Ford designs expandable steps for the rear bumper of the pickup

The power running board and built-in bumper step are common features of the new pickup truck, but the new Ford patent application effectively it

This application was published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on 5/21/2021 and filed by Ford, the pickup It is for the deployable steps of the rear bumper of the truck and may facilitate access to the bed, especially when the truck is lifted.

As described in the patent application, the step assembly will fit into the truck's trailer hitch receiver. When the step is in use, the arm rotates down from the mounting point. For the rest of the time, you can push the step into the bumper so that it does not get in the way.

For trucks with air suspension, you can also connect the step to the onboard controller to instruct the rear suspension to be lowered when the step is in use, Ford says in the application. So the truck knelt like a city bus, bringing the step closer to the ground.

This application specifically deals with trucks with tailgate doors.This is a feature just introduced in the refreshed 2024Ford F-150 full-size pickup. Dubbed with a pro-access tailgate, the door can be opened with a clasp to stop at a 37-, 70-, or 100-degree angle.

This is one of several updates of the 2024 model 1, with modified styling, a larger screen, trim levels and a modified Rai F-150Raptor r grade of powertrain also receiving even more power.

The rear bumper step did not cut, but it was designed to be used in combination with the tailgate door, so perhaps Ford will add it to the production car in the future.