Chasing Improved Fuel Economy Numbers
Pickup truck beds offer a unique advantage unmatched by other vehicle body styles, thanks to their generous cargo capacity. That utility, however, comes with a trade-off: the open bed creates aerodynamic drag that hurts fuel economy, particularly at highway speeds. Stellantis appears to be seeking a solution to that drawback with a new patent called “Angled Bed Cap for Truck.”
Approved by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in late December 2025 (you can look it up yourself using document no. US-20250388273-A1), the technology uses panels integrated into the bed sidewalls that can be raised or retracted manually or via actuators.
When retracted, the panels remain hidden, avoiding interference with cargo or normal bed use. When deployed, they support a tonneau cover that tilts into an angled position, smoothing airflow over the bed to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel economy.
More Seamless Usability
The concept may sound familiar, as the aftermarket already offers angled bed caps, including a creative 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1-inspired design from a Michigan-based shop called the Aero X. What sets Stellantis’ approach apart is its more seamless integration. Rather than requiring owners to remove or replace their existing bed cap or tonneau cover, the patented system allows the bed to switch configurations without additional hardware swaps – a process that can otherwise be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
In addition, the patent references the potential use of a hinged or retractable spoiler designed to further improve airflow.
According to the report, the system relies on frame assemblies that operate within the existing bed structure, meaning “there's no intrusion into the usable cargo area.” As a result, the design could preserve bed usability and potentially work alongside current production features, such as the Ram 1500’s RamBox – Stellantis’ side-mounted cargo storage system integrated into the bed walls.
Aerodynamics Matter More Than Ever
As with most patents, however, there is no guarantee that this angled bed cap will reach production. Automakers often patent ideas to protect intellectual property or explore potential solutions without taking on the expense of bringing them to market.
Nevertheless, the concept reflects the broader pressures facing the industry. With fuel efficiency and EV range now critical selling points, manufacturers are increasingly looking for incremental aerodynamic gains—especially on traditionally drag-heavy vehicles like pickup trucks. Viewed in that context, the patented angled bed cap seems to be a step in the right direction for Stellantis.
The company offers pickup trucks in the U.S. market under the Ram brand, as well as Jeep models, specifically the Gladiator, which recently introduced a new comfort-focused trim called Sahara.
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