[oconnore]

I was considering getting a Rivian and decided that in fact I would probably not allow the 24 year old dude at my local construction supply co to use a skid steer to drop a load of gravel into the bed of my $75k+ electric vehicle.

So instead I got a used Ford F150 (gas) and when the skid steer guy drops gravel into the bed I feel fine.

[ChuckMcM]

There is a lot to be said for that perspective. I wonder if any PMs have considered making the bed of the truck a FRU that you can swap out at home.

[happyopossum]

The bed of more traditional pickups like the F-150 can be swapped out in a couple of hours by one or two dudes with a lift and an impact wrench. Heck, you can buy blank F-250s without a bed at all.

[rootusrootus]

Hell, a few hours with that impact wrench and you can also lift the cab right off the frame, too.

[westurner]

A modular open spec for attaching beds to trucks might be useful.

What are some possible attachments?

4-6.5' Truck Bed, Trailer, Camper, Mobile Workshop / Trade Rig, Car hauler, Bed with rack and storage and 270° awning

What all needs to be connected?

Mechanical attachment, 4WD/AWD/RWD axle and differential, CAN bus, backup can, lights

Public link: Open Truck Bed Standard Proposal https://gemini.google.com/share/1e70ae398d26 :

"Kinetic-Link" (K-Link) open spec:

> The proposed Active-AWD Trade Platform utilizes a Through-the-Road (TTR) Hybrid architecture to decouple the mechanical drivetrain while maintaining synchronized propulsion via a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU). By integrating high-topology Axial Flux or Radial-Axial (RAX) in-wheel motors, the system achieves exceptional torque density within the limited packaging of a trailer wheel well. The control strategy relies on Zero-Force Emulation, utilizing a bi-directional load cell at the hitch to modulate torque output via a PID loop, ensuring the module remains neutrally buoyant to the tow vehicle during steady-state cruising. In low-traction environments, the system transitions to Virtual AWD, employing Torque Vectoring to mitigate sway and Regenerative Braking to prevent jackknifing, effectively acting as an intelligent e-Axle retrofit. This configuration leverages 400V/800V DC architecture for rapid energy discharge and V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) site power, solving the unsprung weight damping challenges through advanced suspension geometry while eliminating the parasitic drag of traditional passive towing.

A modular truck bed could have Through-the-road TTR AWD (given a better VCU) and e.g. hub motors or an axle motor.

[csours]

Anything can be field replaceable if your field has enough tooling. (j/k)

[bink]

There's always a chance the new Scout will fit that model. I'm not getting my hopes up though. It seems every company that releases an EV truck says they'll sell it for $30-40k and then suddenly it's $80k+.

[1970-01-01]

Pro-tip: Rivians have a class V tow capability. Rent a dump trailer and let it take the damage. Both your wallet and back will thank you.