Rivian’s concept for a Tonneau cover awning is a fantastic example of simple yet effective innovation.

      Rivian/USPTO

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      Rivian has recently secured a patent for an innovative and practical accessory for the R1T pickup truck. You’re probably familiar with tonneau covers, which function like retractable awnings that extend to protect a truck bed. Imagine if such a cover could also be mounted on the roof, enabling it to serve as a camp awning, shielding your cargo while driving and providing shade when parked.

      The patent that Rivian filed with the U.S. Patent Office in May outlines various details, but the core of the product description states:

      “…the multi-purpose cover may operate in a first configuration as a tonneau cover to extend and retract for protection of the vehicle's cargo area and the owner’s belongings from environmental conditions … and, alternatively, operate in a second configuration as an awning to offer the driver or owner shade and shelter…”

      I reached out to Rivian’s PR team for more information. While they likely won’t comment on future products, we’ll update the article if they provide any noteworthy details.

      Images of Rivian’s current tonneau cover for the R1T pickup offer some clues about what this new accessory may resemble. The present cover folds into a compact bag that fits into the gear tunnel, a useful extra storage feature that Rivian incorporates.

      Roof-mounted retractable awnings have been around for quite a while, gaining popularity during the surge of interest in overland gear around 2020. Back when I was off-road guiding in Australia around 2012, we simply used a tarp slung between two vehicles during lunch breaks. Nowadays, however, you can easily find premium, quick-deploying units that hover over your campsite, such as the Kammok Crosswing:

      If you’re unfamiliar with truck awnings, the image above should provide enough context.

      Based on the patent's drawings and descriptions, Rivian’s awning/tonneau hybrid would feature support poles when set up as an awning. However, if Rivian’s plans materialize, it looks like they aim to create a system that allows the cover to extend and retract electronically while serving as a tonneau bed cover, which would be quite impressive.

      I find this concept appealing. Why carry two accessories that essentially serve the same purpose—an engineered tarp—when you wouldn’t use both simultaneously? Except, of course, if you needed shelter during a lunch break in the rain, then you’d have to choose between a dry picnic spot or a dry bed cover. Still, the main drawback I can think of is that the Rivian R1T’s truck bed isn’t particularly spacious. A tonneau cover would measure around 55 inches long and 51 inches wide. While it would provide adequate shelter, it wouldn’t be the most luxurious option.

      In the patent illustration, it seems the gear tunnel door offers side access to the bed; however, that may just be a consequence of the concept being more conceptual than practical. Side access to the cover could facilitate easier removal and installation on the roof, but examining a cutaway of the R1T’s structure shows that the gear tunnel is separate from the bed, and changing that would necessitate significant modifications to the truck’s framework. While feasible, it would be more complex than simply creating a dual-purpose sunshade.

      Here’s hoping Rivian follows through on actualizing this design, because it may be challenging for aftermarket companies to compete now that Rivian has established its claim with the patent.

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