[ad_1]
Ford is potentially looking to integrate a novel midgate pass-through feature into their pickup truck lineup, similar to what General Motors has done in the past. This was revealed through a patent application filing that Ford made public.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) disclosed the publication of Ford’s patent on May 2, with the initial filing dating back to October 31, 2022. According to the documents, the midgate design would enhance the capability of carrying extended-length items by allowing the separation wall between the truck’s cab and bed to fold down, thus expanding the cab into the cargo space.
2013 Chevrolet Avalanche
The concept was pioneered by GM during the early 2000s with their Chevrolet Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT pickups. This feature allowed the model to maintain interior space comparable to full-size SUVs while also having a cargo bed, all without increasing the vehicle’s length. However, there were concessions made in terms of simultaneous passenger and cargo carrying capacities, and security when the midgate was in use. When not in use, these GM models suffered from reduced bed space.
The midgate found new life with the introduction of GM’s electric pickups, including the Chevy Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV. Both are built on GM’s Ultium EV platform and possess unibody construction.
2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1
While it remains uncertain if Ford will bring this midgate feature to market, their patent application did make a case for its utility in unibody pickups. Ford’s own Maverick already utilizes unibody construction, and they have plans for a new EV pickup with a fresh, EV-specific architecture, which could potentially employ the midgate design.
[ad_2]
FAQs About Ford’s Midgate Design
- What is a midgate in a pickup truck?
A midgate is a foldable partition between the cab and the bed of a truck, which when folded down, can extend the storage space into the cab area, allowing for the transportation of longer items. - Has Ford released a truck with a midgate feature yet?
As of the current information, Ford has not released a truck with a midgate feature. The patent application indicates interest, but there is no confirmation on an actual release. - What advantages does a midgate provide?
A midgate allows for greater versatility in cargo management, offering the ability to carry longer items that would not typically fit in the bed of a pickup truck. - Are there any downsides to a midgate?
One notable downside is the inability to carry both a full load of passengers and cargo simultaneously, as well as potential security issues, as the cab cannot be fully secured with the midgate in use. - Which Ford models might see the implementation of a midgate?
The patent application suggests that the midgate could be useful in unibody pickups, potentially indicating that models like the Ford Maverick or upcoming Ford electric pickups could be candidates for this feature.
Conclusion
The prospect of Ford adopting a midgate pass-through feature for its pickup trucks reflects the ever-evolving landscape of vehicle design, marked by the push for greater versatility and utility. While the patent filing taps into the imagination of what could be possible with Ford’s future pickups, the tangible benefits, and potential trade-offs, underscore the complexities of integrating such a feature. It creates anticipation among truck enthusiasts and industry watchers who are eager to see if Ford will roll out this design in upcoming models, reviving a concept that offers unique solutions to logistical challenges faced by truck owners.
