Optima Overlanding Rivian R1T build teased for SEMA

[Electric Rivilution]

From InsideEVS:

Although both the Rivian R1T and R1S have impressive range figures, Optima recognized that EVs might be considered restrictive to overlanding enthusiasts. In particular, the availability of charging infrastructure when camping remotely is a concern. Hence Optima developed its own power stations with 110kW lithium-ion energy from Volta Technologies.

The Optima Power Stations are mounted on Turtleback trailers and can recharge each Rivian from 0-80% at Level 2 speeds. Both trailers have Merlin deployable solar awnings as power sources. Furthermore, each Power Station has 110-volt, 220-volt AC, and 12-volt DC outlets which can be used to power and recharge other electronic goods.

One of the trailers, the Kitchen Turtle, also features an electric stove, sink, and 45-gallon water tank (useful, given Rivian recently discontinued the Camp Kitchen). Meanwhile, the Utility Turtle trailer comes with storage space for two motorcycles and plenty of camping gear.

Aside from the power station trailers, Optima extensively modified its R1S and R1T builds to ensure incredible versatility in the wild. Teaming up with aftermarket specialists DCE, Optima added custom 20" Alston BR005 Forged Black Rhino alloys, Camp King and iKamper tents, and an 84,400-lumenBaja Designs light package to each Rivian. Other key additions include all-terrain BFGoodrich tires and Optima's Orangetop Hypercore Lithium QUAD 30 batteries, of which there are two sets on each truck.

Optima plans on taking its Rivian builds to several off-road events in 2023, including the Baja 1000 and King of the Hammers.

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[Dark-Fx]

Video (see it on Insta here) of the R1S gunning it with the trailer (ghaaa I’m not looking forward to seeing reckless “overlanders” push dangerous loaded accelerations with this thing, I’m surprised acceleration isn’t nerfed when towing), with some pretty significant backward lurch (understandable with that acceleration, but not that impressed). Also looks like the photo mock-ups just used a placeholder, that’s an overland ruff Rax on R1S too:

I drive just as aggressively with the tent and awning up on my truck. I would likely not do it with a trailer loaded with bikes though, they move around too much. Tent and awning are pretty held pretty sturdy though.

 

[FutureTruck]

Anyone know the price of those wheels? It says they are "custom" - I wonder if that means they are not available for Rivian and they were one off's for this show truck.

 

[johstacy]

So if this thing has a large battery pack 300+ miles and it's going to tow a trailer with solar stuff and a charging station is it's range now cut in half because it's towing a trailer? 150 miles per charge

 

[MountainBikeDude]

So if this thing has a large battery pack 300+ miles and it's going to tow a trailer with solar stuff and a charging station is it's range now cut in half because it's towing a trailer? 150 miles per charge

Looking at the size of the trailer I would guess they'd be getting just beyond 200, but yes, a decent range hit.

 

[zipzag]

So if this thing has a large battery pack 300+ miles and it's going to tow a trailer with solar stuff and a charging station is it's range now cut in half because it's towing a trailer? 150 miles per charge

Lets not think too much. It's about style! I plan to completely cover my R1T with shovels and max track.

 

[jjswan33]

Looks like the bumpers went away from the original photo, still has some running boards but definitely not as cool as the teaser pic.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

Lets not think too much. It's about style! I plan to completely cover my R1T with shovels and max track.

They do look pretty damn sweet!

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

I absolutely love that Optima went all in on the Rivian's! Serious kudos to them!! They did an awesome job partnering with people to get those rigs done. Nothing negative to say from me!

 

[DJG]

So if this thing has a large battery pack 300+ miles and it's going to tow a trailer with solar stuff and a charging station is it's range now cut in half because it's towing a trailer? 150 miles per charge

I think the point is not to tow this trailer just for the extra battery/range, but rather tow this trailer instead of a Patriot or other brand trailer if you're going to be towing one already. You're not just getting the battery, you're getting other stuff that comes with a trailer (kitchen, workspace, platform for a tent, being able to disconnect from all of that stuff and have a regular vehicle).

It's probably around a 100 mi range increase (minus 100 plus 200), so it actually might be a decent alternative to the Max Pack for people that only wanted the max pack for remote adventuring.

 

[kylealden]

I do think it's pretty funny to add a roof/bed rack that nukes the aero of the R1T, and then tow a trailer with solar panels and batteries to recharge. It's always better to improve efficiency than to haul more batteries.

That said, I am super happy to see some R1T-specific mods and the trailer is intriguing - I especially like it as a dedicated motorbike option, having a way to do some dirt bike dallying while the truck charges is pretty fun. I can't help but notice they didn't publish price, weight, or battery capacity, though.

(Side note/pet peeve: Rivian didn't discontinue the camp kitchen, they delayed it. The main reason this bugs me in this context is I specifically have been looking for good teardrop/trailer options without a kitchen, since I already plan to get the camp kitchen, but they're few and far between. I'd expect Rivian-specific options to be more designed around Rivian equipment, Camp Kitchen included.)

 

[DJG]

That said, I am super happy to see some R1T-specific mods and the trailer is intriguing - I especially like it as a dedicated motorbike option, having a way to do some dirt bike dallying while the truck charges is pretty fun. I can't help but notice they didn't publish price, weight, or battery capacity, though.

They said the battery is 110kwh (also why they say it can charge from 0-80%), which is quite impressive how they achieved that much in that space....

So, the battery and related electrical component is going to be probably $15k alone, before accounting for the actual trailer and other components.

 

[kanundrum]

Anyone have any more pics and have an idea of who makes the side step rails?

 

[Dark-Fx]

I do think it's pretty funny to add a roof/bed rack that nukes the aero of the R1T, and then tow a trailer with solar panels and batteries to recharge. It's always better to improve efficiency than to haul more batteries.

That said, I am super happy to see some R1T-specific mods and the trailer is intriguing - I especially like it as a dedicated motorbike option, having a way to do some dirt bike dallying while the truck charges is pretty fun. I can't help but notice they didn't publish price, weight, or battery capacity, though.

(Side note/pet peeve: Rivian didn't discontinue the camp kitchen, they delayed it. The main reason this bugs me in this context is I specifically have been looking for good teardrop/trailer options without a kitchen, since I already plan to get the camp kitchen, but they're few and far between. I'd expect Rivian-specific options to be more designed around Rivian equipment, Camp Kitchen included.)

Probably have to consider a squaredrop if you don't want a kitchen. I don't think they are really that much worse aerodynamically. The important part is for the trailer to not be sitting flat up in the wind above the rest of the vehicle.

 

[DJG]

Probably have to consider a squaredrop if you don't want a kitchen. I don't think they are really that much worse aerodynamically. The important part is for the trailer to not be sitting flat up in the wind above the rest of the vehicle.

From what I've seen in ICE world, a trailer such as a Patriot isn't a huge hit to efficiency. I.e. maybe 15% but no where near 50% rule of thumb for towing bigger things. Anyone done a range/efficiency test with a teardrop or camping trailer??

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