remote Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology for other practical tasks.
Future Truck Technology:
- Dead-man switch proposed
- Accidental movement prevention
- Joystick concept possible
- Production remains uncertain
- Cost and durability challenges
These patents show how Ford sees pickup trucks evolving beyond a fixed bed toward more streamlined, secure, accessible, and functional designs. Fastback tonneau covers could improve airflow and cargo protection, while the external movable system targets specific job-site needs. Both would still need to overcome cost, weight, and durability challenges before reaching production. Along with other patents involving autonomous movement, self-repossessing vehicles, and new Bronco frame designs, they highlight the innovative possibilities Ford is exploring for future pickups.
