What is this? Ford files a patent with the U.S. Patent Office that describes a way to modify your pickup truck in order to add a third axle (or a tandem rear axle system). The goal of this modification is to add payload capability and a larger bed to your pickup truck. Many people complain to say that modern crew cab pickup trucks have small beds. This is a remedy.
Thanks to our friends at CarBuzz for digging up this U.S. Patent information!
This relatively compact tandem rear axle setup would definitely increase the payload of a truck like the Ford F-150. The patent drawings show 6-lug axles (similar to the ones underneath the F-150). Could this be the rumored Ford F-200? We will have to wait and see.
Ford understands that having extra traction and power would be a benefit. The patent allows for the third axle to be powered by an electric motor (eAxle) that is fed by a relatively small battery. This would make this 6×6 pickup truck a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid.
What do you think? Naturally, just because a company files a patent does not mean this is going to production soon or ever. Many companies file patents to protect intellectual property. Ford brought their multi-function tailgate patents to life with the 2024 Ford F-150. However, this drawer tailgate did not see the light of day.
