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I think the easiest and most logical thing is to replace those two brackets with a hinge. You can drop in a molded box and then have a lid - using the existing panel - and have space as a toolbox. Since the front rail looks metallic, you can eve drill the center and have a keyed lock on it.Curiosity got the better of me and I wondered what exactly is in that powered tonneau cover space on the manual/no tonneau versions. How much or little of the hardware is there and how difficult is the space to access?
No surprise, all the hardware is gone. I didn't check to see if any of the wiring for the motor or open/close button was still present. But I was surprised to see how easy it was to access the empty cavity. Just 8 plastic covers and bolts to remove the back panel in the bed and you can gain access to the space.
It's not a huge amount of space and I'm guessing that water could run through there, but it would be handy to store some tools or recovery gear. I'm thinking of making a new panel to go here out of wood or plastic with a hinged door and tumbler lock. The stock panel dimensions are roughly 48.25" x 17.5" and it sticks out about 1.5" at the bottom which I may not try to copy.
Looking to get some feedback from the community on any other ideas or suggestions for using the space.
Corner of the space with the one way flaps into the cabin. Lifting the flaps you can see the foam cushioning of the rear seats. Too bad the rear seat backs don't fold. That would be convenient access.
Part number info for the plastic bed panel. If I could source another panel, I'd cut one of those up instead of making one out of plastic or wood.
Good point. I measured mine and the top panel is only 4” wide in the center and 5.5” at the sides. This would not be good for access.
I’ve been thinking about this project for a few weeks now. While I think it’s theoretically possible to get it to open from the top, I don’t think the juice is worth the squeeze here. The way the trim pieces sit on top, there would be lots of cutting involved, and I don’t think it would end up looking very clean. The side trim sits on top of that rear piece behind the window. I think replacing the rear bed panel that was removed in the photo is the path of least resistance. I’m also concerned about hitting the rear window with a top opening solution given how delicate rivians glass seems to be.
I didn't check but I will next time I have the panel off. I assume it would lead into the gear tunnel though.
Yes, exactly. Perhaps a bottle jack if there is enough room...
Thanks for doing this and sharing. I’d like to use this area for storage and don’t care about a tonneau. To do this it would be preferable to access the area from the top rather than the back.
Did you happen to explore the potential to remove the top cover? I noticed a bracket attaching it. I wonder if that bracket could be replaced or modified with a hInge.
Whats unfortunate is the rear glass curves over the area where the powered tonneau resides. So making a compartment with lid that potentially flips up, with a latch facing the bed of the truck wouldn't work well unless you're okay with a 2" or so wide lid opening.
