GM’s Innovative Tailgate Extension Designs
It seems like every pickup owner has this expectation that they will need to carry more than six feet worth of stuff. Trucks like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, Ford Maverick, or even the Chevrolet Colorado often face criticism for having beds shorter than seven feet. Bed extenders might be a potential solution; however, what if you didn’t need to take up valuable bed space and could still achieve an extension that integrates seamlessly with your tailgate? Moreover, we’ve seen Ford patent a similar concept, and it appears GM is also entering the extending bed arena with its own unique patent.
A Fancy Tailgate Extension
How can GM claim its idea is different from Ford’s design? GM’s approach may look like a reimagined tailgate extension, yet it incorporates some clever additional features. The tailgate features a lift-up panel that retains long cargo effectively, complemented by side panels that enclose this new available length. These panels attach to the tailgate panel, creating a second point to secure the new bed walls. According to the GM patent, this innovative design could extend the cargo bed to “at least eight feet long,” primarily targeting six-foot beds.
The interesting aspect of this secondary tailgate is its loading flexibility. Based on the patent details, the secondary gate folds back, functioning as a support or wall beneath the primary tailgate. Additionally, this double tailgate could incorporate a cargo box similar to the compact cargo boxes found in current Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon models. However, clarity is needed on how these cargo boxes would be sheltered while the tailgate is positioned for extension, as the only coverage comes from the secondary tailgate.
A Sliding Bed
Earlier this year, GM released a patent for another extension concept, distinct from the aforementioned design. This one resembles Ford’s approach by allowing the rear section of the truck bed to slide out and extend the cargo floor along with the sides. The cargo box would consist of a two-level floor, with the upper section moving in conjunction with the extension system. This requires a support structure, to which the bumper, tailgate, and trailer hitch receiver attach, ensuring that GM owners retain towing capabilities—a feature less evident in the proposed Ford bed extension.
The system describes two drives—one for the extension and another for adjusting the upper floor’s position. However, the reasoning behind the necessity for two separate actuators remains unclear, as it seems they adjust the floor only for its length.
This suggests that the tailgate extension design is more likely to be realized commercially. It demands fewer mechanical components, making implementation simpler, possibly even as a dealer-installed accessory. Essentially, you would only need the additional components for the extending bedsides and a replacement for the existing tailgate. That said, a patent does not assure that a product will ever hit the market, so it is advisable to refrain from asking your dealer about it just yet.
