MTB Tailgate Pad

[Mark_AZR1T]

It's this section on the tailgate where two owners have dinged with forks making an indentation when going a bit too quick over a speedbump and on a dip into a driveway. I think if you padded that section a bit more, it may be okay, but I'm not risking it at this point, because "sometimes" I mistakenly hit a bump or driveway (or whatever) a bit quick......I might revisit it, because it's a hassle to leave the Thule on all the time (which is what I'm doing as I ride daily)......

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[CommodoreAmiga]

It's this section on the tailgate where two owners have dinged with forks making an indentation when going a bit too quick over a speedbump and on a dip into a driveway. I think if you padded that section a bit more, it may be okay, but I'm not risking it at this point, because "sometimes" I mistakenly hit a bump or driveway (or whatever) a bit quick......I might revisit it, because it's a hassle to leave the Thule on all the time (which is what I'm doing as I ride daily)......

This is where an official RIVIAN branded tailgate pad could really shine. It could use a piece of molded foam that accounts for this contour and perhaps even a plastic piece (maybe kydex?) over the foam (and behind the nylon cover of the pad) so pressure is evenly distributed to the tailgate rather than creating a pressure point on the body line.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

This is where an official RIVIAN branded tailgate pad could really shine. It could use a piece of molded foam that accounts for this contour and perhaps even a plastic piece (maybe kydex?) over the foam (and behind the nylon cover of the pad) so pressure is evenly distributed to the tailgate rather than creating a pressure point on the body line.

Exactly! I would be first in line along with you and many others for this.....a guaranteed winner for Rivian....

 

[Wefty]

So much for their adventure testing. I'd really like to avoid using a hitch rack. I've never had a pickup or used one with a tailgate pad so I'm not very familiar. Would it be possible to add padding to a regular tailgate pad? Pipe foam, workout mat glued to protect that body line.

You can probably tell this will be my first fancy car.

 

[pmccut]

Maybe this will force us all to get the cargo crossbars...

I just need to try lifting a 50lb eMTB that high off the ground.

 

[kylealden]

Maybe this will force us all to get the cargo crossbars...

I just need to try lifting a 50lb eMTB that high off the ground.

Which is going to be a fun way to discover that most proper MTBs are too big to fit over the bed of the R1T, at least with the Yakima rack.

I have a Cache tailgate pad on order so this is making me pretty nervous. Hoping to learn more before my truck gets here. I'd sort of expect that crease to be a strong point, rather than a weak one.

@Mark_AZR1T, do you have photos/direct anecdotes from folks who have had trouble? Size of bike, type of pad, how were they secured, was it offroading, etc.? I appreciate the second hand info but it's hard to evaluate the risk without more detail.

 

[ksujeff99]

I have the same one for the Ridgeline. Hopefully it'll still fit. I also use a bed rug in my pickup and would love from them to make one for the R1T. I know its not for everyone but it makes moving supplies inside the bed so much easier. You can slide stuff easily.

I’m a big fan of the bed rug as well. I’ve had one since 2013 and am going to miss it in the Rivian.

 

[Lsthrz]

Maybe this will force us all to get the cargo crossbars...

I just need to try lifting a 50lb eMTB that high off the ground.

Exactly, and mine runs about 10lbs heavier than yours ?

 

[pmccut]

I tried sticking one of my eMTBs (I'm an addict) in the bed..and it looks like it might be doable...enough that I may just buy a tank pad to try. Only problem is downtubes are massive on eMTBs and I'm not sure which pad with straps will fit.

 

[Lsthrz]

I fitted my eMTB on a Dakine pick-up pad and the results are about what you would expect from the comments here.

1. The loops are too short for the big down tube but I used one of the other loops to extend it and make it work
2. The fork does seem to press on the R1T’s tailgate ‘bump’. It does not seem terrible but I think a noodle mod or the like will ease the anxiety of a dent

This is my first time using one so assume there will be adjustments as I figure it out. The tailgate pad is still the best option for me as a casual single bike hauler to go meet friends now and then.
I checked out the Yakima mount that attaches to the cross bars and it rated only to 45lbs which would be tough for this bike. The hitch mount tray option will work, I’m just a little tired of those from many a motorcycle haul in the day.

 

[Eager2own]

The bitch mount tray option will work, I’m just a little tired of those from many a motorcycle haul in the day.

Regardless of whether your motorcycle had one or not, I don’t think you’re allowed to call it a bitch mount tray anymore.

On a more serious note, thanks for your post — that is exactly the same pad I was considering for my MTB.

 

[Lsthrz]

Too funny, it’s like spell checker KNOWS what I really want to say ?

 

[SeaGeo]

someone posted a prototype foam pad on IG today that @Jazzyjeff139 commented on and I can't seem to remember which account it was.

 

[Law]

someone posted a prototype foam pad on IG today that @Jazzyjeff139 commented on and I can't seem to remember which account it was.

rivian.fun

 

[SeaGeo]

rivian.fun

Thanks!

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