Well, after yesterday's gamut of bad news, here's something that should make any Ram owner smile, at least a little. Filings with the U.S. patent office appear to show plans to add an in-bed ATV loading ramp to upcoming Dodge Ram models.
The plans describe two channels that run the length of the truck bed as well as the lowered tailgate. The ramps would slide out of the channels and attach to a rung at the end of the tailgate, which would allow them to be placed anywhere laterally on the tailgate itself to accommodate different wheelbases. Since the ramps themselves are only the length of the bed, they store in the channels when not in use, which keeps them out of the way.
If nothing else, it's an interesting way to solve the space problem. It remains to be seen how close to final these designs are, since they could potentially be an issue with keeping the channels from getting filled with debris or, say, mud off the tires of a motorcycle or ATV. Either way, it's good to see that the eggheads at FCA are still working to make Ram the best truck brand they can.