Gear Tunnel Redesign?

[malpo]

Let me start by saying that I don’t have any knowledge or specific information, but I’m thinking that the tonneau cover problem is bigger than it seems and may ultimately force some type of redesign of the gear tunnel. Let me lay out my case….

• Kevin Harty and Scott Hoffman over at Munro (R1T Tonneau Cover Issues) did a great job of explaining the tonneau cover design and possible solutions for correcting the misalignment problem. What I thought most interesting was that the biggest constrain they were dealing with was the lack of space; and what was causing the lack of space? The gear tunnel. In short, the unique stacking design of the tonneau wasn’t because it was better, rather necessary because the gear tunnel precluded them from having enough space to use The traditional options that are known to work.
• Over on Reddit, Tony Caravano confirmed that the tonneau cover is not up to current standards and that it will definitely be redesigned (AMA with Tony Caravano).
• On Thursday we got the email indicating that they were suspending delivery of the Camp Kitchen and the Gear Tunnel Shuttle (Rivian Email Update 10/13). In that email note how “The redesign also includes updating the Gear Tunnel Shuttle, which is included in the Camp Kitchen package.” There has been some discussion that the Camp Kitchen might not meet outdoor specs or is energy efficient, etc. What I read is that the problem may not be the induction cooking system, but rather the Gear Tunnel Shuttle.
• I’m a 7/21 R1T Max Pack reservation holder with a 2H2023 delivery date. In the email I received it indicated that the Gear Tunnel Shuttle was being removed from my order as they work on an updated design. Interestingly they told me, “Since you may take delivery of your R1T before the Gear Tunnel Shuttle is available…”. That could be up to a year from now.

So what does that all mean? My guess is that the ultimate fix for the tonneau is more complex than just adding a second motor. Such so that it will entail changes to the gear tunnel itself, thus trickling down to changes of the shuttle and kitchen. The engineers are going to be busy with this one. Thoughts?

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[Rivian_Hugh_III]

Nice sleuthing. The Munro video gave me the impression that a second motor would solve the problems, even with the current design. The gear tunnel is deeply and philosophically important to Rivian. They won’t make the GT smaller. If they can make it bigger they might, but that wouldn’t get the tonneau wrapping around an axel.

The only solution that would be more effective would be to make it like the Cybertruck with narrow slats and a snaking track that pulls the tonneau down a 90 degree bend toward the ground and then… where… maybe towards the back of the truck under the bed?

 

[av8or]

Plausible

 

[dleepnw]

remember this has to be a change that works for existing R1Ts. so there are constraints in what they can do. they could be connected but not necessarily.

 

[Guy]

They are not going to make any major changes to the gear tunnel as that would involve new stampings and as others have said affect fixing existing R1Ts.

 

[kylealden]

I really don't think there is any chance they will redesign the Gear Tunnel in this generation (~ next few years of vehicles). It's a major structural component and significant redesigns impact multiple castings for huge body panels and are likely to cascade through dozens of other elements of the vehicle. They'd have to do enormous and expensive retooling, and would break back compatibility with tens of thousands of delivered vehicles. Not to mention damaging the brand of the single most unique signature design element of the R1T.

There's just no way they do that for the tonneau cover. I think they'd significantly compromise on the tonneau first, or even eliminate it entirely.

Nothing about the tonneau teardowns so far suggests this design is unsalvageable. Another motor, a stiffer rod, improvements to the gear teeth/slats, etc. would all make significant improvements.

As to the Gear Shuttle redesign, that could be anything; I imagine it is more about making it resilient and adding functionality for future accessories or standalone use.

 

[crashmtb]

gear tunnel redesign would be a substantive change to the body in white.

There are lots of ways to tweak the tonneau design and have it still fit in the available space.

I’ll bet money it will retain the stacking slat concept, but the mechanism for retraction is what changes.


the shuttle is probably getting different electrics and a different t-slot setup. They might do something with the slide setup too.
at least that’s the stuff I’d adjust if it was my project.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

Unfortunately your hypothesis falls apart where it relates to existing models.

The tonneau issue in my opinion is a separate issue to the kitchen redesign, and as touched on by Munro Live, they have multiple options to choose from as a remedy.

My guess with the kitchen/shuttle was it may not have held up to the rigours of testing having been in the wild for a while now, and that in turn has translated into a redesign of either the one or both products.

I think it's wise of them to hold off on releasing the shuttle until such time as the kitchen or maybe even shuttle issues are resolved.

 

[Autolycus]

There's one problem requiring redesign of the Camp Kitchen all by itself anyway: Dometic doesn't seem to manufacture that model of induction top anymore.

 

[Friscorays]

There's one problem requiring redesign of the Camp Kitchen all by itself anyway: Dometic doesn't seem to manufacture that model of induction top anymore.

Apparently replaced with a near identical model.
https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...nel-shuttle-and-rooftop-tent.9045/post-219836

 

[crashmtb]

There's one problem requiring redesign of the Camp Kitchen all by itself anyway: Dometic doesn't seem to manufacture that model of induction top anymore.

dometic Replaced CI-20 with CI-20. Same dimensions and power.
https://www.campingworld.com/dometic-ci21-induction-cooktop-107853.html

 

[Arky]

Tonneau could probably be fixed with deeper gear mesh into the 'rack' of the slats, seems like most of the problems are related to it jumping a tooth, which given they don't have a lot of mesh seems easily possible. 2 motors is more complicated to sync (and their multi-point supported bar from the single motor actually looks pretty rigid).

The other thing I could see is perhaps something to avoid the scraping wear on the panels themselves, that can easily be damaged as shown in the munro teardown.

 

[ironpig]

They aren't redesigning the gear tunnel to fix the stupid tonneau cover.

 

[opnwide]

Retrax. Problem solved.

 

[Gabe1aron]

Retrax. Problem solved.

This! Rivian could partner up with this company to make one specific to the R1T. A custom Retrax system could easily fit into the space that already exists. Boom!

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