[eHauler]

Some new patents reveal what could be coming to our Rivian R1T's that makes for a more city demographic friendly bed setup!

"Illustrations of the new tailgate patent from Rivian show the door having the ability to open much like a traditional tailgate, but also the ability to swing down behind the rear of the vehicle. This would give a person trying to gain access to the bed the ability to get closer to the truck, allowing for easier loading and unloading of items on the R1T’s primary cargo area."

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"Rivian’s “Swing and Drop Tailgate” design ultimately allows the R1T’s tailgate to move in multiple different ranges of motion. This design brings several advantages, with its different movements and trajectories allowing users to not worry about the space available around them. Rivian discusses these advantages further in its patent."

 

[R99]

This is such a fantastic idea by Rivian, especially with companies like GMC and Ram offering their own unique tailgates.

The one question I have is that if the R1T has a trailer hitch, would the tailgate hit it when it's folding down?

 

[eHauler]

This is such a fantastic idea by Rivian, especially with companies like GMC and Ram offering their own unique tailgates.

The one question I have is that if the R1T has a trailer hitch, would the tailgate hit it when it's folding down?

If that's an issue then Rivian can make a retractable trailer hitch.

Also, it would be cool if the R1T's tailgate was more recreational vehicle friendly...

 

[EyeOnRivian]

Also, it would be cool if the R1T's tailgate was more recreational vehicle friendly...

It would be but you have to remember it's a short bed. Some time ago I searched for the shortest ATV I could find and it still would not fit in R1T bed ... unless you leave the gate down and add one of those gate extender bars. Not sure if Rivian has tested or will allow (warranty wise) traveling with the gate at 90 degrees. It's not uncommon to have the gate down with an extender but usually those tail gates are not motor driven and will go no further than 90 degrees. So perhaps Rivian figured with the short bed what's the point. (?)

None the less, I agree, I think most would find it very convenient if a ramp or even rails were built in. I suspect part of the challenge may be where to store it not to mention the extra weight of always carry it around. Short of in the tail gate like the CybrTrk, they would have to at a minimum contend with the battery pack, the compartment that stores the full size spare tire, and whatever else back there that may be in the way.

 

[R99]

If that's an issue then Rivian can make a retractable trailer hitch.

Also, it would be cool if the R1T's tailgate was more recreational vehicle friendly...
View attachment 143

It would be very interesting if a tailgate like this can actually work in every day situations.

 

[JimmyEV]

I wonder if Rivian has something creative up their sleeves with the R1S' split tailgate.

 

[eHauler]

FYI, Rivian confirmed that the R1T tailgate will no longer fold down 180° like in my original post. But it's still powered.

 

[EVnow!]

Oh No!! That's the first I've heard about losing the ability to fold down 180°. I currently have a Honda Ridgeline with a tailgate that can open either normally, or swing open like a door hinged on the left side-- I use both options, but mostly swing the tailgate because it gets me so much closer to the bed itself-- Super handy!

And I learned the Launch Editions wont have the ability to change the tint of the skylight either...

 

[eHauler]

Oh No!! That's the first I've heard about losing the ability to fold down 180°. I currently have a Honda Ridgeline with a tailgate that can open either normally, or swing open like a door hinged on the left side-- I use both options, but mostly swing the tailgate because it gets me so much closer to the bed itself-- Super handy!

And I learned the Launch Editions wont have the ability to change the tint of the skylight either...

Odds are we'll have to wait another year to get it. My guess is its not production grade yet.

 

[EVnow!]

Could be... or they’re trying to keep the first run of Launch Editions simpler by limiting options for now to help work out the kinks in the production lines. Still bummed!

 

[Hopper]

Oh No!! That's the first I've heard about losing the ability to fold down 180°. I currently have a Honda Ridgeline with a tailgate that can open either normally, or swing open like a door hinged on the left side-- I use both options, but mostly swing the tailgate because it gets me so much closer to the bed itself-- Super handy!

And I learned the Launch Editions wont have the ability to change the tint of the skylight either...

Me too! I love the two way Ridgeline tailgate.

 

[eHauler]

This new Rivian Stories Podcast episode they talk about the production tailgate update.

Of course, not what we started this thread on, but a good look at what's actually coming till we see a more innovative tailgate setup directly from Rivian.