DIY temporary tonneau / bed cover?

[kozak79]

I'm definitely going to do this.

Looks like Veranda also sells a full 4x8ft sheet of this stuff for $100 so that's a cheaper option than buying individual boards. What weather stripping or seals did you use and how's the strength with a load on top? Would it be worthwhile to add some aluminum c channel on the underside to help carry weight on top?

I think I'm going to make it in two piece panels so it all folds up nicely and keeps the hinges on the inside.

Cellular PVC will not hold any weight, so don't plan on putting anything on top. I used this weather stripping:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z4PKBC5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The 4x8 sheet is cheaper, but it's kinda heavy and hard to work with. If you can get it home and cut it, then it's worth it.

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[SamDoe1]

Get it home isn't a problem, good thing I have a truck.

Cutting not an issue either, I have a full woodshop with a big table saw.

Definitely will plan on finding a way to reinforce it though. We get a ton of snow here so the ability to carry some load is desirable not to mention I want it to not flex in between joints unevenly while driving due to wind forces. Thinking I'll epoxy some aluminum C or L extrusions to the underside to hide any fasteners and use that to carry moderate loads.

 

[Darnell]

Hi, just got my R1T and it had no cover at all. Here is what I did:
Bought a 228 dollar Ford Maverick cover off Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3MGFX2Z?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details. You need to modify install a bit,
You use the cover "tunnel" to mount/slide the brackets into and screw down the cover.
Replace the included wing screws (they are too wide for Rivian side plastic mold) with M6 nuts.
I flipped the included brackets upside down to get tighter grip
The back locking bolts won't work because they hit the plastic side of the Rivian bed, so I bought two heavy duty Bungy cords that locks the back. works like a charm.

Thanks so much for sharing this. I ordered the Maverick cover. It was easy to install thanks to your advice. It is secure and looks great. Bonus, I may be able to sell it when Rivian rolls out the new cover.

 

[Mfurman]

Fits like the previous ones, this item also includes a strip of weather seal which may come in handy at the front or tail-gate depending on your alignment.

Cross bars fit, but are tight. Keep in mind that you can’t really lift the tri-fold cover if the bars are there.

Krockett - does the channel bracket reach past the plastic liner lip to the harder surface? I ordered a more expense one (Tyger brand) and the bracket would not fit into the channel. The hook part of the bracket would only catch on the plastic liner lip which I knew would cause problems, so I sent it back (love Amazon prime).

 

[krockett]

It seems too, and would reach even better if I were to change out the tri-head knob for something smaller, like smaller star knob. Or, get some wing nuts as others have done. That said, there are two on each side and the cover isn’t going anywhere especially with the rear strapped down.

 

[Mfurman]

It seems too, and would reach even better if I were to change out the tri-head knob for something smaller, like smaller star knob. Or, get some wing nuts as others have done. That said, there are two on each side and the cover isn’t going anywhere especially with the rear strapped down.

Ok good - I just ordered your version and I bought some wing nuts and some small diameter plastic knobs to try first.

 

[deathernater]

Cellular PVC will not hold any weight, so don't plan on putting anything on top. I used this weather stripping:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z4PKBC5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The 4x8 sheet is cheaper, but it's kinda heavy and hard to work with. If you can get it home and cut it, then it's worth it.

What tools did you use to cut it and what was the width you used to fit the panels to fit in the rails. Instead of hinge I'm thinking high strength velcro to hold a stack together.

Did the 5x 12 inch pieces fit the length perfectly or was there a shorter piece?

 

[Ripped]

If the roll up tonneau cover works for the Maverick pickup, why wouldn't the BakFlip cover be adaptable? I've done a couple repairs to the trifold cover on my F150 over the 10 years that I've had it.
It'd be interesting to see if it would work. Obviously more expensive, - but until we see the Rivian manual tonneau cover...

 

[compmix]

Decided I’m going to go with a temp Maverick Tonneau cover too, but going to try a different soft-top model as this one is a bit cheaper, arriving today - https://www.amazon.com/TIPTOP-Roll-Up-Tonneau-Cover-Maverick/dp/B0BF9LH5Y4/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=tiptop+tonneau+cover+maverick&qid=1673026968&sr=8-3&th=1&psc=1. Will report results.

This is a stopgap until the manual Rivian cover comes…and then hopefully some day soon there will an aftermarket for a powered tonneau or hardtop shell.

Did you get the soft roll version? Would you be able to open it with the crossbars installed?

 

[krockett]

Nope, got the tri-fold, but part of me wishes I got the soft roll to test out. Have to imagine that has a good chance of clearing the bars.

 

[leftride]

while I still hope the manual tonneau is just around the corner this thread inspired me to build a temporary solution. turns out our family of 4 brings a lot of s#$% on our weekend trips to the mountains.

Did a 4 panel design out of ACX plywood with and added some aluminum c-channel to align the panels for a cleaner look, hopefully make them more water/snow tight as well possibly add some rigidity.

painted the plywood with bed liner paint so the texture is by design.

build list:
- 2x 4'x8' ACX plywood (I purchased from a local lumber yard, but I believe this is basically this same)
- 2x 1/2"x1/2"x96" aluminum c-channel
- adhesive weather seal (for the front and back)
- bed liner paint
- flat black paint for the c-channel

it's not perfect, but it'll do and certainly better than nothing.

edit: added links

 

[Jack Smoke]

Went to a local plastic distributor today, found out a 54”x 96” piece of 1/2” Seaboard for $400. Trying to decide if I want leave it a single piece or chop it into sections and store it in the gear tunnel.

or just use plywood as a temporary solution. The problem with waiting is when will the manual actually show up? March? June? Or s00n

 

[duessell]

Went to a local plastic distributor today, found out a 54”x 96” piece of 1/2” Seaboard for $400. Trying to decide if I want leave it a single piece or chop it into sections and store it in the gear tunnel.

or just use plywood as a temporary solution. The problem with waiting is when will the manual actually show up? March? June? Or s00n

That feels steep for a temporary solution. The thing I like the most about the folks using the Maverick covers is that the can likely resell those when they get their Rivian covers.

But to each their own. While I started this thread, I haven't actually pulled the trigger because of a combination of not having the right tools for the design I want, not needing it that bad, not wanting to cut then ends of the rails (I have a non-functional power cover), not wanting to create waste and telling myself I would rather spend that money on something else I don't really need (Insta360).

 

[Jack Smoke]

It’s a very heavy price tag, Maverick cover can be sold, marine board can be repurposed, but Seaboard? There not much secondary use.

I like Leftride’s plywood and c-channel build

 

[MXA121]

I'm really inspired by these nice DIY solutions, well done! I hope my 2023 has bed rails!!!

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