--- title: "Ford Wants to Offer a Bolt-On Third Axle for the F-150" description: "A recent Ford patent filing shows off a potential bolt-on third axle, which could increase the F-150's payload capacity." date: "2023-09-17" modified: "2023-09-17" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/ford-wants-to-offer-a-bolt-on-third-axle-for-the-f-150" categories: - "Ford News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "F-150" - "Ford" - "pickup" --- # Ford Wants to Offer a Bolt-On Third Axle for the F-150 ![]() *Ford* Converting pickups in to three-axle, six-wheeled monsters isn't anything entirely new. However, they're typically done on the aftermarket, with companies like [Hennessey]() and [Rezvani]() adding third axles to existing pickups for extra performance. However, it seems [Ford]() wants to give customers the option to add another axle to their [F-150]() pickups right at the dealer, according to a new patent found by [*CarBuzz*](). Ford's new patent, filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office ([USPTO]()), shows a bolt-on third axle that can be added at any time. However, it isn't for off-road performance or pure badassery (though, that's certainly a side affect). Instead, this additional axle is made to increase the F-150's payload capacity. Ford previously offered a Heavy Payload Package for the F-150 but dropped it for the 2024 model year, as it was overly expensive to produce and wasn't a popular option. According to Ford's patent filing, this bolt-on third axle would be cheaper to produce and allow customers too add it even after they've already taken delivery of their truck. ![]() **USPTO** ![]() **USPTO** Even more interesting is the potential to electrify the third axle. While the extra axle would be a lazy axle that isn't powered by the engine, Ford recognizes that customers might need extra power if they're carrying extra weight. An electric motor on the third axle, powered by a small battery, would turn the F-150 into a plug-in hybrid and give the engine a hand with some extra torque. There's still a question of bodywork, though. Ford would have to package some sort of modified wheel arch kit for the bed, to accommodate the third axle and two extra wheels. If body modifications are made to the bed, though, that could make the third axle a permanent addition to the truck. ![]() **USPTO** ![]() **USPTO** Depending on the cost, this could be a very interesting option for F-150 owners. If it's affordable enough, I can see F-150 owners adding this third axle to their trucks just to have the look of a 6x6 pickup, even if the third axle is lazy. But for owners that might actually need the added payload capacity, this could be both cool looking and helpful. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()