PSA - if you lose your crossbar keys and don't know key number, REI can help

[onebadmofo]

A few months ago, Rivian replaced my driver's seat due to non-stop creaking and squeaking. Two weeks ago, it became apparent that they left my cross-bar keys, as well as my registration and insurance, in the old seat (nothing like having absolutely no papers when getting pulled over). I took care of the paperwork and ticket, but the crossbar keys became an issue because I never took a picture of the key number before.

I went to REI since they sell Yakima SKS lock cores with the intention of asking them to borrow a few to see which key fits. To my surprise, they actually have a key chain with all variants of the key, and the guy went outside to try every single key to find one that works. Then he just told me the number and advised me to order it directly from Yakima, which is only $5 per key. I ordered it from Amazon because, while Yakima charges $5 per key, they also charge $15 for shipping, and Amazon's total cost was only $7.

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[Marchin_MTB]

I feel it’s only a matter of time before I will need this extremely helpful tip. Thanks!

 

[MRivian]

Few months ago Rivian has replaced my driver seat due to non-stop creaking and squeaking and 2 weeks ago it became apparent that they left my cross-bar keys as well as registration and insurance in the old seat (nothing like having absolutely no papers when getting pulled over). I got paperwork and ticket taken care of but the crossbar keys were now an issue because I never took a picture of key number before.

I went to REI since they sell Yakima SKS lock cores with intention of asking them to borrow a few to see which key fits. To my surprise they actually have a key chain with all variants of the key and the guy went outside to try every single key to find one that works. Then he just told me the number and to order it directly from Yakima which is like $5 per key. I ordered off Amazon because While Yakima charges $5 per key they also charge $15 shipping and Amazon was $7 total.

I tried to go to Rei and the Yakima website but the number system for rivian is different than on the Yakima site. How'd you purchase the correct number? Looking for A157.

 

[RoadTripFan]

I need to favorite this as I am certain at some point I will be wondering where those damn keys are…

 

[godfodder0901]

I tried to go to Rei and the Yakima website but the number system for rivian is different than on the Yakima site. How'd you purchase the correct number? Looking for A157.

The numbers are the same. I ordered matching cores from Yakima for my kayak mounts. Look for SKS keys and cores.

And Rivian sells them...
https://rivian.com/gear-shop/p/adventure-key-set

 

[COdogman]

You better shape up, mister. Slow down out there ?

 

[moosehead]

Most good Yak retailers can do the same.

Rack Attack did so for me as well and didn’t even charge for it. I initially went in looking to buy all new cores/keys after losing original keyset.

Anyone know if Yak has come up with towers that fit the Rivian rail mounts? I sure would like to have solid crossbars.

 

[kylealden]

Once you know your key #, Rivian's key set also includes the control key which you can use to change cores. I have two sets off crossbars (my RTT stays on one pair, the other is general-purpose) and various other Yakima gear (ski/snowboard racks etc.) I ordered a couple Rivian key sets and can run most of my crossbar accessories off of one key. Awesome.

 

[jjswan33]

Once you know your key #, Rivian's key set also includes the control key which you can use to change cores. I have two sets off crossbars (my RTT stays on one pair, the other is general-purpose) and various other Yakima gear (ski/snowboard racks etc.) I ordered a couple Rivian key sets and can run most of my crossbar accessories off of one key. Awesome.

I'll add to @kylealden experience in that you can also exchange 'new' cores with Yakima for free. I had previously used this service to match my cross bar keys and some other new accessories I had bought.

https://yakimasupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/235687768-Core-Exchange-Program

I wish my camper used SKS locks....

 

[oyakodon]

just to add my 2¢, rei may also have extra lock core sets with different key #s in addition to the keys themselves, so if you want to have one key to rule them all, you can find cores for your ski/bike racks.

And by "extra", these weren't just the normal boxed yak cores; these were two big ziploc bags filled with smaller hand-labeled bags of cores and keys. ymmv per store, of course, but it's worth asking.

 

[buglas]

I'll add to @kylealden experience in that you can also exchange 'new' cores with Yakima for free. I had previously used this service to match my cross bar keys and some other new accessories I had bought.

https://yakimasupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/235687768-Core-Exchange-Program

I wish my camper used SKS locks....

I sent in cores following the instructions on this page and they just returned them without exchanging and with no note. After reaching back out, they emailed saying that the core I requested (A172) is only made for Rivian and that they don't have them there and I would need to buy them from the gear shop.

 

[jjswan33]

I sent in cores following the instructions on this page and they just returned them without exchanging and with no note. After reaching back out, they emailed saying that the core I requested (A172) is only made for Rivian and that they don't have them there and I would need to buy them from the gear shop.

Well that is a new and unfortunate change. I place blame on both Rivian and the folks at Yakima.

@wicked2112 - What is the point here?

Edit: The even worse thing about this is someone with OPs problem will need Rivian service, REI wouldn't be able to help if Rivian is using special keys.

 

[wicked2112]

That information is correct. Rivian controls a lot of their accessory parts in-house. Anything over A155, you must get those directly from Rivian. Anything A155 and lower, you can get from Yakima directly.

 

[wicked2112]

Well that is a new and unfortunate change. I place blame on both Rivian and the folks at Yakima.

@wicked2112 - What is the point here?

Edit: The even worse thing about this is someone with OPs problem will need Rivian service, REI wouldn't be able to help if Rivian is using special keys.

Incorrect. I would say folks put too much faith into forums versus dealing directly with the manufacturer. Though Yakima makes the bars and locks specifically for Rivian, EVERYONE should be talking directly to Rivian - not through the forum. Yakima is in partnership with Rivian, and Rivian controls how they decide to manage keys and cores. For Yakima branded products, that Yakima sells direct, Yakima will manage and support keys & core swaps when readily available. This was NEVER stated otherwise so I not sure why people feel a certain way surrounding this topic.

 

[wicked2112]

The numbers are the same. I ordered matching cores from Yakima for my kayak mounts. Look for SKS keys and cores.

And Rivian sells them...
https://rivian.com/gear-shop/p/adventure-key-set

Incorrect. Anything above A155 and above - you will need to deal with Rivian directly - Yakima does not have ownership to those numbers. Anything below, A155, Yakima can help you with.

Hope this clears up all the confusion.

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