UPDATE: Camping at Gold King Basin (Alta Lakes) in R1S and RTT

[SHPEV]

My wife and took Norman (our R1S) and drove some friends to Gold King Basin this Saturday for a picnic. Gold King Basin is located just South of Telluride and adjoins Alta Lakes. The road up GKB/AL is mostly single lane with occasional turn-outs or wider areas to give way. The drive is rated as easy. The might be a little bit of an understatement but Norman handled it like a champ. I did not air down this time. I probably will next trip. We saw a bunch of Jeeps and two other Rivians (R1Ts).

We’re hoping to go back this weekend to camp.

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[Deleted member 9190]

Beautiful!

 

[vindicator]

We did the same (in Norman's doppelganger) back in August -- I'd much rather be up there, now...I bet the leaves are turning.

 

[SHPEV]

We did the same (in Norman's doppelganger) back in August -- I'd much rather be up there, now...I bet the leaves are turning.

The colors blew up last week. They’re beautiful. Last night, we got the first real snow.

 

[SHPEV]

UPDATE!

Yesterday was an absolutely glorious day, so my wife and I decided to take Norman back to Gold King Basin and camp for the night in our RTT (Roofnest Falcon 2 XL). This was our first outing with the Roofnest.

As I mentioned last week, the trail to Gold King Basin has a few challenging sections with some large rocks, deep ruts (and mud when wet). So, I decided to air down to about 30 psi. It certainly wasn’t necessary to air down, but it did help smooth out the ride.

I have to say that I’m REALLY impressed with the performance of the R1S: It’s smooth and fast on the road but can handle some pretty gnarly trail stuff without breaking a sweat (or breaking your tailbone). The steering is predictable and accurate. Really great.

When we arrived at the camp site, I used the leveling feature–-with a RTT it’s key. It definitely worked, but took almost 10 minutes to accomplish. During the leveling process, you’re not supposed to open the doors. So, I’d recommend pulling your camping gear out first, set the R1 to level, shut the door, and go about setting up your campsite while the R1 levels. (Similarly, resetting the height when you’re ready to leave also takes about 10 minutes, so I’d recommend letting it reset while you enjoy your morning coffee — or whatever you’re doing before you leave.)

It was pretty chilly last night (about 34 F). So, yes, I broke out the electric blanket, plugged it in the R1S, ran the cord up to the RTT and was positively toasty. Yeah, I know. It‘s cheating but I don’t care!

If you’re looking for a RTT, I can recommend the Falcon 2 XL. It’s really well made (all aluminum shell), sets up in under and minute, has plenty of room, and is comfortable and well appointed.

 

[robstrong]

That’s a great setup and a beautiful area. how much of a hit to range does the RTT give? Any pics from the front or back to see how much overhang laterally?

Cheers

 

[wicked2112]

Awesome!!!

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

How fun!! The Rivian Adventure Life!! Life has some many twists and turns, even getting away for an overnighter is fantastic! Great RTT!!

 

[Marchin_MTB]

UPDATE!

Yesterday was an absolutely glorious day, so my wife and I decided to take Norman back to Gold King Basin and camp for the night in our RTT (Roofnest Falcon 2 XL). This was our first outing with the Roofnest.

As I mentioned last week, the trail to Gold King Basin has a few challenging sections with some large rocks, deep ruts (and mud when wet). So, I decided to air down to about 30 psi. It certainly wasn’t necessary to air down, but it did help smooth out the ride.

I have to say that I’m REALLY impressed with the performance of the R1S: It’s smooth and fast on the road but can handle some pretty gnarly trail stuff without breaking a sweat (or breaking your tailbone). The steering is predictable and accurate. Really great.

When we arrived at the camp site, I used the leveling feature–-with a RTT it’s key. It definitely worked, but took almost 10 minutes to accomplish. During the leveling process, you’re not supposed to open the doors. So, I’d recommend pulling your camping gear out first, set the R1 to level, shut the door, and go about setting up your campsite while the R1 levels. (Similarly, resetting the height when you’re ready to leave also takes about 10 minutes, so I’d recommend letting it reset while you enjoy your morning coffee — or whatever you’re doing before you leave.)

It was pretty chilly last night (about 34 F). So, yes, I broke out the electric blanket, plugged it in the R1S, ran the cord up to the RTT and was positively toasty. Yeah, I know. It‘s cheating but I don’t care!

If you’re looking for a RTT, I can recommend the Falcon 2 XL. It’s really well made (all aluminum shell), sets up in under and minute, has plenty of room, and is comfortable and well appointed.

Great report and great pictures! Would that RTT fit two adults and two small kids you think?

 

[SHPEV]

That’s a great setup and a beautiful area. how much of a hit to range does the RTT give? Any pics from the front or back to see how much overhang laterally?

Cheers

I need to do some calculations to figure the range hit. Other’s have reported 10% for taller RTT’s. I would expect it to be a bit less for the Falcon because it’s so slim.

Here are the best photos I have that shows overhang. It’s 3” over the front crossbar and 4” for the rear. What you can’t really see from the photo is that R1S is wide in the body as you move down from the roof.

 

[SHPEV]

Great report and great pictures! Would that RTT fit two adults and two small kids you think?

Probably yes. It’s 58” wide and 86” deep on the inside. My wife and I were cozy but not at all cramped.

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