Yahoo Autos Rivian stops selling R1T's powered tonneau, Camp Kitchen
Rivian has taken two popular features for its R1T pickup out of rotation. The powered tonneau cover is being redesigned to address problems, the Camp Kitchen and Gear Tunnel Shuttle are being redesigned for unknown reasons. Starting with the tonneau cover, it's an aluminum panel that slides along the integrated bed rails. Owner complaints about the cover not opening completely and noisy or jerky operation prompted an investigation that found a flawed subcomponent. Rivian told owners it needed to rework the component in a way that "improves the tonneau cover's robustness against manufacturing build variations." The automaker doesn't know when the engineering job will be complete warning interested parties, "For foreseeable future, all R1Ts will be built with either a manual tonneau cover or no tonneau cover."
New shoppers aren't so much affected. They can choose no bed cover or the manual cover, or wait for the powered tonneau to return. That manual unit is four interlocking aluminum and composite panels that slide into the integrated bed rails, can be locked, and protect "against light weather." When not in use, they fit in a carry bag and stow in the gear tunnel between the cab and the bed. It seems these are in short supply, however, Rivian saying the manual tonneau panels aren't expected to be available until early 2023.
Buyers who have taken delivery of truck with the powered tonneau will have their covers fixed free of charge.
