Future Ford models could get automated flat-tow tech

Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for an automated flat-tow system that could appear in future Ford vehicles. The patent, filed on December 13, 2024, and published on June 18, 2026, with serial number 0167211, aims to simplify the process of flat towing—a method where a vehicle is towed on all four wheels behind a larger recreational vehicle. This allows travelers to detach the vehicle at their destination and use it for local driving or off-road activities. While not all vehicles support flat towing, models like the Ford Bronco and Ford Maverick do. The patented system would automatically adjust vehicle settings when in neutral tow mode, such as engaging climate control recirculation and shifting the transfer case to neutral, reducing the risk of damage from improper procedures. Ford emphasized that patent filings are part of standard business practice to protect intellectual property and do not necessarily indicate future product plans, as customer needs always guide development decisions.