Ford’s new truck patent outlines rooftop camping setup

Ford filed rooftop camping patent in 2024

In 2024, Ford filed the “Shelter System Having Deployable Platform” patent, which was published in August 2025. The design was for an overlanding pop-top for pickup trucks, not SUVs.

When stowed, the system is stored in an angled aerodynamic configuration as a tonneau cover while keeping the truck bed available for cargo. The angled shape was intended to reduce aerodynamic drag without reducing storage space in the truck bed.

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the actual patent drawings from Ford’s filing.

Tent extended over cab with strut supports

Building on that design, the rooftop tent extended over the cab when deployed. Built-in receivers were designed to hold front struts, which replaced the need for a rear rack standard for truck tent setups.

When stowed, the platform and side panels act as an aerodynamic shield over the bed to reduce drag (and improve range on EVs). The platform is not intended to be raised while the vehicle is moving.

Patent drawings showed electric pickup

Because the application emphasizes efficiency, it explicitly references battery-electric and plug-in hybrid trucks and notes that the stowed platform may increase driving range.

The figures show a compact pickup silhouette; no specific model is identified. As of August 2025, Ford’s only production electric pickup is the F-150 Lightning, while the Maverick lineup consists of a non-plug-in hybrid and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost gas model.

Restored 1972 Ford F-250 body details

While Ford’s patent looked to the future, a 1972 Ford F-250 crew-cab 4×4 from the last year of the fifth-generation F-Series showed a link to the past. It underwent a nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration.

The body kept its original shape and was refinished using all-PPG materials in Wimbledon White. The truck was built on the first Roadster Shop RS4 chassis created for bump-side crew-cab Fords with a bed. It had front and rear DANA 60 axles with a 4.56 gear ratio and Truetrac differential.

Godzilla engine and transmission upgrades

That restored truck’s performance came from a 7.3-liter Godzilla crate engine producing over 500 horsepower. A recalibrated MARS control pack helped the engine reach this output.

It was paired with a 10R80 ten-speed automatic transmission and an Atlas transfer case. Exhaust flow was managed by a custom stainless steel exhaust system with a MagnaFlow muffler.

Wheels, tires, and braking system

The truck was fitted with 18-inch Detroit steel wheels with original polished hubcaps to handle that power. These wheels were paired with Toyo Open Country M/T tires for off-road use.

Hydro-boosted disc brakes were installed to provide strong stopping power. The drivetrain and chassis upgrades made the vehicle suitable for high-performance and heavy-duty tasks.

Interior features and auction listing

Inside, the restored truck featured brown leather seats and matching brown door panels. The dashboard was updated with Dakota Digital RTX gauges and an Ididit tilt steering wheel.

A RetroSound Bluetooth radio was also added. The restored 1972 Ford F-250 was listed for sale at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction in early October 2024 with no reserve price.

Ford announced $2 billion Kentucky project

Not long after that auction, Ford’s attention returned to modern trucks. On August 11, 2025, the company announced a $2 billion plan to retool the Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky for electric vehicle production. The facility had produced gas-powered vehicles for 70 years.

CEO Jim Farley described the project as one of the most significant of his career. The announcement came as the Trump administration removed the $7,500 federal EV tax credit for buyers.

First electric vehicle planned for 2027

According to Edmunds, Ford planned to release its first electric model from that Kentucky plant in 2027. It would be a midsize four-door electric pickup truck designed to seat five adults and achieve a 0–60 mph time similar to a Mustang EcoBoost.

It would be powered by lower-cost batteries manufactured at a Ford plant in Michigan. Ford had previously invested $3 billion into building that battery production facility.

New platform and assembly method

Ford’s Universal EV Platform/Production System targets 20% fewer parts, 25% fewer fasteners, up to 40% fewer workstations, and a net 15% assembly-speed improvement, using an ‘assembly tree’ of three sub-assemblies that merge on the final line.

Instead of a single conveyor line, the “assembly tree” method would use three subassembly lines that merge into one final line for completion.

Jobs created and production targets

These manufacturing changes were expected to support employment. The Kentucky plant investment would secure 2,200 hourly jobs. With the Michigan battery plant, Ford’s $5 billion investment would create or keep about 4,000 direct jobs.

The planned electric pickup was targeted to have a starting price of around $30,000. Ford aimed to compete with affordable Chinese electric vehicles while keeping production in the United States.

Bigfoot Cruiser package introduction

Well before its modern EV push, Ford had created a special edition inspired by off-road culture. In December 1986, the company introduced the Bigfoot Cruiser package for the Ranger, F-150, and F-250 models in XLT Lariat trim.

Scherer Truck Equipment handled modifications, including larger wheels, Bigfoot-themed decals, and other accessories that resemble the famous monster truck.

Features of full-size and Ranger versions

Those full-size Bigfoot Cruisers, the F-150 and F-250, had Monroe shocks lifting the suspension, Weld wheels, and 33-inch BF Goodrich tires.

They also included a Westin double roll bar with KC HiLites spotlights, Westin chrome bumpers, a Besstop tonneau cover, and an optional Warn winch. The Ranger version had nearly identical visual modifications but used smaller tires because 33-inch tires did not fit the wheel wells.

Engine options for Bigfoot Cruisers

Under the hood, the F-150 Bigfoot Cruiser offered a 185-hp 5.0-liter Windsor V8 with a four-speed manual transmission or a 210-hp 5.8-liter Windsor V8 with an automatic transmission.

The F-250 Bigfoot Cruiser had a 230-hp 460 big-block V8 with a four-speed manual. Full-size versions had a standard limited-slip differential and heavy-duty cooling system to improve off-road performance.

Debate grows over whether electric trucks can truly match diesel towing capabilities. Details in can an electric truck really tow like a diesel?

Recall and surviving examples

By Oct 1987, Ford recalled the Bigfoot Cruiser trucks to address oversize tire interference, incompatible wheel/lug nuts, and safety concerns with added equipment/wiring; contemporary reports cite ‘more than 500’ to ‘nearly 1,000’ affected vehicles

Isuzu’s latest electric truck offers strong performance but comes with a steep price tag. Full story in New Isuzu electric truck delivers power at a high cost.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.