Gear Tunnel Redesign?

[malpo]

Nice sleuthing. The Munro video gave me the impression that a second motor would solve the problems, even with the current design. The gear tunnel is deeply and philosophically important to Rivian. They won’t make the GT smaller. If they can make it bigger they might, but that wouldn’t get the tonneau wrapping around an axel.

The only solution that would be more effective would be to make it like the Cybertruck with narrow slats and a snaking track that pulls the tonneau down a 90 degree bend toward the ground and then… where… maybe towards the back of the truck under the bed?

I think you might be on the right track here. Wouldn't be surprised if we see a Gen 1 revision which keeps the same stacked design with a second motor, but later we get a Gen 2 version which is more like the Cybertruck (Retrax) design that wraps around the gear tunnel.

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[malpo]

… and the other shoe finally drops. Powered tonneau removed from production

 

[Olsonsolar]

This! Rivian could partner up with this company to make one specific to the R1T. A custom Retrax system could easily fit into the space that already exists. Boom!

Way better design than they have now.

 

[the long way downunder]

I'd rather a mid-gate than a tunnel.
If Rivian offered the Avalanche approach (extend the bed into the rear seats) I'd prefer that to the gear tunnel, no contest.
The Munro teardown makes it look like that "wall" is not structural and does nothing more than brace for seats and the tonneau cartridge.
I hope Rivian offers an R1.1 with midgate and open front frunk.

 

[Olsonsolar]

Much rather have the gear tunnel Than a longer bed. That is the best part of the T being a smaller truck.

 

[svet-am]

I have said for a little while that I think part of taking the tonneau out of production is to cap the number that have to be fixed in the field. Then, a stop-gap retrofit will be done for existing owner. The true proper redesign will - in my opinion - roll out in a complete redesign and as part of a new model year.

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