Rich Rebuilds video review from Slate Truck design, engineering, production labs!

[E90400K]

I still would like to know how the removable bed partition seals out water from entering into the cab and how reliable that seal will remain over time and as cargo slams into the partition (which happens). If you've owned a pickup truck, these are the real-world questions that need to be answered. None of the experienced you toobers have asked this question.

 

[cadblu]

Agreed , sealing and waterproofing is on my list of concerns, especially with the SUV topper. But properly securing cargo is paramount in ensuring the integrity of the partition.

Another key takeaway from this video is, “don’t let anyone borrow your car or truck. Ever.”

 

[AZFox]

The "Witch on Demand" Slate clearly has vinyl wrapped SUV windows while the Cool Story HVAC render has no seams at all and appears to be solid:

I've been under the impression that the Cargo Kit topper (on the fleet page of their site) is different from the SUV Kit because it has no windows, nor is it likely to have a removable top panel.

Presumably the Cargo Kit also there'll be capability to have a full-height partition so your 1,000 pounds of cargo can't come forward into the cab area.

@cvollers makes a good point that it may just be that they have a different panel that replaces the one with the window.

I was surprised when she said what she said the Cargo Kit is essentially the SUV Kit without seats. Taken literally, that means the topper and rollbar are not co-dependent.

By now they're fully aware that there are people who want what amounts to the SUV Kit without seats & rollabar and ability to have the partition (just the front-of bed / bulkhead) installed. We'll see....

 

[cadblu]

Did anyone notice that Eric (head of Slate engineering) was wearing a “magma“ accent belt? This could perhaps develop into a fashion trend and available as Slate merchandise.

 

[OldGoat]

I liked viewing the video as much for hearing the staff's enthusiasm along with learning new details.
Gonna try and make the Detroit Eastern Market reveal this weekend. One question for me is will longer crossbars be possible? Like most current vehicles, their factory crossbars fit inside the door lines for both looks and likely aerodynamics. No way to put two kayaks or SUP side by side. Of course Thule and Yakima make some pretty long "load bars" so hopefully they will also make footpacks to mount on the Slate access points? I'll bet Slate has it figured out already.

 

[skidoofast]

Did anyone notice that Eric (head of Slate engineering) was wearing a “magma“ accent belt? This could perhaps develop into a fashion trend and available as Slate merchandise.

I just got these for my luggage, then watched the video, so I had to try, fits pretty well as a belt, LOL

For some odd reason I picture the “can you hear me now” guy from the sprint & then Verizon commercials

 

[atx_ev]

Her most frequently-asked question is "Does it come in AWD?". Well I'll be darned.

And there will be space under the front for things they cant really talk about

 

[atx_ev]

I still would like to know how the removable bed partition seals out water from entering into the cab and how reliable that seal will remain over time and as cargo slams into the partition (which happens). If you've owned a pickup truck, these are the real-world questions that need to be answered. None of the experienced you toobers have asked this question.

If it is removable then you can always replace any seals. Likely the rear doesnt mate flush, but hangs over (or under)

 

[E90400K]

And there will be space under the front for things they cant really talk about

In some the chassis pics that were recently posted on the Forum, the front knuckles look like they are designed to accept a halfshaft that would tie into the front wheel hub.

 

[cvollers]

In some the chassis pics that were recently posted on the Forum, the front knuckles look like they are designed to accept a halfshaft that would tie into the front wheel hub.

It would be dumb if they weren’t.

 

[E90400K]

If it is removable then you can always replace any seals. Likely the rear doesn't mate flush, but hangs over (or under)

Obviously, seals are replaceable, but I'd like to see the detail design to make my own assessment rather than guessing. It would be nice if Slate would produce a video of the procedure on the conversion of the truck to the SUV. All we've got so far is, "shazam!, here is the converted truck to SUV!" If the design is locked down at this point, then let's see it.

The latest pics of the bed so the partition has some "foot" to it, which I guess contains a seal of some sort. But how rigid is the partition to standup to real-world use?

 

[AZFox]

A time-lapse of a single person installing the SUV Kit would be helpful.

Methinks a video of that would get a lot of views.

Maybe then a video of converting it back to a pickup. That way the two could be made into a mesmerizing continuous loop they could display at trade shows and Demo Days.

I wouldn't be mad if they had someone practice the conversion ahead of time so it looks deceptively simple. That'd give us something to aspire to.

 

[cvollers]

A time-lapse of a single person installing the SUV Kit would be helpful.

Methinks a video of that would get a lot of views.

Maybe then a video of converting it back to a pickup. That way the two could be made into a mesmerizing continuous loop they could display at trade shows and Demo Days.

I wouldn't be mad if they had someone practice the conversion ahead of time so it looks deceptively simple. That'd give us something to aspire to.

That vid should have just two people doing it, not ten.