R1S Sub-Trunk - What's Under the Covers?

[KBabione]

I don't have a spare for our R1S and would like to use that space to fit the largest dual-zone electric cooler I can. My 1st-world "problem" is that dual-zone I want is the Bodega 38QT which is 14.1" from front-to-back. As you can see from the photo below, I only have about 13 inches with which to work:

Here's my question: What's behind/under the trunk liner where the arrow is pointing above? Specifically, could I compress that part of the liner with a hammer-like tool to "encourage" the cooler to fit properly without doing any damage to anything other than the trunk liner??

My fear is that it's where Rivian hides the secret glass vials of corrosive brown sticky stuff that, when the vials are broken (think of the codex in The DaVinci Code), leak all over your wiring harness and destroy your vehicle. Just kidding, but is there more of a purpose than to support the tray that holds the first aid and compressor kits?

I thought about using some of my tools to pop up the liner to look under it, but if someone has already done that I'd really appreciate you sharing what you learned. I don't think I'd have to do much compression, but don't want to break anything either.

Thanks for your help and insight!

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[dradam]

When the tech came to install my inflatable spare, he easily just took out those plastic pieces and the whole liner came out. The spare comes with its own liner, which goes back in.I can’t recall if there’s extra space under that specific area ( though I doubt it) that you’re looking at, but it’s easy to see what’s there just removing that liner.

 

[KBabione]

When the tech came to install my inflatable spare, he easily just took out those plastic pieces and the whole liner came out.

Thanks - It doesn't look too tough to remove, but historically I've been less than graceful doing things like that. I may give it a go this weekend. It would also probably be easier to adjust the shape with it out of the sub trunk. Heat it well with a hair dryer (I've had some issues with heat guns in the past) to soften it and change the shape enough.

 

[Pairadice]

If you do remove the liner, take some photos please to show what's under there.

 

[Dasoss]

I don't have a spare for our R1S and would like to use that space to fit the largest dual-zone electric cooler I can. My 1st-world "problem" is that dual-zone I want is the Bodega 38QT which is 14.1" from front-to-back. As you can see from the photo below, I only have about 13 inches with which to work:

Here's my question: What's behind/under the trunk liner where the arrow is pointing above? Specifically, could I compress that part of the liner with a hammer-like tool to "encourage" the cooler to fit properly without doing any damage to anything other than the trunk liner??

My fear is that it's where Rivian hides the secret glass vials of corrosive brown sticky stuff that, when the vials are broken (think of the codex in The DaVinci Code), leak all over your wiring harness and destroy your vehicle. Just kidding, but is there more of a purpose than to support the tray that holds the first aid and compressor kits?

I thought about using some of my tools to pop up the liner to look under it, but if someone has already done that I'd really appreciate you sharing what you learned. I don't think I'd have to do much compression, but don't want to break anything either.

Thanks for your help and insight!

You might want to reconsider putting a cooler in there.. The refrigerator cools by transferring heat from the cooler's interior to the outside ambient. That is, it pumps heat gainst the thermal gradient. It also adds an unavoidable amount of heat to the environment (entropy). The cooler might not work in this poorly ventilated space. At best, it will use a lot of power. The maximum thermodynamic efficiency depends on the difference between the the inside and outstde temperatures. The same issue applies to putting a powered cooler in the frunk.

 

[KBabione]

If you do remove the liner, take some photos please to show what's under there.

I will - I looked at it quickly this morning and realized that I'll have to remove the tie-down rails to be able to pull out the liner to have a look. I'll try it and take some photos - hopefully this weekend.

 

[KBabione]

You might want to reconsider putting a cooler in there.. The refrigerator cools by transferring heat from the cooler's interior to the outside ambient. That is, it pumps heat gainst the thermal gradient. It also adds an unavoidable amount of heat to the environment (entropy). The cooler might not work in this poorly ventilated space. At best, it will use a lot of power. The maximum thermodynamic efficiency depends on the difference between the the inside and outstde temperatures. The same issue applies to putting a powered cooler in the frunk.

So - the sub-trunk is only 13" deep (high) if you put the cover in place, and none of the coolers I'm considering are that short so I'm looking at two options:

• Resting the sub-trunk lid on the cooler if it's too tall so I'd have ventilation on all four sides, or
• Getting the Cargo Floor Risers to make the cover level and having ventilation on both sides

Either way the space will have ventilation - yes, it's into the interior of the vehicle, but it would only be (in my use case) in the sub-trunk for transportation and not for the majority of the time that it would be on. My goal is to maximize the space in the back of the R1S so that I can haul all the crap I want to take AND still have the 2nd row of seats available for passengers.

 

[RoBoRaT R1S]

So - the sub-trunk is only 13" deep (high) if you put the cover in place, and none of the coolers I'm considering are that short so I'm looking at two options:

• Resting the sub-trunk lid on the cooler if it's too tall so I'd have ventilation on all four sides, or
• Getting the Cargo Floor Risers to make the cover level and having ventilation on both sides

Either way the space will have ventilation - yes, it's into the interior of the vehicle, but it would only be (in my use case) in the sub-trunk for transportation and not for the majority of the time that it would be on. My goal is to maximize the space in the back of the R1S so that I can haul all the crap I want to take AND still have the 2nd row of seats available for passengers.

The smaller 27qt Bodega (13x24x14.1) fits just right on my Gen1 R1S sub-trunk with and u might be able to squeeze in that 38qt model (14.1x28.4x14.4).




https://a.co/d/3gcRbuI (Bodega 27qt Amazon)

 

[KBabione]

The smaller 27qt Bodega (13x24x14.1) fits just right on my Gen1 R1S sub-trunk with and u might be able to squeeze in that 38qt model (14.1x28.4x14.4).

Thanks for the post and especially for the photo. I really want dual-zone functionality and that only starts with the 38qt. It's that additional 1.1" of depth and the little "bump-outs" at the rear of the sub-trunk that seem to be incompatible. Before I purchase the 38qt I'll remove the tie-down sliders and see what's under the sub-trunk liner. I promise to post photos!

 

[Sundar]

you can fit coolers up to 16” or 17” high with a Coast Cargo Slide. Even taller if you use custom risers - but then you may want to ditch the cargo panel altogether. Remember that coolers need air circulation so you don’t want to run it with the panel in the factory position but elevated a little bit with risers. That why the coast works well but custom risers could do the trick too if you don’t need the sliding rails.

 

[Polar]

There’s a bit of a metal lip, but it doesn’t take up the full space of that ledge. Be careful hammering.

 

[Sundar]

There’s a bit of a metal lip, but it doesn’t take up the full space of that ledge. Be careful hammering.

I’d be really careful and make sure you do some sort of weather/waterproofing of this space just in case the compressor leaks or builds condensation/etc. looks like a lot of harnesses could get messed up if a little water gets in the wrong place. Though I’d ask someone more knowledgeable than me on what those bundles are and how they are connected to weigh in on the level of risk. I’ve heard a story either here or on Reddit of a spilled drink in the trunk causing a significant repair bill not covered under warranty.

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