The R1T tailgate trim is not robust enough IMO

[MikeWilliams_R1T]

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.

I had my light bar replaced this week (I bumped into a post and cracked it)... I learned that the top piece on the tailgate is considered a consumable one time use item. It's $190 by the way for a new one.
The ones that they are putting on now are much better. More rubberized, less soft plastic.

A 3rd party, carbon fiber part for that (and maybe a stronger/better tail light bar) would be pretty cool.

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[TTedP]

I've resorted to leaving the bike tailpad on 24x7

 

[beatle]

I'm not so worried about the tailgate trim getting marred - it's a truck. But it would be nice if there were a better way to get a purchase on the tailgate. The trim at the top is contoured to the same line as the tailgate itself. Looks nice and may be aerodynamic, but as others have said, it doesn't give you anything to grab onto.

My Ridgelines had a "spoiler" as well, but not as pronounced as those pictured. It was easy to lift the tailgate:

 

[Campmohave]

I haven’t seen this mentioned.

There are four torx bolts under the tailgate plastic that can be used to drill/tap through the trim and lock the plastic in place. I’m away from the truck at the moment but I’ll edit this post later. It’s a casual easy fix for a flawed design.

 

[Killer95Stang]

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.

I actually saw one in person. I sold a set of wheels to a gentlemen who had one of those spoiler / tailgate caps on his R1T. I thought it looked pretty good in person, but the fit and finish was was not that great. If I remember correctly, he had to make a few modifications for it to hold on securely to the back of the tailgate.

 

[SDB-2025]

Haha! Well I can tell you not has two snap-in clips on each end and one way slide in place -“cleats”are what I call them. It slides from outside to the inside and then the end clips snap to hold.. not robust in any sense but the cap is just too soft. I would cap it with it UHMW with the Rivian compass symbol across the span— and some actual bolts!! Once it wears down you buy a new one.

 

[ForeverWild]

I've resorted to leaving the bike tailpad on 24x7

Can you close the PTC with the bike tailpad installed.

 

[TTedP]

Can you close the PTC with the bike tailpad installed.

sorry, I use a roll up tonneau cover - which does close cleanly on top of the pad.

My only gripe with the rollup is the rails for it block the spare tire hatch from fully opening.

 

[RIV1]

On todo for next time I rent a R1T as I personally own the R1S and for T related products I have to rent. If anyone in the Bay Area wants to switch my S for their T for a couple of days I am game

I live in Belmont, if you ever need to steel my R1T, let me know.
Brett

 

[RyanG]

How do you order the new tailgate lip from Rivian, just submit a service ticket? Mine got ripped off at a car wash a year and a half ago and has been falling off constantly since.

 

[dduffey]

Can you close the PTC with the bike tailpad installed.

Yes, no problem. I also didn't need to recalibrate. The tailgate pad is high quality and has held up better than others I've had in the past (but is fading after 1.5 years). I leave mine on all the time exposed the the weather (sun).

 

[MikeWilliams_R1T]

How do you order the new tailgate lip from Rivian, just submit a service ticket? Mine got ripped off at a car wash a year and a half ago and has been falling off constantly since.

Open a service ticket. You might be able to talk them into shipping you one.

 

[Eeyore]

How do you order the new tailgate lip from Rivian, just submit a service ticket? Mine got ripped off at a car wash a year and a half ago and has been falling off constantly since.

The original trim piece on my 2022 R1T got ripped off and replaced under warranty. The original design was flawed. The replacement is better.

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