JEBINC’s Installation Tips and Review of Rivian R1T RMAXX Gear Tunnel Dual Slide Out Trolley Sled and Storage Chests

[jebinc]

Okay all, this is the last review (and largest) for my three recent purchases (Bed tie downs and cross bar racks already posted – see links below), as promised. Thanks again to @EV Sportline for once again delivering products the Rivian community can use to maximize joy and utilization of our trucks!

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/jebinc’s-installation-tips-and-review-of-ev-sportline-r1t-bed-tie-downs.28939/

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/jebinc’s-installation-tips-and-review-of-ev-sportline-cargo-crossbar-storage-mounts.29727/

This review will focus on the “Rivian R1T RMAXX Gear Tunnel Dual Slide Out Trolley Sled and Storage Chests”. I purchased the “slide system,” the “Open Top Box” (driver’s side) and the “Single Drawer Chest” (passenger side). I did not select the insurance option as I’ve found packing materials of EV Sportline to be sufficient. Case and point, check out the pictures showing the packing and gauge cardboard used for this product. YVVM, of course.


Installation Tips:

If you want to install these without help, I found a way that is quite easy. I also came up with a few simple mods that you may or may not find desirable. My gear tunnel also had an OEM all weather mat/liner installed. You DO NOT have to remove this; you can install the system on top and have a water and dirt collection system, while not destroying your carpet. No mods to the mat/liner are needed. Being anal, I also pre-lubed all the sliders with dry graphite spray. See attached picture.

1. Remove the two door-well trim panels per EV Sportline instructions/video (see web site). Save these as they will not be reinstalled.
2. Deviation from EV Sportline instructions, for a one person install: Lift up each slide half, and locate on gear tunnel nut plates (per instructions). Loosely install provided 6mm hardware (2x per side). No cardboard, no two people, no Carpet damage – just you, your slide system and your Rivian are all that’s needed.
3. Open the gear tunnel access hatch that’s between the rear seats and bolt the two halves together. Super easy.
4. Center and align assembly and tighten down the four bolts, loosely installed in step #2.
5. Depending of your trucks build variation, you may or may not have to use shims to ensure the slide does not interfere with the extended gear tunnel doors/latch. I had a very early VIN and did have to use a few of the shims on one side only.
6. Check the functioning of the slides on each side. Once confirmed, “All Good,” proceed with the installation of the accessories. Then test again. I found that one of my gear tunnel light and light button panels was hanging down and interfered with the accessory. I simply snapped the panel back in place as the factory should have done.
7. Enjoy the heck out of your new system!

JEBINC Mods:

I wanted the ability to quickly add or remove the accessories/boxes from the slide as I sometimes need to put a litter box and cats in the tunnel; they have access to the interior via the hatch opening between the rear seats! No judging or humane comments, please! So, I used 6mm thumb screws to make easy work for this task. See attached pictures.

Additionally, for the Open Top Box, I wanted a means to “tie down” loads/bags of groceries placed in that gaping space, so I installed D-Ring tabs and bungie cords! See attached pictures.


Conclusion/TL;DR

@EV Sportline brings real value here. The price is pretty darn aggressive for what you get. These are beyond rock solid and will outlast the truck! Load capacity when fully extended is a whopping 250 pounds! Super functional with even little built in drawers on each side under the slides! Because these shipping boxes are so heavy and large (over 50#), shipping costs may higher than expected, depending on your location. Doesn’t matter who is selling or shipping, weight and box size drive UPS/FedEx/USPS rates. This is not an EV Sportline issue; once you cross over 50#, the price jumps. It is what it is, and appears to be... If you have a chance to pick these up locally (@ the EV Sportline Atlanta, GA or Santa Fe Spring, CA locations), by all means do so. I had mine shipped as do not live near Atlanta, GA or Santa Fe Springs, CA.

Check out the various installation pictures and share your thoughts on this (or the other two) mods! More to come as I have time to play with the system some more. Those thoughts will be added to this thread over time!


Edit: See additional mod below (link provided):

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/jebinc’s-installation-tips-and-review-of-rivian-r1t-rmaxx-gear-tunnel-dual-slide-out-trolley-sled-and-storage-chests.29784/page-2#post-571024

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[jebinc]

Adding a few more pictures of the completed @EV Sportline install, along with some better shots on how to connect the two slider halves after being put into the gear tunnel - via the hatch between the rear seats!

 

[Steve-hsv]

Great write-up about the product. I'm really interested in this and probably going to wait to see what they offer kitchen wise. But I did have a question for you given the two options you got are the two I'm deciding between. Do you prefer the open basket or the single drawer with worktop?

Thanks

 

[jebinc]

Great write-up about the product. I'm really interested in this and probably going to wait to see what they offer kitchen wise. But I did have a question for you given the two options you got are the two I'm deciding between. Do you prefer the open basket or the single drawer with worktop?

Thanks

Both. One for groceries and the other for storing bungie cords, hitch balls, tie down straps, tire repair kit, etc. I didn’t want the multi drawer system as the drawers and slides limit storage space. Hope that helps!

 

[jebinc]

Has anyone else installed this system? Curious how it is working out for you (those who have already installed)?

 

[EVTrukHog]

Great write-up about the product. I'm really interested in this and probably going to wait to see what they offer kitchen wise. But I did have a question for you given the two options you got are the two I'm deciding between. Do you prefer the open basket or the single drawer with worktop?

Thanks

I’m in the same mindset….really want to see their camp kitchen prototype before committing to this setup, but really like what I see here.

 

[jebinc]

I’m in the same mindset….really want to see their camp kitchen prototype before committing to this setup, but really like what I see here.

Was there any sort of timeline shared about camp kitchen availability?

 

[Riviot]

Yup have tried that but Chase has no record of the vehicle because Rivian never transferred the information properly.

Has anyone else installed this system? Curious how it is working out for you (those who have already installed)?

I've had mine for over a month now and love it, after working out initial rubbing/shimmying issue is sounds like you had too. I just ordered the gear bins, and am also curious what the single sided camp kitchen will look like!

 

[jebinc]

I've had mine for over a month now and love it, after working out initial rubbing/shimmying issue is sounds like you had too. I just ordered the gear bins, and am also curious what the single sided camp kitchen will look like!

My early VIN is 99xx. IIRC, you’re an early VIN as well. These early ones were practically hand built, which is likely the reason we require the shims, but most should not.

 

[Stevetom84]

@jebinc , where did you get your shims? Did they come with your slides?

 

[jebinc]

@jebinc , where did you get your shims? Did they come with your slides?

Being an early VIN, I asked EV Sportline for the shim kit when ordering the overall system. If you are not an early VIN, the kit will likely not be needed.

 

[Stevetom84]

Got it. I’m an early vin and am in need of the shim kit!

 

[jebinc]

Got it. I’m an early vin and am in need of the shim kit!

I would suggest DMing @EV Sportline. Let them know what VIN you have and they can let you know if you may need the kit or not, based on the VIN. Mine, as mentioned above, is 99xx.

 

[Stevetom84]

I would suggest DMing @EV Sportline. Let them know what VIN you have and they can let you know if you may need the kit or not, based on the VIN. Mine, as mentioned above, is 99xx.

Thanks! I’m a 5000 vin and have it Jerry rigged at the moment. The shims will work a lot better though to correct the passenger side.

 

[Riviot]

Got it. I’m an early vin and am in need of the shim kit!

Did yours ship with extra washers? If so, stick those between the slides for the bottom bolts connecting them in the middle. Does this make sense? It puts just enough pressure on the bottom to make it angle up slightly. A little PITA to correct once you have it installed, but definitely easier than shimming on the ends.

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