Tonneau Void Drawer for R1T

[Bf3]

While what I really wish I could fit in this space is a tonneau, preferably powered, I know more than a few of us are wanting to reclaim this unused space. I was considering a water tank, but the cost was pretty high and I don’t want to be responsible for one leaking in someone else’s truck.

So I’ve been tinkering with this drawer set up. Installation takes about 15 minutes, but I’ve done it too many times at this point, so it could be closer to an hour. The set up I have right now is some brackets I designed and 3D printed, drawer slides, door closers, aluminum pegboard, and some shock cord. There’s not a lot of clearance in the space, and it’s not totally weatherproof. In the couple weeks I’ve had it installed the drawer slides have shown a little rust, and some of my stuff has been wet when I’ve pulled it out.

I’m more than willing to help anyone else get a similar setup, if they’re interested. I don’t have anything up for sale on the website yet, and I feel like this is still a bit of a rough draft rather than a polished product. It could be lockable, but a hole would need to be drilled into the back panel.

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[Prime]

really clever! how does the back plastic trim fold down to reveal the drawer?

 

[kozak79]

Yes Please! I've been thinking about this for a while.

 

[jjswan33]

The water tank would have been more up my alley but I also have that pesky power tonneau cover using that space anyway.

 

[mikehmb]

How tall/deep is that space? I have a powered tonneau* but that would be an excellent location for recovery gear.

* - configured, and ostensibly in my truck, but disabled

 

[KRo]

I haven’t taken mine apart, but I have absolutely been trying to figure how I could access that unused space, this is great! I’ll be following this for sure! Fantastic!

 

[ironoman]

Looks interesting!

 

[jollyroger]

This is really neat and I'll be following,

Do you think the water intrusion has more to do with the construction of the empty space, or the fact that the tonneau is not attached?

 

[Bf3]

really clever! how does the back plastic trim fold down to reveal the drawer?

While what I really wish I could fit in this space is a tonneau, preferably powered, I know more than a few of us are wanting to reclaim this unused space. I was considering a water tank, but the cost was pretty high and I don’t want to be responsible for one leaking in someone else’s truck.

So I’ve been tinkering with this drawer set up. Installation takes about 15 minutes, but I’ve done it too many times at this point, so it could be closer to an hour. The set up I have right now is some brackets I designed and 3D printed, drawer slides, door closers, aluminum pegboard, and some shock cord. There’s not a lot of clearance in the space, and it’s not totally weatherproof. In the couple weeks I’ve had it installed the drawer slides have shown a little rust, and some of my stuff has been wet when I’ve pulled it out.

I’m more than willing to help anyone else get a similar setup, if they’re interested. I don’t have anything up for sale on the website yet, and I feel like this is still a bit of a rough draft rather than a polished product. It could be lockable, but a hole would need to be drilled into the back panel.

This is really neat and I'll be following,

Do you think the water intrusion has more to do with the construction of the empty space, or the fact that the tonneau is not attached?

From what I can tell it’s just not designed to be a water tight space. I think the water comes from the gaps in the trim above.

 

[Bf3]

I haven’t taken mine apart, but I have absolutely been trying to figure how I could access that unused space, this is great! I’ll be following this for sure! Fantastic!

It’s really easy to access the space. All you have to do is remove the 8 bolts holding the rear bed panel on. You’ll need something flat like a small flathead screwdriver to pop the plastic covers off the bolts and a 10mm socket wrench to unfasten everything.

 

[Bf3]

How tall/deep is that space? I have a powered tonneau* but that would be an excellent location for recovery gear.

* - configured, and ostensibly in my truck, but disabled

It’s about 8.5” deep, and the opening is about 4.5” tall. There’s more room above, but the large metal mounting plate is in the way. You could cut it if you were so inclined.

 

[Bf3]

really clever! how does the back plastic trim fold down to reveal the drawer?

Once you remove the bolts the whole panel just tips forward.

 

[Bf3]

The water tank would have been more up my alley but I also have that pesky power tonneau cover using that space anyway.

My back of the napkin math says it could hold a tank with about 8 gallons of capacity. I got a couple quotes to have the tanks made. After the $1800 for tooling, the lowest was $350 per tank. I’d estimate I’d have to charge $500+ just to cover the costs and then everyone would need to drill port holes. I think the space is designed to drain down into the bed, but I still think 8 gallons ending up in the wrong place would be less than ideal if the tank leaked.

 

[jjswan33]

My back of the napkin math says it could hold a tank with about 8 gallons of capacity. I got a couple quotes to have the tanks made. After the $1800 for tooling, the lowest was $350 per tank. I’d estimate I’d have to charge $500+ just to cover the costs and then everyone would need to drill port holes. I think the space is designed to drain down into the bed, but I still think 8 gallons ending up in the wrong place would be less than ideal if the tank leaked.

Yeah I get that. Your price isn’t that far off when you look at custom tanks. For example I know wheel well tanks for a B Van run in the $350-$400 range.

Your decision is probably the right one though as I doubt the demand would be that high from Rivian owners to justify the project. Your other concerns are valid as well.

 

[krockett]

I would 92.34% be on board for a water tank in that spot and at $500.

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