Manual tonneau cover blues

[TheLTrain]

Received the following from my guide when inquiring about the manual tonneau. Was told January delivery when I asked last year. Any thoughts on why this relatively simple piece of hardware is taking so long?

Thank you for checking in - we still don't have an ETA for the manual tonneau cover, but I know we will be reaching out when they are available to be shipped. I know that Rivian will be sending out emails about them when they are ready so we will have demonstration videos, etc.

Thank you for your patience with the accessory since I know it's a huge piece/selling point for the truck.

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[Tucker74]

Got a UPS notification Rivian was sending me something, the only item I haven’t received is the manual tonneau (got charger & mats). Could it be? Will keep you posted, was just the generated label so can’t read much info into until it actually ships.

 

[NY_Rob]

Well, in all fairness they are going to be super cautious with manual tonneau because of all the negative publicity the failed V1 powered tonneau got them.

I kind of wonder how many manual covers they "owe" customers?

 

[Prime]

Well, in all fairness they are going to be super cautious with manual tonneau because of all the negative publicity the failed V1 powered tonneau got them.

I kind of wonder how many manual covers they "owe" customers?

I’m hoping once they do start production it will be an easy process to get a large number delivered quickly as this is pretty simple hardware.

 

[Gavinmcc]

Got a UPS notification Rivian was sending me something, the only item I haven’t received is the manual tonneau (got charger & mats). Could it be? Will keep you posted, was just the generated label so can’t read much info into until it actually ships.

Likely your plate...or a gift...I would be super duper surprised if it was the manual cover.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

Received the following from my guide when inquiring about the manual tonneau. Was told January delivery when I asked last year. Any thoughts on why this relatively simple piece of hardware is taking so long?

Thank you for checking in - we still don't have an ETA for the manual tonneau cover, but I know we will be reaching out when they are available to be shipped. I know that Rivian will be sending out emails about them when they are ready so we will have demonstration videos, etc.

Thank you for your patience with the accessory since I know it's a huge piece/selling point for the truck.

Fairly certain I wasn't dreaming when I was told to expect an unveil this month of it.

If February rolls around and no manual tonneau, I was dreaming.

 

[Gavinmcc]

I doubt they will be here in January. They might have a video and show them and how they fit, but I bet delivery is more "March?"

 

[COdogman]

Don't forget @EV Sportline is working on their own manual tonneau as well. They shared a preliminary drawing and it appears to sit on top of the bed rails, not using the slats. If they are able to somehow deliver theirs to market before Rivian it will be a sad day (for Rivian), considering they probably didn't start working on theirs until recently

 

[Prime]

Don't forget @EV Sportline is working on their own manual tonneau as well. They shared a preliminary drawing and it appears to sit on top of the bed rails, not using the slats. If they are able to somehow deliver theirs to market before Rivian it will be a sad day (for Rivian), considering they probably didn't start working on theirs until recently

I really don’t like the look of any of the modded covers that sit on top of the bed. Using the rails = a cleaner OEM look IMO.

 

[COdogman]

I really don’t like the look of any of the modded covers that sit on top of the bed. Using the rails = a cleaner OEM look IMO.

I agree. But if it's designed to be installed on the Rivian bed rails, I'd be open to it. Not just a repurposed Maverick cover... The main benefit would be a few more inches of space under the cover vs using the rails. I just want a cover that is secure and easy to remove. If that happens to sit on top of the bed that is fine with me.

 

[Ventura]

I doubt they will be here in January. They might have a video and show them and how they fit, but I bet delivery is more "March?"

I'd sit and wait more patiently if they'd release a video of a prototype that is ready/nearly ready for production. I'd just like to have a better idea of what I've purchased and am waiting for. It would feel like progress.

 

[Gavinmcc]

I'd sit and wait more patiently if they'd release a video of a prototype that is ready/nearly ready for production. I'd just like to have a better idea of what I've purchased and am waiting for. It would feel like progress.

Yes to this 100%.

I'm really not sure what the hold up is other than...well I have no idea. I think they didn't think they would need the manual covers so soon as everybody was getting the powered one. But we know how that is going.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

Yes to this 100%.

I'm really not sure what the hold up is other than...well I have no idea. I think they didn't think they would need the manual covers so soon as everybody was getting the powered one. But we know how that is going.

I mean we all know currently what it consists of. Four interlocking panels that can be stored in the gear tunnel. It slides in the bed rails and will require the tailgate to be open to remove.

I'm assuming each panel will have a rubber gasket along the leading edges to ensure water tight fitment. I just hope they aren't too fiddly to put in and take out. Also I hope the latch together as you put them in, so when you pull the rear most panel, the other panels come toward you for easier removal.

At one point the design was still 4 panels, but they could be coupled together to make a camp table which I'm still hoping is the "surprise" hold up with the design

 

[graphex]

When i (was forced to) switch to the manual cover, I was envisioning that it would be just like the powered cover and you could manually slide it open/closed like a roll top desk. I have a feeling I'm going to wish I just didn't order a cover once I actually see this 4 panel -> gear tunnel monstrosity. What are the odds they'll let us cancel after they show us what this looks like?

Opening the tailgate to remove a panel is pretty bad, requiring the side space to fit it into the gear tunnel is even worse, and maybe having to climb into the bed to remove the 2nd 3rd and 4th panels is just terrible. If we just put two panels in, will they slide forwards and backwards as we accelerate and brake like a plastic guillotine? I just can't imagine something that follows the descriptions I've heard that won't make people point and laugh at the crappy engineering for a very critical component of a truck.

 

[mabowden]

I mean we all know currently what it consists of. Four interlocking panels that can be stored in the gear tunnel. It slides in the bed rails and will require the tailgate to be open to remove.

I'm assuming each panel will have a rubber gasket along the leading edges to ensure water tight fitment. I just hope they aren't too fiddly to put in and take out. Also I hope the latch together as you put them in, so when you pull the rear most panel, the other panels come toward you for easier removal.

At one point the design was still 4 panels, but they could be coupled together to make a camp table which I'm still hoping is the "surprise" hold up with the design

But maybe, just maybe, it will be a hyundai santa cruz style cover that fits where the old powered cover used to be?

A man can dream...

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