Full-size trucks dominate the American auto market, with Ford, GM, Ram, and Toyota selling a combined 2.15 million units in 2024—excluding HD and mid-size models. So General Motors’ recent patent application with the European Patent Office for a new type of tailgate design is a big deal. It claims that its new hinge mechanism does away with traditional tailgate stays like cables and rods.
Innovative Tailgate Hinge Eliminates Support Cables
Truck buyers are fiercely loyal to their brands and already have plenty of tailgate options, from split designs to integrated steps. But all tailgates rely on mechanical stays—rods, cables, or chains—to hold them in place.
GM says it can do away with these by incorporating all these functions into the hinge design. The patent drawings show a large-diameter hinge mechanism housing the pin, positioning cam, and locking pawl. The carmaker claims that this hinge can be held in any open position by engaging the locking pawl. It can then be released via a button on the bed sidewall.
Key features of GM’s patented hinge:
- No support cables required
- Tailgate locks in any position using a pawl mechanism
- Releases via a button on the bed sidewall
Strength and Execution Will Be Key to Success
For this design to replace what truck owners are accustomed to, it would need to be a game-changer. The hinge must be incredibly strong to overcome the leverage disadvantage at the tailgate’s pivot point and match the durability of existing systems. While eliminating cables is a clear advantage, the real test will be how well GM executes the design—something we and truck owners will be watching closely.
