Next-gen Ford F-150: Leave the House Behind?

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

Even before the pandemic and subsequent economic crash, much talk was being made about living in your car. Specifically, the vehicle of choice would be a spacious yet efficient van. It continues to this day in many corners of the Internet.

Ford apparently took this discourse to heart, reportedly adding a new feature to the upcoming 2021 F-150 pickup that makes home ownership unnecessary.

Preferable, yes, but unnecessary.

As Ford readies its next-generation full-sizer for public viewing in late June, Reuters reports that the model will gain a feature sure to make long-distance drivers, nervous campers, and the temporarily homeless cheer.

In addition to the over-the-air software updates awaiting the new model (a feature that should reduce trips to the service bay while keeping the model’s tech somewhat fresh), Ford plans to make like the defunct Nash Motors and offer an in-car sleep solution.

A person with knowledge of the vehicle tells Reuters that buyers can opt for a lay-flat passenger seat that mimics the lounging chairs you’d find in the ritziest airline cabins. “You can basically live in the truck,” the source claims.

Obviously an appealing feature, assuming usage doesn’t overlap with worry about missed payments. It isn’t known on what trims this seat will be offered. If worse comes to worse, you can opt for a low-end model with front bench seat, or just recline the best you can and try to catch some Zzzzs.

Spy photos of camouflaged prototypes reveal an evolutionary styling change, with Ford preferring to keep the radical alterations hidden. That includes the new OVA capability, as well as the hybrid variant slated to join the lineup in short order (a vehicle Ford touts as a mobile power solution). Within two years, customers will be able to get their hands on a fully electric version.

This week, the f150gen14 forum pointed out a teaser image offered alongside the model’s June 25th launch info (see header image above). Clearly, Ford didn’t take Tesla’s Cybertruck for a muse.

[Image: Ford]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • JMII JMII on Jun 19, 2020

    Given the size of these trucks its likely the interior space is larger then the bedroom in my first apartment. Having internet connectivity gives it another leg up on my first apartment. The price will be close that of my first house so this sleeper cab is starting to make sense.

  • Scott Scott on Jun 21, 2020

    My only question is, Wouldnt it make more sense for the rear bench to fold out into a bed in some fashion, rather than making the front passenger seat a recliner? I have had cars with the front seat the went all the way down, and while you could sleep on them they weren’t entirely comfortable.

  • Rishabh Ive actually seen the one unit you mentioned, driving around in gurugram once. And thats why i got curious to know more about how many they sold. Seems like i saw the only one!
  • Amy I owned this exact car from 16 until 19 (1990 to 1993) I miss this car immensely and am on the search to own it again, although it looks like my search may be in vane. It was affectionatly dubbed, " The Dragon Wagon," and hauled many a teenager around the city of Charlotte, NC. For me, it was dependable and trustworthy. I was able to do much of the maintenance myself until I was struck by lightning and a month later the battery exploded. My parents did have the entire electrical system redone and he was back to new. I hope to find one in the near future and make it my every day driver. I'm a dreamer.
  • Jeff Overall I prefer the 59 GM cars to the 58s because of less chrome but I have a new appreciation of the 58 Cadillac Eldorados after reading this series. I use to not like the 58 Eldorados but I now don't mind them. Overall I prefer the 55-57s GMs over most of the 58-60s GMs. For the most part I like the 61 GMs. Chryslers I like the 57 and 58s. Fords I liked the 55 thru 57s but the 58s and 59s not as much with the exception of Mercury which I for the most part like all those. As the 60s progressed the tail fins started to go away and the amount of chrome was reduced. More understated.
  • Theflyersfan Nissan could have the best auto lineup of any carmaker (they don't), but until they improve one major issue, the best cars out there won't matter. That is the dealership experience. Year after year in multiple customer service surveys from groups like JD Power and CR, Nissan frequency scrapes the bottom. Personally, I really like the never seen new Z, but after having several truly awful Nissan dealer experiences, my shadow will never darken a Nissan showroom. I'm painting with broad strokes here, but maybe it is so ingrained in their culture to try to take advantage of people who might not be savvy enough in the buying experience that they by default treat everyone like idiots and saps. All of this has to be frustrating to Nissan HQ as they are improving their lineup but their dealers drag them down.
  • SPPPP I am actually a pretty big Alfa fan ... and that is why I hate this car.
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