Heavy Tailgate

[JamuJoe]

Now I’m not whining, I’m really fishing for ideas. The tailgate on my R1T is heavier to operate than my RAM 2500 HD, due to the lack of any opening damper or lift assist. Sure I can operate it, but it’s not easy for my wife. This is an obvious oversight on a most technically advanced truck with electronic controls extending to the air vents. The lightweight frunk hood is powered, as was/is/ might be the fabled tonneau.

So how to improve this? Does anyone have any ideas?

JamuJoe

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[NY_Rob]

So you want additional expensive and complicated parts on your $85K vehicle?

 

[ThumprMN]

Are you looking for aftermarket ideas, or are you pontificating on how Rivian could have done something different?

 

[Ecupip]

I'm unsure if something like this would fit and work properly on the R1, but it's worth a try.

https://www.etrailer.com/Tailgate/H...YimXEqIjfwo7yB6tu8WBPKhuJ40r_2RQaAow_EALw_wcB

 

[AltaTruck]

I find if I hook my index finger on my left hand into the latch on the left side of the door it can be lifted easily about i/2 way. At that point, I remove my finger as I have put the heel of my right hand just below the top edge. From here I slam the door closed with a thrust of the heel of my right hand. I tried to be specific, and it sounds complex, but it is really easy. Hope this helps.

 

[brancky3]

I could close the tailgate of my Jeep Gladiator with one finger. I think the heavy tailgate of the R1T is amplified given the fact there's not a designated spot to grab and pull it up, so I do agree that it's kinda annoying.

 

[NY_Rob]

The gooseneck hinges Rivian use to push the tailgate out to extend the bed length put the weight of the tailgate out past where a regular hinge fulcrum is, so you're basically lifting almost the full weight of the tailgate when you close it.

 

[solaskaze]

The gooseneck hinges Rivian use to push the tailgate out to extend the bed length put the weight of the tailgate out past where a regular hinge fulcrum is, so you're basically lifting almost the full weight of the tailgate when you close it.

Also, could we have the proximity sensors/GearGuard LOCK that tailgate when someone hits the wrong button on the FOB when the truck is parked against a wall. Asking for a friend.

 

[NY_Rob]

Also, could we have the proximity sensors/GearGuard LOCK that tailgate when someone hits the wrong button on the FOB when the truck is parked against a wall. Asking for a friend.

Don't you have to press the button 2X?

I know the icons on the fob are impossible to see sometimes, I ended up painting the icons white like others have done.

 

[solaskaze]

Don't you have to press the button 2X?

That is true.

[/QUOTE]
I know the icons on the fob are impossible to see sometimes, I ended up painting the icons white like others have done.
[/QUOTE]

Enough is enough, I -- I mean my friend -- ordered glow-in-the-dark pen from this poster:
https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...mple-huge-difference-rj-take-notes-pls.21370/

 

[Shadow68]

I'm unsure if something like this would fit and work properly on the R1, but it's worth a try.

https://www.etrailer.com/Tailgate/H...YimXEqIjfwo7yB6tu8WBPKhuJ40r_2RQaAow_EALw_wcB

FYI - my limited experience with etrailer support was quite good 7-8 years ago - if it's still the same, I'll bet if you ask them about compatibility, they will do their best to find you an answer. They ended up contacting the manufacturer to get a product question answered for me.

So, you may want to reach out to them...

 

[feifan]

I get under the open tailgate with the heels of my hands (fingers pointing up/back), get under it with my legs a bit, and press up with my legs to close the tailgate (like the top of a clean, but less dramatic). That seems to be the least-effort way for me, although it's unpleasant if my tailgate has accumulated a lot of road grime.

 

[Shaun bowker]

With one hand press down on the black limit cable and lift with the other hand really helps

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Regular exercise.

Tip: Arms out, left and right, elbows slightly bent but locked by muscle tension. Place fleshy palms under upper portion of tailgate (where sheet metal is beveled/folded and stronger), lift—with legs, if arm strength is lacking. Then, follow through (with arm strength) with some gumption the last 10-20% of the arc to ensure the gate sensor resets and does not trip a false “gate down” warning.

Further, probe the gate with your finger and observe where the metal is flexing. You do not want to place your hands at these locations when closing. Likely to leave dents.

 

[R1Thor]

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