Ram’s Third-Row Truck Patent: What the Future of Pickup Seating Might Look Like

Ram’s Third-Row Truck Patent: What the Future of Pickup Seating Might Look Like

Ram is taking a bold step in its truck design — a recent patent reveals a three-row seating layout for a full-size pickup, potentially bringing a feature long reserved for SUVs into the truck world. Carscoops+2CarBuzz+2

What the Patent Shows

• The patent (US 20240217404 A1) describes removable jump seats mounted to the rear wall of the cab, behind the second row. MotorBiscuit

• These jump seats can fold down for use, or fold up and tuck away when not needed. CarBuzz+2Carscoops+2

• Impressively, the seats are designed to be detachable, meaning they can be removed from the cab entirely. According to the filing, they could even be mounted to the tailgate or other flat surfaces outside the vehicle. Carscoops

• The idea behind their design is very similar to the third-row jump seats that were featured in the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV concept. HD Rams+1

• According to CarBuzz, the patent also suggests that the seat’s backrest is fixed, while the bottom portion rotates when deployed. CarBuzz

Why It Matters

1. More Seating Without a Minivan
   If Ram actually builds this, it could give buyers a seven-person pickup — something very few trucks on the market can offer without becoming a large SUV or van. MotorBiscuit+2American Cars And Racing+2

2. Flexible Use Case
   The removable nature of the seats provides real versatility. Ram’s patent shows how you can take the seats out to gain cargo space, or use them for tailgate hangouts by mounting them externally. Carscoops

3. Designed for Occasional Use
   Several reports note that the third-row design seems optimized more for “occasional” use — likely for kids or short trips — rather than full-time adult seating. Guide Auto Web

4. Production Is Not Guaranteed (Yet)
   As with all patents, it’s not a guarantee that the design will reach production. CarBuzz But the fact that Ram has patented this layout suggests that it’s at least considering the option seriously.

How It Connects to the 1500 Revolution BEV Concept

• The Ram Revolution BEV Concept, revealed at CES, already included third-row jump seats built into a powered mid-gate — a feature that matches closely with the patent drawings. Motor1.com+2Motor1+2

• In that concept, the lower section of the mid-gate (where the jump seats are mounted) is fully removable — giving a very modular cabin layout. Motor1

• According to HD Rams, the patent explicitly describes how the seats can detach and be repositioned, reinforcing that the concept’s styling isn’t just for show. HD Rams

Challenges & Considerations

• Space Constraints: The patent implies limited legroom, so these seats are likely not intended for full-size adults. Le Guide de l’auto

• Design Trade-Offs: To make room for the third row, the patent suggests shifting the second row forward, which could affect comfort. Carscoops

• Manufacturing Cost: Removable and folding seats add complexity, which could increase production costs.

• Market Demand: Ram will have to weigh whether enough buyers want a three-row pickup versus existing SUV options.

Final Thoughts

Ram’s patent for a third-row jump seat system is one of the most intriguing pickup innovations in recent years. If it makes it to production, it could open the door to a truck that’s as practical for family road trips as it is for cargo hauling. But for now, it remains just that: a patent. Whether it becomes real depends on consumer demand, engineering feasibility, and how Ram’s future electric and ICE truck roadmaps evolve.