Custom Made Rivian R1T Truck Cap Topper (Autofitpro) Group Buy - Interested?

[DayTripping]

Or a piece of thick flat (or angle) metal, aluminum or steel, with holes or a slot.
One thing looks certain - J-bolts or U-bolts will be a bit more fiddly when attempting to set it on. Might need additional hands. The Weistec adapters would allow setting it onto the rails, and then adjusting until the holes match up.

Thanks. I am open to all ideas. Brainstorming is almost always an advantage. I like the Weistec option but I just dont' think it is worth almost $400 to me. I just don't see the value at this point. My mind may change later and the 10% discount wasn't enough to make me impulse buy them anyway.

While the J-bolts might be a bit more fiddly (I do have a helper), it can also allow for easier adjustment after the fact if needed.

My initial plan is to build it as is and set everything up like it should be from the factory, but without sealing it down. I am going to look at how it fits and mark where it sits on the bed rails and tailgate. I'll do some shakedown runs to make sure everything is good.

Then I will go back and redo each corner with the alternative mounting system once I am satisfied with the solution.

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[Travels with Hyper]

Got mine yesterday. Final leg delivery company was a pain but finally got it all sorted out. I'll let you all know how install goes.

 

[Laserboy1054]

Got mine yesterday. Final leg delivery company was a pain but finally got it all sorted out. I'll let you all know how install goes.

Congrats!
I'm glad we have this thread: based on my prior experiences assembling "flat pack" items, the likelihood of running into a snag or two is very high. Having a bunch of others more or less simultaneously doing their assemblies should make resolution easier. Or, at least, we can cry on each others' shoulders!

 

[zymolysis]

We should be okay with the tariffs. They only try to put the tariffs on like wholesale. The main concern with the custom is the inspection. Sometimes it can take up to 3 weeks for the clearance.

I have heard something, in the past day or so, about a change in customs process. Any idea how this affects us? Is it just a delay, or will they be adding huge tariffs?

 

[Autofitpro]

I have heard something, in the past day or so, about a change in customs process. Any idea how this affects us? Is it just a delay, or will they be adding huge tariffs?

so if the freight leaves the port before April 10th or the beginning of the tariff, then we should be fine. But if it’s after, then we could possibly run into some issues. There has been a higher inspection rate which could delay and high custom duty fee. For the 1st shipment, most of the orders were shipped prior to that date.

 

[DayTripping]

Started working on my topper today. I am about 70% done. The torrential rain didn't help as I had to work in a pretty confined place as a result.

I start with overall impressions of the topper kit. It seems very robust. As often is the case with things from China, you might need to "adjust" them a bit. The instructions are just one step better than worthless and mine came with lots of extra screws (so far) that I think they threw in just to mess with us.

There was some transit damage. Well, I assume while in transit or when they packed it. Some scratches on the roof of the topper through the coating. A little scratch in my glass going to the truck window. I haven't unwrapped the rear door yet, as I don't take anything out until I am ready to mount it to keep it from getting damaged.

If yours arrives unscathed, count yourself lucky. At the same time nothing horrible either with mine. I had to pound out a few edges and I'll touch up the scratches with some wheel paint I have that might work or maybe an industrial black Sharpie I have.

My tips so far are:

• Check to make sure you have all the bolts you need before you start assembly.
• Don't tighten anything down until you have test fit most of the other pieces. This will minimize gaps as you go.
• The sealant might not be enough, but make sure you use it pretty quickly as it dries quickly. I bought other to make sure I had enough.
• Take the time to clean the windows thoroughly. Mine had some sort of grime. I cleaned them 3 times and then ceramic coated them, including the little camera window.
• Have a stubby ratchet and a ratcheting box end. The bolts along the front section can't easily be put in all the same way due to clearance. It may work depending on what tools you have. In my case, I had nuts on one side for some sections and than had to flip around so they were on the other side.
• Clean all surfaces well, where you will need to use sealant. There will be gaps even after you seal it so use a light to search for them and seal again before the first sealant you put in dries. The corners where the panels meet are where you fitment gaps will show up as an issue.
• The provided tape is to be used as masking tape along the edges where you will seal.
• A helper isn't necessary, but it will speed up the process and help you align sections more quickly.

I am still working out how I will finally mount it. at this point I am leaning toward using the front mount as is as I can still slide in my manual topper and only have to deal with the rearmost mount. I'll just leave one panel out up front and can still hide my stuff nicely.

All in all, I think it is a very good topper, and a very good value for the money. It is annoying about the scratches from shipping or packing. Given the price point, I am not going to complain too much, as I am a little CDO when it comes to my vehicles. Just keep in mind it likely won't come perfect and you might need to make adjustments as you assemble.

Enjoy yours when you finally get it!

@Autofitpro - thanks again for putting this together. Ask the factory to be more careful packing the next batch.

I took some quick photos of the manual and one just before I attached the front (near the cab) section.

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[Travels with Hyper]

Ok, glad I was not going crazy with the extra hardware. Some of the bolts they included have me really scratching my head.

 

[Autofitpro]

Ok, glad I was not going crazy with the extra hardware. Some of the bolts they included have me really scratching my head.

yeah they always give you extra and random hardwares. I still have like a small box of m6 and m8s

 

[Tucker74]

Now we’re cooking, the eagle has landed and is in the garage. Looking forward to following your learnings for this weekend

 

[Laserboy1054]

Now we’re cooking, the eagle has landed and is in the garage. Looking forward to following your learnings for this weekend

Dude, cooking eagles is against the law! (Unless it's an ill eagle.)

 

[Travels with Hyper]

Finished the build. Tomorrow I'll throw it on. Was able to put it together myself. Pretty straight forward despite all the extra hardware confusion. Thanks for the tip on extra sealant. I was ready.

Only had to hammer in a couple spots. Overall pretty impressed by the quality.


Consider me lucky, no scratches or dents from shipping.

 

[zymolysis]

Dude, cooking eagles is against the law! (Unless it's an ill eagle.)

If it's "ill eagle," it's definitely against the law.

 

[Tucker74]

Dude, cooking eagles is against the law! (Unless it's an ill eagle.)

Meant this got here …

 

[SolartoEV]

Is this the bed camera glory hole?

 

[Tucker74]

Is this the bed camera glory hole?

Yup

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