Manual tonneau: something doesn't stack up here ...

[NY_Rob]

I haven't tried it, but I thought I read that you can use the last panel (the one with the locking tang) to lock the other panels in place tight up against the front end of the bed if you only want on or two of them installed vs. all four? I could be wrong on this though because that would require slots pre-cut into the bed liner track walls for the tang to lock in to.

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[Oldsmobile_Mike]

So who is going to be the hero to create a low cost all metal replacement for the locking bits??

I'm thinking some motorcycle brake cable and a lathe can make this problem go away

3D print a replacement. ?

 

[HighVoltOverland]

I haven't tried it, but I thought I read that you can use the last panel (the one with the locking tang) to lock the other panels in place tight up against the front end of the bed if you only want on or two of them installed vs. all four? I could be wrong on this though because that would require slots pre-cut into the bed liner track walls for the tang to lock in to.

The tracks have cut outs

 

[Singletracker]

So, if I understand correctly, the panel with the locking mechanism can be locked at various points along the track, not just at the tailgate. This would allow fewer than the maximum number of panels to be used and secured in different positions. Barring that use scenario, the latching mechanism offers little real value. Would that be correct? Still, for $800-$1800, it should flat work and be durable! Thankfully, if I ever get mine, it will have only cost me $800.

 

[AbhorViolence]

Mine also came on Monday. It only took 5 minutes to install, even while reading the instructions so I was careful not to break anything. I do like the way if fits and the bag is high quality. The release mechanism seems pretty fragile. Pretty much what I expected??‍

Mine didn't seem to come with any instructions at all. So I initially just pushed the panels in.. obviously the tailgate didn't close. Luckily I didn't try to slam it! Then figured out how to lock the panels together while putting them in. I have it on now and like it a lot. Though even the $800 I paid seems a little high for this. Would never consider $1800.

I'm curious to try an efficiency test with and without but haven't done it yet.

 

[AbhorViolence]

Exactly. Is the pic that Rob posted pretty much what is happening to others? Is that the weak point or are there other failure points? I’m assuming the whole mechanism is plastic? Jeez, how frickin’ difficult would it have been to make these parts out of metal rods ?

Back to my other question - is the locking pin even necessary?

I didn't even realize until reading this that there was a locking mechanism. I was in a bit of a hurry when I installed mine a couple days ago and mine came with no instructions. I've just been using it held in by the tailgate. I'll be extra careful now when locking it. It's quite disappointing that for such an expensive thing they used plastic for that crucial stressed part.

There will definitely be times I'll want the tailgate down hauling something like lumber in the bed, but not having to remove the tonneau.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Mine didn't seem to come with any instructions at all. So I initially just pushed the panels in.. obviously the tailgate didn't close. Luckily I didn't try to slam it! Then figured out how to lock the panels together while putting them in. I have it on now and like it a lot. Though even the $800 I paid seems a little high for this. Would never consider $1800.

I'm curious to try an efficiency test with and without but haven't done it yet.

Instructions are in the R1T owner guide and have been there since covers started shipping (the first time). A stand alone guide was also made available in the support section at Rivian.com ahead of shipping. https://rivian.com/support/article/r1t-manual-tonneau-cover-guide

Where Rivian customer comms failed: letting people know the instructions are available and where to find it. The 11/3 status update email would have been the perfect opportunity to include a link to instructions. Either the groups responsible for web content and customer comms do not report to the same director, or that director is not seeing the big picture.

Instructions are clear on not pulling on the cable and rods at the end. If people were aware of instructions, such cases of misuse could have been averted… if they are not allergic to simple instructions. But, at the same time, there is an obvious looped handle/pull right smack in the middle. How about some common sense? pull the loop instead of fragile looking plastic rods? Agree, at $1800 it’s far overpriced and should have been designed/spec’ed better at. For $800 it’s good enough, but not something I’d marvel over or show off. Plus, it’s a premium brand. One shouldn’t be shocked by elevated pricing strategy. It’s a given prices are higher than you’d otherwise expect. Just look at prices in the gear shop. $80 for a pair fairly generic shorts. $2800 for a rebranded Yakima RTT that sells for $2500 at Yakima.com.

Efficiency impact is minuscule. See Brandon Flasch’s YT video where he tested with powered cover open and closed. Both covers are more for a small level of security (and keeping gear somewhat out of elements). Not for efficiency. Most of the R1T’s aero efficiency come from the spoiler and other bodywork that manage airflow (some less obvious, like angle of certain surfaces).

 

[COdogman]

Mine didn't seem to come with any instructions at all. So I initially just pushed the panels in.. obviously the tailgate didn't close. Luckily I didn't try to slam it! Then figured out how to lock the panels together while putting them in. I have it on now and like it a lot. Though even the $800 I paid seems a little high for this. Would never consider $1800.

I'm curious to try an efficiency test with and without but haven't done it yet.

Totally agree - not worth $1800 at all considering the other options. Mine didn't come with instructions but I had searched for them online before delivery and Rivian had some out there. Honestly the interlocking was the only part they helped with...

 

[emoore]

Aren't the instructions included with the QR code? Just scan that and it will take you to the Rivian manual that has the instructions.

 

[Ngkgb]

Much ado about nothing re instructions. I found them in less than a minute and install took 5 minutes max

 

[Singletracker]

I was going through the driver’s manual, last night, and came across the instructions for the cover. It was towards the end of the 300 page manual, that is full of more shit than one can imagine. I do think Rivian should at least reference this location, when delivering the cover, as, clearly, a lot of people are unaware of it. Just sayin’.

 

[Ralph]

Aren't the instructions included with the QR code? Just scan that and it will take you to the Rivian manual that has the instructions.

I received my manual cover shortly after they resumed shipping with new packaging to avoid damage in transit. My cover included a card saying something to the effect, "Scan this QR code for instructions."

 

[emoore]

I received my manual cover shortly after they resumed shipping with new packaging to avoid damage in transit. My cover included a card saying something to the effect, "Scan this QR code for instructions."

Yep. Same here.

 

[YVR]

You have the cover and it works so just use it.

I had same issue. Mine just arrived today have had the truck for 9 months. Installed it an the locking pins broke first time I used it. Very poor design that won t work in the winter with snow and Ice on the cover. No idea if I can source replacement parts

 

[wpnelson]

My locking panel pins broke the first time i used it. Has anyone raised this with service, and to what result? thanks.

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