The R1T tailgate trim is not robust enough IMO

[vasculopath]

Yeah, and ANY kind of handle so you can close the tailgate without just pushing up on the painted surface? This just seems like an oversight. Doesn't lift it self, it's heavy, and no handle...WHy?

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[csharp]

Yeah, and ANY kind of handle so you can close the tailgate without just pushing up on the painted surface? This just seems like an oversight. Doesn't lift it self, it's heavy, and no handle...WHy?

With every truck I've owned, I have never closed the tailgate with the tailgate release handle which is the handle I assume you are talking about. Have always closed it by lifting up on the tailgate. This tailgate is no heavier than any other tailgate I've owned and have never had one close itself.

 

[Ralph]

Agreed; the top of the tailgate is much softer than the bed sides. I've not worried about it much after I discovered how easy it to is to remove (fall off). Just figured after x years would buy a new one and replace.

I wonder how much it cost to purchase from Rivian? Not installed.

 

[azbill]

I’ve had my R1T for about a year now. I really like the truck but am disappointed that the plastic trim at the top of the tailgate is so susceptible to nicks and scratches. Because the R1T bed is short, I often end up carrying items like lumber perched on this trim and then pull them out over this trim. For a truck this is a common area for abuse and it is highly visible outside the truck. So why did Rivian use ordinary plastic here? I know there are pads sold for bikes and such, but I don’t want something I have to prethink to employ. I also know there are bed liner coatings but doing only this piece would look odd with the texture difference. I did a Google search and failed to find this really addressed. For those entrepreneurs out there, can you make a replacement or cover out of a more durable material? In fact, you could improve on it as I understand the stock trim has a tendency to come off on its own.

Mine has broken clips already, from catching things on it when unloading. I have it duck taped to the tailgate.

 

[Blueassassin]

For anyone that doesn't know there was a redesign of the tailgate cap piece. It wasn't a huge improvement but had more rubber surface and tape I think.

Also while searching images of the differnt caps this came up and is now on my want to buy list.
https://extremeonlinestore.com/prod...es-matte-black-rear-tailgate-lid-wing-spoiler

 

[zymolysis]

The original trim piece fell off on the road, somewhere. Rivian replaced it under warranty. I added Gorilla Tape along the inside edge, to ensure it couldn't be snagged on anything I drag across it. That doesn't prevent it from being marred, but it's a truck, and that is essentially a sacrificial (but probably expensive) piece of trim.
Might indeed be an opportunity for the after-marketeers.

 

[zymolysis]

For anyone that doesn't know there was a redesign of the tailgate cap piece. It wasn't a huge improvement but had more rubber surface and tape I think.

Also while searching images of the differnt caps this came up and is now on my want to buy list.
https://extremeonlinestore.com/prod...es-matte-black-rear-tailgate-lid-wing-spoiler

That looks, to me, like it would be more susceptible to damage, unless it is an extremely rugged material.

 

[Blueassassin]

That looks, to me, like it would be more susceptible to damage, unless it is an extremely rugged material.

it would be but it looks cool! I want to see it with the top closed.

 

[Gurule92]

For anyone that doesn't know there was a redesign of the tailgate cap piece. It wasn't a huge improvement but had more rubber surface and tape I think.

Also while searching images of the differnt caps this came up and is now on my want to buy list.
https://extremeonlinestore.com/prod...es-matte-black-rear-tailgate-lid-wing-spoiler

That online store is extreme!!

 

[RivianRiverRat]

For anyone that doesn't know there was a redesign of the tailgate cap piece. It wasn't a huge improvement but had more rubber surface and tape I think.

Also while searching images of the differnt caps this came up and is now on my want to buy list.
https://extremeonlinestore.com/prod...es-matte-black-rear-tailgate-lid-wing-spoiler

for those who have asked for a handle - what if they had molded two openings like the roof scoop into the tailgate lid wing spoiler?

 

[vasculopath]

For me a handle on or below the top piece, redesigned and flush BOLTED on would be ideal.

 

[Sonoma]

I’ve had my R1T for about a year now. I really like the truck but am disappointed that the plastic trim at the top of the tailgate is so susceptible to nicks and scratches.

Same problem here. The clips are not nearly as robust as they need to be. Still waiting to hear back from Rivian regarding warranty/repair.

 

[Ecupip]

For anyone that doesn't know there was a redesign of the tailgate cap piece. It wasn't a huge improvement but had more rubber surface and tape I think.

Also while searching images of the differnt caps this came up and is now on my want to buy list.
https://extremeonlinestore.com/prod...es-matte-black-rear-tailgate-lid-wing-spoiler

Not a fan of it when you see it from the sides or rear. It looks like the tacky spoilers some add to the rear of a Grand Cherokee.

 

[SSteveEV]

for those who have asked for a handle - what if they had molded two openings like the roof scoop into the tailgate lid wing spoiler?

For me the lip would work well enough as a handle, but that opening would be great drainage so this ducktail doesn't just funnel more water into the bed.

(I agree with others this looks silly and is not what I hoped for but at least someone is looking at options to replace the trim)

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

Yeah, and ANY kind of handle so you can close the tailgate without just pushing up on the painted surface? This just seems like an oversight. Doesn't lift it self, it's heavy, and no handle...WHy?

Agree with this thread. There should be "some kind of" sturdier option. Mine flexes just under my weight getting into the bed. Am worried every time it's going to pop off.

To the above point, I added the Twraps tailgate protector top piece so I'm not pushing directly on the paint. Looking at my order history, I ordered it one day after taking delivery of my truck, LOL.

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