Spare tire compartment won't close

[jwanderson88]

I've had an R1T for a few weeks now. About the only problem I've discovered so far is how the lid to the spare tire compartment closes. Of course, you close it manually. There are a couple of latches on each side. To close it you slam it quite firmly. When I slam it, the right side doesn't go down all the way. This causes a problem with the tailgate because the tailgate gap cover rubs against the spare tire lid and the corner of the plastic is being abraded. Also, it might not seal properly and allow water to enter the spare tire compartment. I haven't noticed water in the compartment yet. If you stand on the right side and slam the lid, the right side and left side engage properly. If you stand on the left side, the right latch doesn't engage. This isn't really a problem for me because normally the compartment is filled with the spare tire and I don't need to open and close the lid unless I need to access the spare tire. And knowing the problem and what to do is helpful. The spare tire lid could be slightly warped. I'm wondering if anyone else has had this problem. Is it worth going to the trouble of getting the lid fixed? I think most people would say yes, but I'm not sure I care about it enough. Should I?

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[mikehmb]

I have a similar-ish issue, and I believe many others have general problems closing the hatch easily.

My solution is to close the left side by slamming it, as you describe. Then I stand on the right side for a second. Or I have my son jump on it, because he thinks it’s funny.

As far as water intrusion, I’ve not tested mine extensively. Hasn’t appeared to be a problem though.

 

[jwanderson88]

I never mentioned that another way to latch the right side is to push down on it hard until it latches. Another thing I didn't mention is that the right side is only about an eighth of an inch higher and you don't see a problem right away. If it's a common problem then it's probably a minor design flaw. Maybe there will be a recall. I think I'll live with it for now.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

I use two hand method works everytime. Place one hand on left the other hand on right. Firmly slam closed.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Rivian replaced my seal as a customer campaign item. I guess the original ones could break from being frozen, but I never had that issue. Still requires pushing down on each side where the latch is to make sure it's actually fully double latched. I don't think slamming it helps since the air pressure is what you are combatting.

 

[bhlackey]

Slamming is definitely not the best way, I use the "two-side" method. Solidly close one side by pushing in the left half of the lit. Then quick push down on the right side right above the latch.

 

[Foobar]

I had this problem at delivery. They sent a mobile tech out days later to see what could be done, and of course they could do nothing but suggest I bring it back to the service center as they would need to tear down the bumper and go in from the bottom.

I assessed the situation and simply added a washer to the latch on the lid so that it extends a tiny bit lower when closed. It now catches the hooking side of the latch flawlessly without having to slam specific parts of the lid.

 

[R1Tom]

Mine definitely works alot better if I first latch drivers side and then move to passenger side. Otherwise almost impossible.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

I try not to slam it down, i usually just push it down firmly on one side, then move over to the other and do the same. Slamming rarely latches both, and in some cases, neither.

 

[zefram47]

I have the same problem. For now, I'm just stepping on it to get it to latch correctly. It's one of half a dozen things I eventually need to put tickets in for dealing with delivery issues. None of them are so annoying that I've bothered so far, but I really need to do it at some point. My tailgate also doesn't always drop on its own when you hit the button.

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

I try not to slam it down, i usually just push it down firmly on one side, then move over to the other and do the same. Slamming rarely latches both, and in some cases, neither.

Same.

 

[dilmorecg]

I really have to slam mine to get it closed. I had the SC look at it last time it was in and they "made an adjustment". Its still hard to close and get both latches. Usually my left side one locks but cant always get the right side one on my truck.

 

[Opiate]

Man up and push hard.

 

[freshpow]

I think this is a design flaw and not something they’ll be able to address at the service center, as it sounds like it affects almost all vehicles. As others have mentioned, just firmly push down on one side and then the other. How often are y’all opening and closing your spare tire compartments for this to be a real issue?

 

[Dark-Fx]

I think this is a design flaw and not something they’ll be able to address at the service center, as it sounds like it affects almost all vehicles. As others have mentioned, just firmly push down on one side and then the other. How often are y’all opening and closing your spare tire compartments for this to be a real issue?

I think some people use it as normal storage and not for a spare.

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