Rivian R1T tailgate pad installed review: it's a winner (with a caveat)

[Wentworth]

Seriously though, am I the only person who has witnessed plenty of folks just throwing their bike over a moving pad or carpet remnant on the tailgate and calling it good? The Velcro failed on 4 of 6 of my current Yakima pad ages ago and I don’t have any qualms about my carbon framed MTB or fat bikes moving very much.
To the person who said that some folks who are worried about paint, etc., and that using a pad may not be for you, Amen. That’s not a knock, different strokes for different folks, but I’m very pleased with the top down threading of the straps and the fact that this fits like an OEM product rather than a generic aftermarket pad that costs close to the same.

Sponsored

 

[Aonach]

Seriously though, am I the only person who has witnessed plenty of folks just throwing their bike over a moving pad or carpet remnant on the tailgate and calling it good? The Velcro failed on 4 of 6 of my current Yakima pad ages ago and I don’t have any qualms about my carbon framed MTB or fat bikes moving very much.
To the person who said that some folks who are worried about paint, etc., and that using a pad may not be for you, Amen. That’s not a knock, different strokes for different folks, but I’m very pleased with the top down threading of the straps and the fact that this fits like an OEM product rather than a generic aftermarket pad that costs close to the same.

I think I agree. The form and fit just look so much better. I don't trust velcro either and it looses its function over time, especially out in the elements. And the price seems reasonable. I'll probably just use a ratchet strap across the bed rings like suggested above.

If anyone doesn't like theirs, let me know if you want to part w it!

 

[DTown3011]

After install and fiddling with the straps I’m totally sold…

 

[rivianUGA]

To those that asked about the bike pad with tonneau cover. (I have the interrobang one. So can’t confirm about the rivian made one.)

 

[Dark-Fx]

I just bought an infinite number of webbing clips on Amazon for about 11 cents. Should do the trick.

I was thinking something like cam/locking buckles.

Mine fits like a glove.

Someone didn't follow the instructions

 

[Dark-Fx]

Seriously though, am I the only person who has witnessed plenty of folks just throwing their bike over a moving pad or carpet remnant on the tailgate and calling it good?

Depends on the type of terrain you might be going over with your bike over the tailgate. If you're also doing some sketchy off-road stuff between trails then it's going to be necessary to have it strapped down. I'm not sure I'll end up mixing the two activities, and if I do, I'd probably rather have the bikes on a rack because I'll likely also have a tent and a bunch of gear stored in the tonneau.

 

[R1Thor]

To those that asked about the bike pad with tonneau cover. (I have the interrobang one. So can’t confirm about the rivian made one.)

Like...it's cool to know that this fits.

But especially with how simple it appears to install this, I can't imagine keeping it on there AND having the cover on/closed. Why not just remove it and stow it? It's not like it looks ...cool or anything, and clearly you aren't quick-swapping bikes, because you'll need to remove your tonneau anyway.

Just seems like extra effort with no real upside, except the privilege of adding more dirt to the cover and maybe showing off "hey I have bikes!" to the world...

To each their own

 

[rivianUGA]

Folks asked yesterday if it was possible. So I was just showing it is possible. I agree, I won't be keeping both on there at the same time.

 

[DTown3011]

Folks asked yesterday if it was possible. So I was just showing it is possible. I agree, I won't be keeping both on there at the same time.

Yes, I don't ever see a use case where I would have both, other than if I'm traveling and have bikes on a rack but like to use a tailgate pad for shuttling to trails. Just did this last weekend, where I had my tailgate pad on with my bike rack, took the rack off when we got to our destination for the weekend, and then used the tailgate pad all weekend because it's so much easier to use than the bike rack.

 

[KootenayEV]

Like...it's cool to know that this fits.

But especially with how simple it appears to install this, I can't imagine keeping it on there AND having the cover on/closed. Why not just remove it and stow it? It's not like it looks ...cool or anything, and clearly you aren't quick-swapping bikes, because you'll need to remove your tonneau anyway.

Just seems like extra effort with no real upside, except the privilege of adding more dirt to the cover and maybe showing off "hey I have bikes!" to the world...

To each their own

I had a tonneau and tailgate pad on my Ridgeline the last 18 months, because it was a hassle to remove the pad and I used it for bikes reasonably frequently. Now that I have my R1T, I imagine I'll do the same... unless the Rivian pad is much easier to put on/off?

 

[DTown3011]

I had a tonneau and tailgate pad on my Ridgeline the last 18 months, because it was a hassle to remove the pad and I used it for bikes reasonably frequently. Now that I have my R1T, I imagine I'll do the same... unless the Rivian pad is much easier to put on/off?

It takes about 10 seconds with the way the 4 clips are designed. It's much easier than my old pad to put on and remove.

 

[abirozy]

Good evening all. Brand new to hauling bikes in a rack, or a tailgate pad, but have three bikes I want to take to the beach about once or twice a month. I got a yakima hitch mount, but that takes time and extends the bed further in an area where parking is tight.

I am thinking the tailgate pad is a more convenient option, but want to ask a few questions.

1). I don't think I am worried about "micro scratches" as I run my truck through a car wash pretty regularly, but would using the tailgate pad scratch my tailgate up more significantly than running it through the car wash does? I don't need to keep the truck pristine, but don't want to do stuff that will live extremely visible marks on the tailgate.

2). For those of you who ride a lot or have experience, thoughts on which is better for the occasional use? Again, my use scenario would be loading 1 beach cruiser and two fat bikes to go about 30 miles to the beach a few times a month to ride with the wife and daughter.

Thanks for all the help and opinions. I hope the questions don't sound dumb, but I am a newbie in this area.

Adam

 

[Jakelake]

I'm not even sure I want to install mine now

I will buy it. How much do you want?

 

[DTown3011]

I will buy it. How much do you want?

Hahah I love it now that I understand the straps!

 

[flynavy987]

Can you help me understand the straps. I’ve followed the instructions but the bikes just pull loose. Maybe some pictures would help? Thanks everyone!

Sponsored