Broken latch spare tire well - help

[md2023]

The latch to open the tire well would not 'pop'. it would bend a bit but not open the well cover. Tried standing in different places. Tried prying well cove while applying pressure to latch. Used a flat edge to make sure it was not frozen or blocked by debris. Only thought is something on inside is blocking it. Inside are ski boots and gear needed tomorrow AM. Rivian service call wasn't helpful (nice and did their best but didn't have other ideas).
After many tries, latch snapped off.
Is there any other way to release the well cover? Thank you

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[COdogman]

In the past service has told people this happens because temperatures changes create a vacuum effect that makes it hard to open.

I don’t get in there often so I haven’t tested this out, but some have had success using a hair dryer or heat gun pointed where the cover opens for a while, then trying to pry it open while pulling up on the latch at the same time. ?‍

 

[md2023]

In the past service has told people this happens because temperatures changes create a vacuum effect that makes it hard to open.

I don’t get in there often so I haven’t tested this out, but some have had success using a hair dryer or heat gun pointed where the cover opens for a while, then trying to pry it open while pulling up on the latch at the same time. ?‍

Thanks. tried hair dryer. Don't think vacuum is a problem. I am able to pry open, with a metal shovel, enough that there is some space. not sure what to else to try. Latch snapped, so hard try to much else other than force.
But W.E. is not gonna be good.

 

[Riviot]

I do not recommend storing ski boots in your spare tire well. They are better in the cab where they stay warm. Spare tires and spare tire accessories are better suited for the well.

 

[md2023]

I do not recommend storing ski boots in your spare tire well. They are better in the cab where they stay warm. Spare tires and spare tire accessories are better suited for the well.

Agree completely. This was for the day before for the long trip up.

 

[brperz]

I'm sorry to hear. The same thing happened to me in cold temps, like 15° or below. I needed to get some ratchet straps out of the spare tire compartment. I jumped on the floor of the bed and it didn't seem like the seal was frozen. Pulled harder on the latch and it snapped off. I was luckily going into the service center 2 days later for some other issues and they were able to order the part and replace it. I was almost positive they were going to say it was my fault, and the quote was $800+ because they had to pull all sorts of the bed liner apart. Couldn't believe it, but they called after disassembling it and said it would be covered under warranty.
I'm in Wisconsin and another cold snap has hit. Guess what? It won't open again. I've been checking it in different temperatures and it seems like when it gets good and cold, something is binding up. Luckily I haven't needed my spare and kept my hitch out of there so I can tow my 4 wheeler without needing to get in there. I'm filing another ticket. Really seems like something other than the compartment freezing shut is going on. Like the latch mechanism or the release cables are freezing.

 

[Rivianero]

From what you describe it sounds like you may have a broken cable connector in the bottom latch release. This was the case on my R1T when I got it. They used plastic for the tab where steel would be stronger.

You should be able to get to the underside of the tub by putting the suspension to highest (turning of kneel), and removing the bottom rear panel behind the rear axles. Reach up in there and pull to release the latch.

Tub showing latch locations

One of the plastic tabs broken off that is an anchor for the release cable.

Same latch mechanism with tab repaired with simple JBWeld Plastic Weld. To release the latch mechanism manually, you will want to pull the loop at top left toward the rear bumper.

 

[md2023]

From what you describe it sounds like you may have a broken cable connector in the bottom latch release. This was the case on my R1T when I got it. They used plastic for the tab where steel would be stronger.

You should be able to get to the underside of the tub by putting the suspension to highest (turning of kneel), and removing the bottom rear panel behind the rear axles. Reach up in there and pull to release the latch.

Tub showing latch locations

One of the plastic tabs broken off that is an anchor for the release cable.

Same latch mechanism with tab repaired with simple JBWeld Plastic Weld. To release the latch mechanism manually, you will want to pull the loop at top left toward the rear bumper.

Great. thanks. Appreciate the knowledge.

 

[md2023]

I'm sorry to hear. The same thing happened to me in cold temps, like 15° or below. I needed to get some ratchet straps out of the spare tire compartment. I jumped on the floor of the bed and it didn't seem like the seal was frozen. Pulled harder on the latch and it snapped off. I was luckily going into the service center 2 days later for some other issues and they were able to order the part and replace it. I was almost positive they were going to say it was my fault, and the quote was $800+ because they had to pull all sorts of the bed liner apart. Couldn't believe it, but they called after disassembling it and said it would be covered under warranty.
I'm in Wisconsin and another cold snap has hit. Guess what? It won't open again. I've been checking it in different temperatures and it seems like when it gets good and cold, something is binding up. Luckily I haven't needed my spare and kept my hitch out of there so I can tow my 4 wheeler without needing to get in there. I'm filing another ticket. Really seems like something other than the compartment freezing shut is going on. Like the latch mechanism or the release cables are freezing.

Thanks. I have an appointment in a month and prob don't need the items (now that I've dropped some extra $ to salvage the mini ski vacation). Lessoned learned.

 

[teartags]

This just happened to me the other night when I went to get the spare out for a tire change. Latch just snapped immediately without a whole lot of resistance. It was super cold outside.
The techs at Costco loaned me a set of needle nose pliers. I used those to grab the broken off piece that was still attached to cable along with a screwdriver as a fulcrum while my daughter pulled up on the lid. It worked, but barely.
Luckily, I had a Riv service appt the next day. I left the spare tire in the bed of the truck and asked them to put it away and replace the handle.
Sounds like this is not uncommon in cold weather. They need to change the latch material

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