Taking Care of Your Vehicle: Dealing With the First Ding on a Rivian R1T Tailgate
Real World Ding on My Truck
As the miles of ownership accumulate, it’s inevitable that wear and tear will occur. Recently, a 3k mile Rivian R1T owner experienced their first ding on the top of their tailgate. With limited options to fix the dent, they thought about aftermarket rail parts or additional tailgate covers for protection. A black vinyl cover was suggested as a solution to transport bicycles safely.
The owner then considered paintless dent removal but found out that the damage was too deep for this method. They decided to embrace the ‘working truck’ look, even if the real story behind the dent was from launching a boat. The Basecamp tailgate pad was an option but may interfere with the power cover.
After consulting with Rivian, they were informed in writing that using a local paintless dent repair shop wouldn’t invalidate their warranty. However, finding a trim piece is difficult so the only choice left is to open a ticket and get the vehicle hauled down to Dallas for service. Unfortunately, the authorized repair shop hasn’t called back after several attempts at contact over the past week.
It’s understandable that owners want to keep their vehicles looking perfect but minor dings are part of life. If you find yourself in a similar situation, make sure to consult your manufacturer and research all available options before making any decisions regarding repairs.
In the meantime, the owner has decided to take matters into their own hands and use a heat gun to soften up the plastic trim piece. This will allow them to push out some of the dent from behind and make it less noticeable. They’ve also ordered an aftermarket tailgate cover for extra protection against future dings.
It’s important that owners understand how best to care for their vehicles in order to keep them looking great over time. With proper maintenance, minor dents can be avoided or fixed with minimal effort and cost. In this case, a combination of DIY repair methods plus additional protective gear should do just fine!
What options do I have to fix a minor dent on the top of my Rivian R1T tailgate?
You can either create a ticket with Rivian and have it carried via flatbed to their service center in Plano, or you can take it to a local paintless dent repair shop. However, if you choose the latter option, you must get written confirmation from Rivian that this will not invalidate your warranty.
Are there any aftermarket parts that would cover the damage?
Yes, you can use a black vinyl cover that drapes over the tailgate to allow you to transport bicycles. Alternatively, you could also look into getting a Basecamp tailgate pad, although this may interfere with the power cover.
Is paintless dent removal an option?
Unfortunately, it's deeper than a paintless dent repair could fix. The steel is bent down about an inch, so this is not an option.
How much will it cost to get the dent fixed?
The cost of getting the dent fixed will depend on which option you choose. If you choose to have it transported to Rivian's service center in Plano, then the cost will be expensive. If you choose to take it to a local paintless dent repair shop, then the cost will vary depending on the shop you choose.
What should I do if the dent is too deep for a paintless repair?
If the dent is too deep for a paintless repair, then you will need to have it professionally repaired. This will involve removing the tailgate and replacing the damaged panel with a new one. The cost of this repair will depend on the severity of the damage and the shop you choose.
Is there anything else I should consider before getting the dent fixed?
Yes, you should make sure to check with Rivian to ensure that any repair you have done will not void your warranty. Additionally, you should also consider the cost of the repair and the time it will take to get it done.