Ford Motor Company has filed a new patent outlining a modular bed rail system that could one day appear on future Ford pickup trucks. The concept continues Ford’s long-running focus on improving cargo management and overall bed utility for truck owners.
The patent was filed on April 19th, 2024, published on October 23rd, 2025, and assigned serial number 0326443.
Ford has published numerous patents in recent years centered on making pickup beds more flexible and functional. In August 2024, the automaker revealed a bed utility system concept, followed by a trademark filing for the name “Gridrack” earlier this year. While no production products tied to that name have been released yet, this latest patent adds another piece to the puzzle.
According to the filing, the proposed modular bed rail system would use rails mounted along the upper edges of each bed side. These rails would serve as attachment points for a wide variety of accessories, including hooks, ratchet straps, storage bins, and lighting elements. The accessories could slide forward and backward along the rails, allowing users to position them exactly where they are needed.
This type of system could make it easier for owners to organize tools, secure cargo, and access gear without having to climb into the bed or remove permanently mounted hardware. By keeping accessories modular and adjustable, Ford aims to add versatility without sacrificing cargo space.
As with all patent filings, this modular bed rail system does not guarantee future production. However, it highlights Ford’s continued investment in practical truck-focused innovation designed to make pickups even more useful for work, recreation, and everyday tasks.
“Submitting patent applications is a normal part of any strong business as the process protects new ideas and helps us build a robust portfolio of intellectual property,” Ford said in a statement. “The ideas described within a patent application should not be viewed as an indication of our business or product plans. No matter what the patent application outlines, we will always put the customer first in the decision-making behind the development and marketing of new products and services.”