Water tests on manual tonneaus

[R1Thor]

I'm working on a fix for this issue.

For the record, I didn't consider it an 'issue' that *requires* a fix.

However, if you do make product improvements, what's the best way to get on your email distribution list? I didn't originally purchase directly from you. A forum member received his Rivian OEM cover and had purchased his Interrobang, so I bought it second hand from him.

For what it's worth, minus the fact that I need to find a way to replace the velcro with something that'll remain attached to the underside of the slats, it's really well made and I dig it!

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[dleepnw]

Would you mind going into a bit more detail as to what tape you used and where it was applied?

if you keep scrolling on that thread that i referenced, you'll see what i used and where i put it. in summary, i used waterproof gaffer tape and taped the edges where the slats join with the plastic.

gaffer tape is lightweight and doesn't leave a residue so my plan was to use it temporarily to confirm where the water intrusion was happening. tape has held up better than i thought it would in the PNW cold and rainy weather but eventually plan to replace it with a thin layer outdoor caulk or other silicone product along that seam.

 

[Bf3]

For the record, I didn't consider it an 'issue' that *requires* a fix.

However, if you do make product improvements, what's the best way to get on your email distribution list? I didn't originally purchase directly from you. A forum member received his Rivian OEM cover and had purchased his Interrobang, so I bought it second hand from him.

For what it's worth, minus the fact that I need to find a way to replace the velcro with something that'll remain attached to the underside of the slats, it's really well made and I dig it!

Once I get a couple minor details dialed in I’ll make a post here on the forum, but you can sign up for the email list at interrobang.store. I’m not sure I’ve ever used the email list, but it’s there. I’m proud of the product and incredibly appreciative of the support I’ve received. But I’m also aware that the Velcro and weatherproofing are areas that could be improved. In addition to just being crazy busy trying to get orders filled, it’s important to me that any fixes can be retrofitted for existing customers. I’m getting close to addressing both issues though.

 

[Singletracker]

Overall, with the amount of water he put on that thing, it seems like pretty minimal water intrusion overall. My suitcases and clothes generally go in the frunk, but it's nice to know things will stay fairly dry if they are in the bed with the OEM tonneau.

Not only a lot of water, but it was under pressure - not exactly what one might expect from a rain storm. I fully expected the bed to end full of water. But, It wasn’t ?

 

[broc]

Rivian cover leaks a lot! No leaking in the middle of the cover but the edges leak like a sieve, especially if the truck is parked off camber. There is no sealant between the panels and the plastic edging that slides in the track. Water leaks through this joint and runs down the sides of the bed like in the video. If you have a bed mat and leave your stuff in the middle of the bed, it could stay dry.

 

[DTown3011]

Rivian cover leaks a lot! No leaking in the middle of the cover but the edges leak like a sieve, especially if the truck is parked off camber. There is no sealant between the panels and the plastic edging that slides in the track. Water leaks through this joint and runs down the sides of the bed like in the video. If you have a bed mat and leave your stuff in the middle of the bed, it could stay dry.

I wonder if adding some seal to the tonneau would help? It's not a dealbreaker for me, but would be really nice to have dry storage in the bed with the tonneau installed.

 

[dleepnw]

I wonder if adding some seal to the tonneau would help? It's not a dealbreaker for me, but would be really nice to have dry storage in the bed with the tonneau installed.

yes it helps, a lot. see my tests: https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...n-your-manual-tonneau-cover.17830/post-400326

long term i plan use caulk or some other sealant.

 

[broc]

Looks like gaffers tape helps a lot. Running blue tape 1/8" from the plastic edging and then running a thin fillet bead of black caulk (cue SNL skit) along the plastic edging would probably work great and not be noticeable. Once dry, you could cut the joints with a razor blade. I may try this with some polyurethane caulk in the future.

