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.

  • Cprescott I'm sure this won't matter to the millions of deceived Honduh owners who think the company that once prided itself on quality has somehow slipped in the real world. Same for Toyoduhs. Resting on our Laurel's - Oh, what a feeling!
  • Jrhurren I had this happen numerous times with my former Accord. It usually occurred when on a slow right curve in the road. Somehow the system would get confused and think the opposite lane (oncoming traffic) was an impending head-on collision.
  • Cprescott The Ford Shamaro is ugly, thick bodied, and a Mustang pretender.
  • Analoggrotto Speaking of mud, does anyone here enjoy naked mud wrestling?
  • Jkross22 Nope. Too expensive, too little wear. Besides, there are so many great all seasons that are great to use that last longer, the use case for summer tires has gotten smaller.
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