Work Truck Week Indianapolis March 10 - 13

[AKrietzer]

Work truck Week in Indianapolis, is anyone going? Says they have a booth, wonder if they will have a truck there or just information. Has anyone heard anything about the cargo - fleet prices? No rear seat and less features of the cargo top, like side windows and the large sunroof over the back. It probably won't have the roll bar, unless that is required for the top.

https://www.slate.auto/en/roadshow?event=wtw

 

[sodamo]

If Slate remains true to philosophy of minimal parts with multiple uses, I would hope the cargo topper be very close to SUV topper minus seats and rollbar. Maybe windowless sides but same removable top. If so then then maybe choice of sides could be optional. If not, then I could see DIY side window installation. The units are available In a variety of sizes. example: https://www.amazon.com/AlloTemlass-...prefix=rv+sliding+window,aps,359&sr=8-26&th=1

 

[AZFox]

If Slate remains true to philosophy of minimal parts with multiple uses, I would hope the cargo topper be very close to SUV topper minus seats and rollbar. Maybe windowless sides but same removable top.

When I asked (several months ago), an agent told me the Cargo Kit topper won't have the removable roof panel.

(Caviat, caviat, details closer to production yadda yadda.)

 

[sodamo]

When I asked (several months ago), an agent told me the Cargo Kit topper won't have the removable roof panel.

(Caviat, caviat, details closer to production yadda yadda.)

Likely so. Somewhat a shame as I was looking forward to that should I need the extra height. And again, I fall back to Slates minimal pieces, repurpose philosophy, would seem contradictory to make two different tops completely. May have to reach out and make that point.
yup, did it.

 

[AZFox]

Likely so. Somewhat a shame as I was looking forward to that should I need the extra height. And again, I fall back to Slates minimal pieces, repurpose philosophy, would seem contradictory to make two different tops completely. May have to reach out and make that point.

I think possibly the SUV Kit topper will require the rollbar (for its structural integrity) where the Caargo Kit topper won't. That's a WAG.

A utility-focused Slate Panel Van doesn't need a removable roof panel and intrusive rollbar, much less airbags that are in the rollbar.

Some have suggested that Slate's profit margins on accessories could be in the 70% range. If making a bespoke Cargo Kit topper that's more suitable for the purpose sells more kits (and Slates), then making a bespoke Cargo Kit topper would be justifiable.


We haven't progressed very for on this since last August, it seems.

We certainly know this though: they'll have more details on specs when they reach production. You can count on it!

 

[cadblu]

Nice move by Slate to get folks in the fleet trades interested. I think Fleet sales is where Slate will gain traction (pun intended).

Recall that all of Slate's early marketing was centered around fictitious business fleets, e.g. Witch on Demand, Feline Therapist, CryShare, Joist Right Construction, and of course TaxidermyFamily. I predict fleets will go wild with the easy wrap aspect of the Slate.

 

[E90400K]

The Slate will be the greatest fleet truck ever!​

 

[sodamo]

Likely so. Somewhat a shame as I was looking forward to that should I need the extra height. And again, I fall back to Slates minimal pieces, repurpose philosophy, would seem contradictory to make two different tops completely. May have to reach out and make that point.
yup, did it.

And here is their answer

Hi David, We will indeed have a version of the SUV kit that has a cargo area in absence of a bench seat. We had so many inquire early on we knew it was worth exploration. A list of specific accessories and prices will be available soon once we announce the final pricing of the Blank Slate. We also believe that the modular options greatly enhance the experiences throughout ownership. Best Regards, Kylee Slate Agent Team

 

[sodamo]

And here is their answer

​ ​ ​ Hi David, We will indeed have a version of the SUV kit that has a cargo area in absence of a bench seat. We had so many inquire early on we knew it was worth exploration. A list of specific accessories and prices will be available soon once we announce the final pricing of the Blank Slate. We also believe that the modular options greatly enhance the experiences throughout ownership. Best Regards, Kylee Slate Agent Team

To which Ifollowed up

Thank you the is great to hear.
Two issues for team consideration:
1. The rollbar. Rollbar reduces usable bed width, that notorious sheet of plywood. Retention of rollbar for non seated topper would not provide value. Am assuming the Cargo topper is rollbar free.
2. Cost. Believe the full SUV kit has been suggested around $5k. Removing both seat and rollbar would have to result in reasonable, not token price reduction.

David

 

[sodamo]

To which Ifollowed up

Thank you the is great to hear.
Two issues for team consideration:
1. The rollbar. Rollbar reduces usable bed width, that notorious sheet of plywood. Retention of rollbar for non seated topper would not provide value. Am assuming the Cargo topper is rollbar free.
2. Cost. Believe the full SUV kit has been suggested around $5k. Removing both seat and rollbar would have to result in reasonable, not token price reduction.

David

And the reply

Hi David, Thank you for the insight. I will certainly share it with my team to conclude if that is something they have considered already. You will have more information very soon. Best Regards, Kylee Slate Agent Team

 

[AZFox]

To which Ifollowed up

Thank you the is great to hear.
Two issues for team consideration:
1. The rollbar. Rollbar reduces usable bed width, that notorious sheet of plywood. Retention of rollbar for non seated topper would not provide value. Am assuming the Cargo topper is rollbar free.
2. Cost. Believe the full SUV kit has been suggested around $5k. Removing both seat and rollbar would have to result in reasonable, not token price reduction.

Thank you for following up.

Here's my perspective:

My dog regularly rides in three vehicles. Two have rear seats that fold flat, the other is a 4-door sedan with a "rear seat cover for dogs".

Compared to rear seats that fold flat and a 4-door with seat cover, the Pickup and SUV configurations -- even if the rear set is removed from the SUV -- would be a downgrade.

I'm hoping that, instead, Slate can offer something that's an upgrade.

According to this article nearly half (44.5%) of American households own dogs.