Rivian looks set to integrate the cleanest built-in truck bike rack directly into their tailgate, if this new patent comes to fruition. Why install a hitch rack that can get in the way, or a bike rack that takes up space inside the bed of your pick-up truck, if you could just integrate trays directly into the tailgate? That’s Rivian’s concept, with modular channels to fit any type of bike, and probably some other sporting goods, too…
Rivian Truck integrated tailgate bike rack patent
Rapidly growing upstart electric truck and SUV company Rivian has a super simple bike rack idea that could mount one or two bikes directly to their tailgate. Mounting bikes to your truck’s tailgate is certainly nothing new, but Rivian’s got a pretty cool idea we wouldn’t mind seeing on more trucks.
It also doesn’t look too dissimilar to the extendable rack we saw a few years back on a Toyota FT-AC SUV concept car.
Spotted by our fellow patent-obsessed friend WheelBased, Rivian’s US patent application illustrates how the integrated tailgate bike rack would take up minimal space inside the truck’s bed when folded closed. But maybe most importantly, when in use it would still allow the use of your hitch for pulling a trailer, assuming you have sufficient tongue clearance.
A separate locking mechanism would keep the tailgate horizontal while driving, and keep it and your bikes from bouncing up and down over rough roads
A set of permanent groves inset into the tailgate (or a modular bolt-on rail) would form the mounting point for what are otherwise conventional wheel tray mounts. Sliding back and forth along the tailgate track, Rivian truck owners could quickly adjust to suit the wheelbase of most bikes, then fold it back & stow out of the way when not in use.
Titled an “Integrated Tailgate Cargo System For Automotive Vehicle” Rivian also suggests that they would use the same rails to mount other gear too, whether that’s a beer cooler or something bigger like a kayak?
Check out more Rivian & integrated rack tech coverage over at our sister site: GearJunkie.com
It’s also not the only way they plan to haul bikes in the zero-emission vehicles. Plenty of Rivian R1T trucks already get built up with quick-release, telescoping Yakima-compatible crossbars over the roof & pick-up beds to haul all manner of bikes & gear.
