Ford wants to take fenders to another level with more storage space for off-roaders

New Ford designs include illuminating new storage methods for outdoor enthusiasts.

Ford is considering extending the purpose of fenders on its vehicles by incorporating storage units.

“According to the documentation filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Ford is making fenders more functional,” CarBuzz said. “The drawings depict the long-dead Flex, but we assume that the idea would be best utilized in something like the Ford Bronco.”

Ford’s design includes a replaceable outer panel for the fender with a hollow design that would allow for extra storage behind the panel, such as dirty items that you don’t want to be sitting with you inside your vehicle. Ford gives the example of a small shovel.

Experts believe this technology would be a good fit for models such as the Ford Bronco that attract a large crowd of off-roading outdoor enthusiasts focused on function rather than cosmetic appeal.

CarBuzz reported that the area inside the fender could be compartmentalized to allocate space for multiple items to be stored and possibly add sturdy steps that will allow people to stand on it.

Ford is apparently considering illuminating the fender area. "What is proposed is that the entire fender could be coated in a so-called glow-in-the-dark paint, which could emit light drawn from either an ultraviolet LED fitting or another electrical source," CarBuzz says.