Closing the tailgate - heavy & cumbersome

[Wefty]

I don't like the overall thickness of the tailgate. It makes it awkward for bikes compared to most trucks. But if the tailgate is too heavy what are you carrying in the bed?

Sponsored

 

[BMCORN]

A typical full size truck tailgate when opened extends about the length of the truck bed depth (20 - 24"). However R1T bed is short and shallow, only about 18" deep. Rivian designed the tailgate with extended hinges, and a piece to cove the gap. This allows the tailgate to extend about 25" beyond the end of the truck, allowing the bed + tailgate down to be close to a full size truck, and providing a large tailgate down work area. For me, this is a smart design. However, due to physics and leverage, the tailgate extension and hinges do require more effort to close it than some full size trucks. That said, my wife weighs about 120 pounds and is 70 years old ... she has no trouble closing it with two hands.

I think most of the comments on this thread are missing my point. Of course I am able and capable of closing the liftgate manually. I’m simply saying, for a truck that stickers over $100k, there should at least be an option for a powered tailgate. I think most customers would opt in for an extra $2000 - $3000

 

[Nixapatfan]

I just hate the cheap hollow sound it makes when closing, kind of embarrassing to close in front of others.

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

Sorry if I've posted this before, but as someone who owned several trucks prior to my R1T, I definitely recommend this product from @twraps . I bought it one day after receiving my R1T and it's held up well. Looks like it's currently out of stock on Amazon but they have several others on their website.

I do wish Rivian had included a handle or some "obvious" place where to push the tailgate. Maybe on Gen 3. Or on R2T.

 

[ElGuano]

I have the full-body TWraps kit. That one piece on the upper tailgate is doing so much work, I push against it hard when closing the lid and never worry about marring the finish.

If they sell an entire tailgate kit, I would recommend it if you frequently use the tailgate pad for bikes.

Sponsored