Ram Develops Tilting Truck Bed Cover That Could Improve Fuel Economy and EV Range

Ram Doubles Down on Active Aero for Pickups

Last year, Ram quietly introduced a truck bed cover designed to improve aerodynamics. At first, it seemed like one of those clever ideas that rarely make it past the drawing board. But it seems like the automaker is quite serious about it.

Ram has filed a new patent, and this version looks more refined than before. Spotted first by CarBuzz, the application was filed with the USPTO in October 2024 under patent number 20260116479 (you can look it up yourself) and published last week. Clearly, Ram is still working on the concept instead of letting it fade away.

A More Complex Take on the Same Idea

The first version was a straightforward adjustable bed cover, but his new patent takes things up a notch. From the diagrams and descriptions, the setup now includes linkages, arms, and a frame that lets the cover tilt up behind the cab.

Rather than lying flat like a typical tonneau, the cover can be tilted up. It acts more like a ramp, channeling air from the cab over the bed. The idea is to reduce the turbulence that usually forms in an open pickup bed, which adds drag.

What’s interesting is how the mechanism actually works this time. The cover uses several slats, much like a roll-up tonneau, but they’re mounted on a movable frame. Side linkages and supports handle the shifting, so the cover can go from flat to angled as needed.

Compared to the first patent, this setup is less of a bolt-on accessory and more of an active system. It shows Ram is taking active aerodynamics seriously, not just tweaking what’s already out there.

Still a Long Way From Your Driveway

There’s a real-world benefit here, at least in theory. A tilting tonneau that smooths airflow could improve fuel economy or add a bit more range to electric trucks. That matters more as pickups go electric or have some form of electrification like the upcoming range-extended Ram 1500 REV, since drag becomes a bigger deal at highway speeds.

But like most patents, this doesn’t guarantee we’ll see it on the road. Automakers often file for ideas that never make it to production, whether because of cost, complexity, or not enough real-world payoff.

Still, the fact that Ram keeps refining the idea means it’s not off the table yet. Maybe it becomes a production feature or maybe just an accessory. Or maybe it will fade away. For now, it’s proof that even the basics of a pickup bed are still up for reinvention.

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