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The unveiling of the Rivian R1T captured attention with its innovative Gear Tunnel, adding a practical and spacious passthrough storage compartment between its cab and bed. While this feature spotlighted the advantages of EV design, Rivian wasn’t the first to introduce the concept. In fact, aftermarket options were available for the first-generation Chevy Colorado as far back as the early 2000s, offering similar utility through what was referred to as a “mid box.”
This mid box functioned as a compartment bridging the space between the pickup bed and the cab. Although specifics on the design alterations for these trucks are not fully documented, possibilities include extending the wheelbase, repositioning the bed, or combining different cab and bed types to create room for the passthrough space.
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The functionality provided by the mid box mirrored the utility seen in Rivian’s designs, providing ample room for long, bulky items or protecting gear from the elements. Some users even customized their setups with toolboxes, enhancing the value for professionals needing organized storage. Indeed, the addition of a mid box to a truck like the Colorado created not just additional but versatile space that was both protected and out of the way.
Despite their practicality, mid boxes gave trucks an unusual aesthetic. For instance, the Colorado with a mid box installed had an elongated appearance, mainly due to the presence of regular door handles on the additional compartment, contrasting Rivian’s more seamless integration. In the case of Rivian’s R1T, its Gear Tunnel remains inconspicuous, blending into the vehicle’s design until put into use.
With the demonstrated interest in Rivian’s Gear Tunnel, it raises the question of why aftermarket mid box options have dwindled. The Chevy Colorado was not alone; similar storage solutions existed for the 11th-generation Ford F-150. The potential revival of such offerings could be beneficial for a variety of pickup trucks, especially for those in the work industry.
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FAQs about Truck Bed Passthrough Storage Solutions
What is a truck bed passthrough?
A truck bed passthrough, also known as a mid box, is a storage compartment that connects the space between the truck’s cab and the bed, allowing for the storage of long items and other gear while protecting them from the elements.
Which trucks had these passthrough storage compartments before Rivian?
Aftermarket companies provided passthrough storage solutions for trucks like the first-gen Chevy Colorado and the 11th-generation Ford F-150 long before Rivian introduced its Gear Tunnel in the R1T.
Are these mid box storage compartments customizable?
Yes, some owners customized their mid box compartments with multi-drawer toolboxes and other modifications to cater to their specific needs, such as for professional tradeswork.
Did the addition of a mid box change the appearance of the truck?
Yes, trucks equipped with a mid box often appeared elongated and had additional door handles, making them look different from standard trucks.
Why aren’t more companies making aftermarket mid boxes now?
Despite their utility, production and demand for aftermarket mid boxes have diminished over time. However, with Rivian’s success, there might be renewed interest in such storage solutions.
Conclusion
Truck bed passthrough compartments were an ingenious fixture long before Rivian’s R1T Gear Tunnel made headlines. These aftermarket innovations transformed the utility and appearance of trucks, proving their value in adding versatile, protected storage space. Although these products have become rarer, the continued interest sparked by modern electric trucks like the Rivian R1T may inspire a resurgence in the production of these practical storage solutions.
