Angled Truck Bed Cap: What Stellantis’ New Patent Filing Could Mean for Future Ram Pickups
- Rick Paletta
- Jan 2
- 5 min read
Pickup owners love the open bed—until they’re cruising at highway speeds with nothing in it. That empty box can create turbulence and drag, which is one reason trucks tend to use more fuel (or battery) on longer drives.
That’s why a newly published Stellantis filing—covered by MoparInsiders and picked up by outlets like Road & Track—is getting attention: an “angled bed cap” that can shift between a normal tonneau look and a more aerodynamic, fastback-style profile.
Key Takeaways
Stellantis has a published patent application for an angled, transforming bed cap/cover concept (not a guaranteed production feature).
The goal is improved aerodynamics without giving up normal tailgate and bed use.
The design uses panels integrated into the bed sidewalls plus a front support panel to create a continuous sloped surface from cab to tailgate.
A deployable rear spoiler is also described as part of the concept.
Aerodynamics matter most at highway speeds—Natural Resources Canada notes that at those speeds, much of a truck’s energy is spent pushing air, and aero devices can reduce drag and save fuel (see NRCan’s guidance on “Focus on aerodynamics” in Tips for better driving and equipment).
What is an “angled truck bed cap,” exactly?
Think of it as a bed cover that can temporarily make your pickup’s profile more “fastback” when you want better airflow—then return to a more conventional bed setup when you need full utility.
Instead of a fixed wedge-style cap (which can limit tall cargo), the concept described in coverage is transformable, aiming to deliver efficiency benefits on the highway while staying practical day-to-day.
Why pickup aerodynamics are such a big deal
Aerodynamics isn’t just an EV buzzword. The faster you go, the more energy it takes to push air out of the way. That’s why manufacturers keep exploring drag-reduction ideas—especially as electrified pickups become more common and buyers care more about highway efficiency and real-world range.
NRCan’s fleet-focused resources are blunt about it: at highway speeds, aerodynamic improvements can produce measurable savings (source: Natural Resources Canada).
How Stellantis’ angled bed cap concept is described
Based on reporting from MoparInsiders and the technical rundown in Road & Track, here’s the gist:
Hidden sidewall panels that rise when needed
A key detail is rising panels integrated into the bed’s sidewalls. When deployed, they support the cover at an upward angle. When retracted, they’re meant to tuck away so the bed behaves more normally.
A front support section that meets the cover
The concept includes a front support panel that extends rearward from the cab area to meet the lifted cover—creating a smooth, sloped surface from cab to the rear of the truck.
A deployable rear spoiler
There’s also mention of a small deployable spoiler integrated into the rear of the cover, intended to help manage airflow as air leaves the back of the vehicle.
Powered or manual actuation
The filing (as summarized in coverage) allows for actuators or manual positioning—which matters because simpler, robust solutions tend to win with truck owners over time.
Tailgate usability remains a priority
One of the practical highlights: the design is described as keeping normal tailgate operation and not permanently sacrificing bed space.
Patent application vs. “it’s coming soon”
One important nuance from the original MoparInsiders article is the update noting this is a Patent Application Publication—meaning it’s publicly published, but that doesn’t automatically mean the idea is “secured,” and it definitely doesn’t guarantee you’ll see it on a production truck.
In plain terms: patents and patent applications are often a window into what engineers are exploring, not a promise of what will hit the lot.
What this could mean for Ram truck owners in the real world
If you actually use your pickup as a pickup, the interesting part is the attempt to reduce the usual trade-offs:
1) Efficiency without permanently shrinking the bed
Fixed angled caps can reduce cargo height. A transformable system aims to give you an “aero mode” for cruising and a “work mode” for hauling.
2) A signal of where truck design is heading
Even if this exact mechanism never reaches production, it supports a broader trend: adaptive truck features that switch between capability and efficiency instead of forcing you to choose one forever.
3) More relevance as trucks electrify
Aero gains matter for gas trucks, but they can be even more noticeable for EVs at sustained highway speeds—where drag becomes a major factor in consumption.
The practical questions that will decide whether it’s worth it
If Stellantis (or any automaker) ever brings something like this to market, these are the make-or-break points:
Durability in winter: moving panels + seals + possible actuators must handle ice, slush, and road salt.
Cost vs. benefit: the fuel/range improvement has to justify complexity.
Visibility: an angled rear profile can affect sightlines, even with modern cameras.
Want better aero now? Simple, proven moves
While we wait to see if anything like this becomes real-world hardware:
Use a quality tonneau cover when the bed is empty.
Keep accessories streamlined (big racks and bulky add-ons can increase drag).
Drive smarter on the highway: speed increases aerodynamic losses quickly—steady, moderate cruising often pays off.
For the “why,” NRCan’s notes on highway aero are a good reference: Tips for better driving and equipment.
Conclusion
Stellantis’ angled truck bed cap patent filing is interesting because it targets a real-world problem—drag—without (in theory) asking owners to give up the bed’s core purpose. Whether it ever reaches production or not, it’s a clear hint at what the next era of pickups will chase: capability first, smarter efficiency when it counts.
If you’re in Burlington and you’re thinking about your next truck—whether that’s a newer Ram or a well-vetted used pickup—Unique Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM can help you compare real-world ownership factors (efficiency, practicality, warranty coverage, and the features that actually fit your life). When you’re ready, book a test drive and we’ll talk through the options clearly.
FAQ
Is Stellantis’ angled bed cap a real production feature?
Not at this point. It’s been described in a published filing, and not every patent application becomes a production part (see the update noted in the MoparInsiders coverage).
Would it improve fuel economy or EV range?
That’s the intent. Aero improvements matter most at highway speeds, and NRCan notes aerodynamic devices can reduce drag and save fuel at those speeds (Natural Resources Canada).
Is this basically a tonneau cover or a full cap?
It reads like a hybrid: a tonneau-style cover that can transform into an angled, cap-like profile using integrated supports (summarized in Road & Track).
Does it still let you use the tailgate normally?
The reporting highlights that maintaining normal tailgate operation is part of the concept (see Road & Track and MoparInsiders).
Does a patent filing mean Stellantis will definitely build it?
No. It’s a signal of exploration and protection of an idea—not a guarantee of production.
Until then, check out Unique Chrysler’s in-stock RAM lineup anytime. If you’re looking for a bed cap or tonneau setup, we can help you explore options and order the right bed cap for your truck.
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