If you’ve ever driven a truck or SUV long enough, you’ve probably heard it—that faint but persistent rattle from the rear. It’s the kind of thing that doesn’t show up on a spec sheet but can drive you crazy on a bumpy road. Now, some smart people at Mitsubishi may have found a fix.
A recently published patent reveals a reinforced tailgate design with a built-in vibration damper, aimed at making those rear doors stronger, quieter, and more refined. While it sounds like a small tweak, the tech could be a big deal for owners who value a solid, shake-free ride.
How Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Tailgate Works
According to the patent, the tailgate’s construction still starts with the basics:
- Outer panel – the painted, visible part of the tailgate you see from the outside.
- Inner panel – the structural inside portion you see when the tailgate is open.
- Rear glass – the back window.
The innovation comes from how the inner structure is reinforced. There’s a main stiffening bar running horizontally just below the rear window, giving the upper section rigidity. From each end of that bar, diagonal reinforcements extend downward toward the center and bottom of the tailgate, forming a sturdy triangular framework.
At the corners where these horizontal and diagonal elements meet, Mitsubishi has placed mounting spots for a dynamic damper—a small but clever device designed to absorb and dissipate vibrations. The result? Less flex, fewer rattles, and a tighter, more premium feel when you’re on the move.
Why It Matters for SUVs and Trucks
Tailgates take a lot of abuse—slamming shut, supporting heavy loads, and flexing over uneven terrain. Over time, even a well-built one can start to creak or buzz, especially in larger vehicles where the panel is big and exposed.
By strategically reinforcing the structure and adding a vibration damper, Mitsubishi’s design tackles two key pain points at once: strength and noise control. That means better durability over the long haul and a more refined driving experience right out of the gate. Owners might notice the difference most on rough roads, when towing, or even just during highway cruising, where wind and body movement can cause a tailgate to shimmy. With this setup, the back end should feel noticeably more solid and silent.
Could This Be the New Standard?
While this patent doesn’t guarantee we’ll see the design in production immediately, it makes a lot of sense—especially as automakers push to make trucks and SUVs feel more like luxury vehicles inside. Reducing rattles isn’t just about comfort; it’s about perceived quality.
If Mitsubishi moves forward with this tech, it could become a selling point not just for hardcore off-roaders, but for anyone who wants their vehicle to feel tight and well-built for years to come. And if it works as intended, those pesky tailgate rattles might just become a thing of the past.
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