Rivian used two common features for Pickup R1T complete rotation. The the support tonneau cap is being redesigned to solve problems, Camp Kitchen and Gear Tunnel Shuttle are being redesigned unknown reason. Starting with the tonneau case, which is an aluminum plate that slides along integrated rails. Owner complaints about lid not fully opening and noisy or jerky operation prompted an investigation to uncover a faulty subcomponent. Rivian told the owners that they needed to rework the component in a way that “improves the durability of the tonneau case against construction variations during manufacturing.” The automaker doesn’t know when the engineering work will be complete warning interested parties, “In the near future, all R1Ts will be made with a handmade tonneau cap or without a tonneau cap. “
New shoppers are not affected much. They can choose not to lay the bed or cover it manually, or wait for the power attack to come back on. That craft is four interlocking aluminum and composite panels that slide into the bed’s built-in rails, which are lockable and protect “against light weather.” When not in use, they slip into a bag and stow away in the gear tunnel between the cabin and the bed. However, it seems that this supply is in short supply, Rivian said the handmade tonneau panels are expected to be available until early 2023.
Buyer took truck delivery with supported tonneau there will be free fixed cap.
Buyers who haven’t received their items will be stuck with confusing choices. Those who have ordered the powered cover will be stripped of the powered option. Unfortunately, the supported tonneau cannot be fitted later, so buyers need to choose one with a manual lid or without. For Launch Edition buyers, the switch to manual covers cuts back truck priced at $700, skipping any covers will drop $1,500. Rivian doesn’t mention the lower prices for trucks with the Adventure Pack.
The automaker’s support page explaining the situation says “In early 2023, we will transition to a design without an integrated side railing.” That might explain why it’s not possible to add a supported tonneau later. It could also mean that a partially redesigned bed is in the works, or that Rivian has plans to upgrade the side rails or something else. We’ll find out next year when the updated trucks arrive. The company says the R1T’s delivery times will not be affected by any of these.
As for Camp Kitchen, in the way that customers have noticed, nothing is lacking. All Rivian will say about pausing production is that its internal team “continues to test Camp Kitchen in a variety of environments.” [and] found an opportunity to refine the design and make our version of cooking in the wild even better. The company’s Gear Shop used to sell the Camp Kitchen x Snow Peak Pack for $5,000, which included the kitchen, the Gear Tunnel Shuttle slide platform, the built-in 30-piece Snow Peak stove and dish and cookware set.
What is arguably even weirder about Rivian removing the feature is that owners haven’t complained about it. At least the Camp Kitchen could be replenished at a later date, although we suspect the kitchen and shuttle will be more expensive when they return. The support page answers questions about future costs with, “We’ll share pricing details once we’ve completed a design update,” and worse, answers questions about insurance. Protect prices for those who ordered the first edition with, “We’ll share the details once we’ve completed the Camp Kitchen redesign and set a new price.”
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