The Blue Oval has designed a promising system that turns its retro-styled SUV intro an overlanding-ready abode.Following the reintroduction of the Bronco nameplate, Ford hasn't wasted any time turning the icon into a sub-brand of its own, and on multiple fronts.From retro-styled heritage editions to Vaughn Gittin Jr. RTRs to refined Filson co-branding exercises, the Bronco has spawned a variety of looks and themes to cater to different crowds.Ford's sleeping setup builds on the idea of using the back row for a platform with clever integrations. - Credit: Ford / USPTOBut now it appears Ford may also be looking to explore the Bronco's overlanding potential with an innovative sleeping system. While there's no guarantee that it'll hit production, there's a lot to chew on, and it's incredibly promising.Elevated Bronco integrationThe concept is depicted in US 2026/0233661 A1, as surfaced by Ford Authority. The Blue Oval doesn't expressly call out the Bronco by name, though the pictured SUV leaves little to the imagination.A compatible mattress topper and front seat integrations make the platform far more advanced than a simple drop-in design. - Credit: Ford / USPTOIn any event, it's a clever system. Ford builds on the idea of using the second row as a sleeping platform by integrating it directly into the seats. When stowed, it serves as a back wall to the trunk space.AdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, folding down the row then allows the panel to be fully deployed, at which point it can extend and even sprout legs. Moreover, in some drawings, Ford pictures it locking directly into the front seatbacks for added stability.Ford envisions the front seats with integrated supports. - Credit: Ford / USPTOIn combination with other features like a 60/40 split, a compatible mattress topper, shelving for gear and an insect-proof net for open-air ventilation, the patent envisions respectable overnight capabilities built directly into the vehicle. That alone would be a meaningful step beyond what's available today.However, Ford's system has even more in mind.A complete camping system That's because, along with the primary inner sleeping setup, the Blue Oval has also designed a secondary outer platform to mount on the roof. A pass-through in combination with a retractable sunroof top makes the Bronco a two-level abode. - Credit: Ford / USPTOTogether with a design for a retractable central sunroof configuration, it literally promises to take car camping to the next level. Ford pictures the combination with an ingress offering a direct pass-through, the upper accessible from within the cabin rather than an exterior ladder. AdvertisementAdvertisementAccordingly, the system allows the secondary level to serve a variety of different roles. Some documents show a more traditional clamshell-folding rooftop tent setup, but others envision it acting as an elevated deck or standing upward for a different kind of abode.Ford even put a dog in the drawings. Is there really any more you need? - Credit: Ford / USPTOAdd to that struts anchoring the platform over the hood and other clever provisions, and there's a lot to be excited about. While patents don't guarantee that Ford has the premise greenlit for production, I certainly hope something similar makes it to market. (And I don't even have a Bronco.)About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.AdvertisementAdvertisementWant to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.
