Should I add Underbody Shield to my configuration?

[GoBuffs!]

Hey everyone.

Is an additional $2000 worth adding Underbody Shield to my R1S configuration?

I do 4X4 on light duty trails but nothing serious.

I appreciate all your suggestions.

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[COdogman]

My 2 cents: the regular protective cover they install to protect the battery is probably more than enough for light duty off roading. All EV manufacturers make pretty robust battery enclosures and protect them on the bottom. They don’t want that getting punctured.

 

[zefram47]

Hey everyone.

Is an additional $2000 worth adding Underbody Shield to my R1S configuration?

I do 4X4 on light duty trails but nothing serious.

I appreciate all your suggestions.

If the trails where you are are rocky like they are here in Colorado, then I'd definitely get the RUS..

 

[Riviot]

Portland area, you're probably fine.

Heading east of the Cascades, consider it.

Ever have plans for Utah or CO, definitely get it.

That said, I'm grateful for my RUS after a high-center woopsy-daisy last year.

 

[GoBuffs!]

That all makes sense. I really appreciate all your suggestions.

Has anyone had any issues or punctures etc. with the regular underbody?

 

[Nsblifer]

Every vehicle underbody I’ve had in Colorado gets destroyed within a few years, just on logging roads and rocky areas. The Treg I’m still driving has its panels hanging on by zip ties and both front/rear panels are bent. I’d get it.

 

[GoBuffs!]

I'm hearing some wise wisdom. I hoped to avoid the additional $2K but it makes sense to keep it on my configuration. Thanks guys!

 

[OldGoat]

The question I have is whether someone will be providing an option in the near future. And, if so, at what cost. When I looked in the shop it seemed like the choices closest to my config all lacked the protection. If I knew something was coming in the near future, I'd be tempted to get somenthing that ticked most of my boxes (max pack excepted) and add the protection later.

Thoughts on likelihood of future options?

 

[Ravenron]

Also, my understanding is you cannot add the RUS later (at least the Rivian version). I chose it because it seemed now or never. Also, most aftermarket versions for other vehicles seem to be in the neighborhood of $2k plus installation anyway. I recommend you do it!

 

[mikehmb]

Even though I’m running road tires now (20s this summer …), any off-reading I do tends to end up with a modest amount of rock bashing. I’ve had armoring save me numerous times on my ICE rigs. IMO it’s worth it for the peace of mind. Pre-ordered rock sliders as well, having made the mistake of not getting them in the past.

Best case: they do their job and the expensive bits of the truck escape unscathed.
Worst case: they’re never needed and become fashion accessories.

 

[EVentually]

I had a similar thread a couple months ago (on mobile now, so I can’t pull it up). The majority sentiment was that it’s $2k of insurance. Also, there were enough horror stories of the regular underbody either being poorly assembled or ripped off wading through water that made the addition a necessity for those of us doing any dedicated off roading more than a few times for the duration of vehicle ownership. Hope that helps.

edit: found the thread: https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...option-the-reinforced-underbody-shield.10623/

One interesting anecdote is another user claiming the ride is quieter? I can’t attest to this, but I have absolutely no complaints on cabin noise.

 

[Riviot]

I'm hearing some wise wisdom. I hoped to avoid the additional $2K but it makes sense to keep it on my configuration. Thanks guys!

My thinking on RUS was:
$2k now is cheaper than future repairs!

consider reduced road noise if you're doing long road trips too.

 

[GoBuffs!]

Thanks for sharing the thread. Seems like several people had issues with some area of the underbody from reading. It also seems like peace of mind to get the reinforced underbody shield. And reducing interior cabin noise is a definite plus i never thought of. Thanks everyone!

 

[Sully151]

So, to piggy back on this thread, If you had no real intention of rock crawling, but do hope to take it out to the desert or up to the snow to play in drift mode, would you get the RUS?

 

[Rivian_Hugh_III]

So, to piggy back on this thread, If you had no real intention of rock crawling, but do hope to take it out to the desert or up to the snow to play in drift mode, would you get the RUS?

While playing in drift mode on snow your 7,000 lb tank slides into and over a curb launching into bushes and coming down on landscaping rocks. Are you a) Glad you got the underbody shield? b) Wishing you got the underbody shield? Or c) Absolutely sure such a thing will never ever happen?

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