 

[Egen]

Once I get a couple minor details dialed in I’ll make a post here on the forum, but you can sign up for the email list at interrobang.store. I’m not sure I’ve ever used the email list, but it’s there. I’m proud of the product and incredibly appreciative of the support I’ve received. But I’m also aware that the Velcro and weatherproofing are areas that could be improved. In addition to just being crazy busy trying to get orders filled, it’s important to me that any fixes can be retrofitted for existing customers. I’m getting close to addressing both issues though.

I am about to purchase a tonneau from you and noticed that new orders are estimated to ship in Jan. Do you anticipate the velcro and weatherproofing upgrades will be complete by then? My intention of this question is not to rush you as I understand how busy order fulfillment must be. Thanks for making a better alternative than the Rivian manual tonneau.

 

[Bf3]

I am about to purchase a tonneau from you and noticed that new orders are estimated to ship in Jan. Do you anticipate the velcro and weatherproofing upgrades will be complete by then? My intention of this question is not to rush you as I understand how busy order fulfillment must be. Thanks for making a better alternative than the Rivian manual tonneau.

Probably not, unfortunately. I’m working on testing some changes now, but I don’t want to rush and end up making something worse by accident. Currently I’m exploring a new design for the plastic end pieces to improve the weatherproofing. Once I’m confident they’re a solid upgrade they’ll be retrofittable to current covers though. The tough part is just figuring out the right manufacturing process. I can’t do it the same way or out of the same material I’m currently using. Manufacturing is not my background, so I’m learning a lot as I go.

 

[R1Thor]

Probably not, unfortunately. I’m working on testing some changes now, but I don’t want to rush and end up making something worse by accident. Currently I’m exploring a new design for the plastic end pieces to improve the weatherproofing. Once I’m confident they’re a solid upgrade they’ll be retrofittable to current covers though. The tough part is just figuring out the right manufacturing process. I can’t do it the same way or out of the same material I’m currently using. Manufacturing is not my background, so I’m learning a lot as I go.

DM'd you--I might be able to help.

But then again, maybe not!

Good luck!

 

[Egen]

Probably not, unfortunately. I’m working on testing some changes now, but I don’t want to rush and end up making something worse by accident. Currently I’m exploring a new design for the plastic end pieces to improve the weatherproofing. Once I’m confident they’re a solid upgrade they’ll be retrofittable to current covers though. The tough part is just figuring out the right manufacturing process. I can’t do it the same way or out of the same material I’m currently using. Manufacturing is not my background, so I’m learning a lot as I go.

Understood, thanks for the reply and I appreciate the fact that you’re making the upgrades retrofittable.

 

[DTown3011]

I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the water resistance of the manual cover, especially in snow. Have driven in 2 pretty wet snowstorms over the past week with zero water intrusion. Went to the touchless car wash today to get off the mag chloride and absolutely soaked it - photos below are of the water penetration, pretty minimal overall. This is going to work great at least for me. So happy to have it.

 

[Egen]

Probably not, unfortunately. I’m working on testing some changes now, but I don’t want to rush and end up making something worse by accident. Currently I’m exploring a new design for the plastic end pieces to improve the weatherproofing. Once I’m confident they’re a solid upgrade they’ll be retrofittable to current covers though. The tough part is just figuring out the right manufacturing process. I can’t do it the same way or out of the same material I’m currently using. Manufacturing is not my background, so I’m learning a lot as I go.

I just signed up on the email list via your website. Will you be sending out an email once the upgrades are complete?

 

[NathanM]

Probably not, unfortunately. I’m working on testing some changes now, but I don’t want to rush and end up making something worse by accident. Currently I’m exploring a new design for the plastic end pieces to improve the weatherproofing. Once I’m confident they’re a solid upgrade they’ll be retrofittable to current covers though. The tough part is just figuring out the right manufacturing process. I can’t do it the same way or out of the same material I’m currently using. Manufacturing is not my background, so I’m learning a lot as I go.

Hey @Bf3 - I’m signed up for the Interrobang emails but I know you mentioned you don’t use that distribution list much. I thought I would check in on the progress of these enhancements you were working on back in December. Would an order today be the “new and improved” version?

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