04:44 30-12-2025

Transformable angled bed cap patent aims to smooth Ram truck airflow

The open bed is a pickup’s greatest asset and, at the same time, its weak point: on the highway, an unloaded cargo box creates noticeable aerodynamic drag and worsens fuel consumption. Stellantis, which owns Ram, proposes a fix in a U.S.-approved patent for an Angled Bed Cap for Truck, granted in late December 2025.

The idea centers on a transformable setup: panels integrated into the bed sides can be raised and stowed either by hand or with actuators. Folded away, they stay out of sight and don’t interfere with hauling. Deployed, they support a tonneau cover set at an angle. This sloped surface is intended to smooth airflow over the bed and reduce resistance, which in theory should improve fuel efficiency or driving range.

Convenience is the through line here: because the system is built into the bed, there’s no constant swapping or juggling of accessories, unlike many aftermarket aero covers. The description also mentions a version with a spoiler to further tune the airstream. It separately stresses that the solution doesn’t eat into usable volume and is potentially compatible with built-in bedside compartments such as RamBox.

As with any patent, this is not a promise of production. The concept reads as a tidy answer to a familiar problem; the real benefit will hinge on seamless integration and whether the aerodynamic gains are noticeable in everyday driving.