Budman
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
Will keep this try to keep this short and in mostly bullet point format;
Ordered: Oct. 2021 in Explorer/Max Pack configuration
Delivered: July 2022 in Adventure standard battery configuration
Originally wanted the max pack battery but after seeing some of the delivery estimate push outs and looking at the Miles/$ you get with the max pack I switched to adventure/standard battery in late June of 2022 and got the R1T less than a month later. I live about 10 miles from the Minneapolis service center.
Thoughts after 9 months of ownership and 17,000 miles: Love it. Can highly recommend it. No real issues to date. A few comments on the frequency discussed items on this forum below;
* Tonneau cover: I've used it sparingly but it has always worked well. Pretty quiet during operation. I use a silicon lubricant on the track with every use.
* Tires: 21" road tires. After 17,000 miles I have 7/32" of tread left. Just had the 2nd tire rotation done by Rivian. Estimated more than half of life left. Tires worked well during a Minnesota winter of near record snowfall total for the year.
* Vehicle Size: Just right for me. Some reviews give the F150 Lighting an advantage for size, not for me. The F150 is too big, would not fit in my garage. The F150 is not an option for me. The R1T hits the sweep spot.
* Drive Train and Suspension: A little clicking from motor backlash when starting from 0 mph. I consider this normal and an acceptable amount of noise for taking up the backlash. I did develop the "creaking" at about 3,000 miles. They did some service at the first tire rotation at 8000 miles (grease in the shafts I think) and the noise went away and has not returned.
* Vampire Drain: I'm in the 1% per day kinda range like most people. Do want to see improvement here and expect there will be.
* Fit and finish on delivery: Excellent to my eye. Some of the more discerning people might find something but I'm completely satisfied.
* Fit and finish after 17,000 miles: Still excellent. Interior holding up very well even with a Labrador retriever puppy being present in the back seat for most of the miles.
* Rivian flashlight/camp speaker/compressor: I have used the flashlight quite often and like having it there. Have never used the speaker (not a music guy). Used the compressor a few time and am happy to know it is on board. The camping flood lights on the wing mirror are pretty cool to have.
* Sound system. Great to my ears but see bullet point above, I'm not a music guy. NPR and my audio books sound great on the system.
* User Interface: I originally thought putting everything in the UI like vent controls would be a problem. While I would still like mechanical controls for heating/ventilation having it on the UI is much less of an issue than I had imagined beforehand. If in my mind it was a level 10 problem before trying it, in reality it is a level 2 problem. Still not as good as mechanical buttons and vents but less of an issue than imagined. I like the way Rivian integrated the UI screen. Very nice looking cabin interior. I've only had to do a couple software resets over the past 9 months.
* Navigation. I have never used apple car play so can't compare directly but I find the Rivian navigation system to have performed very well. I find the car play/andtroid auto debate a bit tiresome. These navigation systems didn't really exist 10 years ago and now they are all very powerful and rapidly advancing. A very first world problem.....
* Driving comfort: One of my favorite things. Quiet, comfortable, easy to drive. Best vehicle I've ever been in. Love the power!
* Driver +: Don't use it. See bullet point above. It's like finally getting your race seat in Formula 1 then letting somebody else drive the car for you. I want to drive it. I've tried Driver + for brief periods but it doesn't do it for me. I don't find it relaxing or helpful nor do I fully trust it.
* Charging: Do 99% of charging at home or at our lake cabin. Did one road trip from Minneapolis to Bentonville Arkansas for a mt bike trip. Hit EA, Shell Recharge, ChargePoint and Francis Energy chargers. All worked as they should with no drama but one. Held more than 200 kW on one EA charger for quite a long time. The one drama was an EA station that would not take digital payment. Used a manual credit card swipe then it worked. Saw one other person struggle with digital payment on another EA station and told him to try a manual swipe and it worked for him too.
* Range: Exceeding expectation. Don't miss the max pack, especially at the price for extra miles delivered. I've posted the charts below a few times on other treads but doing so again here. This data is taken on the same 165 mile trip on a mix of freeway and state highway at an average speed of 50 to 55 mph.
Assuming a 125 kW battery back the range would be;
Accessories:
* "Camp Kitchen". I made my own and like it very much. 1/2" plywood construction. Two induction cooktops, pantry area to custom sized to a specific set of organizers. Removable pantry access door become a flat work surface on the tailgate.
Induction cooktop:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/MegaChe...in-Black-with-1-Element-985110967M/309033088?
Slides:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HCN5NFD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Finish on plywood cabinet:
A product with the brand name "OSMO". I do a lot of furniture making and this stuff is amazing. I use nothing else. Apply a very small amount at a time with one of those white 3M scrub pads, spread it around over a large area and wipe off. Let dry a half a day and apply another layer. No sanding. Do 3 to 5 layers and you have a flawless finish that was very easy to apply. It seems expensive for the small can you get of the product but you need very little of it. If you do woodworking, give this stuff a try! Look up videos on application!
https://www.amazon.com/Osmo-Polyx-O...=1683633115&sprefix=osmo+satin,aps,168&sr=8-7
* Roof top tent:
https://www.thule.com/en-us/rooftop...tents/thule-tepui-explorer-kukenam-3-_-901300
Happy with this option. Fits the Rivian cargo racks fine, goes up easy. Included mattress is a bit thin and hard, we supplement with backpacking air mattresses. Only issue can be seen in this photo, the window awning by the cab can't be fully opened because of interference. Not a big deal. Used an electric blanket a few nights. Ran the cord into the bed outlets, very comfy!
* Tent mounting and storage:
My wife is petit and I'm not exactly Hulk Hogan. The tent weighs something like 120 pounds and it's a struggle for use to carry and lift onto the bed. I made a hoist system for my garage repurposing a bunch of 80/20 inc. hardware I had from another project. The only expense was two $42 chain hoists from Home Depot. Had to cut some holes in the garage ceiling drywall but my garage is pretty hacked up already so no big deal. Works well! The tent mounting hardware connected just right to the 80/20 inc extrusions to keep the tent in place on the frames which are independent and slide off the front and back of the tent once it is on the Rivian cargo rails. The chain hoists are mounted to a frame I build in the garage attic with materials on hand, no $$$ there.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/VEVOR-1...0Hn93Fapau1u5ibcSvxoCvrwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://8020.net/
To get our dog in the tent I made a ramp in two sections. It is made from 1/4" plywood with wood "hooks" on them to catch a rung of the ladder. We put some rubbery floor mat stuff on the plywood for grip. After a few training sessions and a lot of dog treats she gets up and down the ramp just fine.
There are many seat covers for dogs. We got this one and like it. Very affordable;
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BK157QCP?th=1
Charging while camping. I've verified the included Rivian portable charger works on 50, 30 and 20 amp campground circuits. You really want 50 if you can find it.... For the 30 you need the right adapter plug made specifically for EV's like this one. Remember to throttle down the amperage to 24 amps from the Rivian UI or else your risk overloading the 30 amp circuit breaker.
https://www.amazon.com/Parkworld-88...locphy=9019694&hvtargid=pla-961834616805&th=1
Ordered: Oct. 2021 in Explorer/Max Pack configuration
Delivered: July 2022 in Adventure standard battery configuration
Originally wanted the max pack battery but after seeing some of the delivery estimate push outs and looking at the Miles/$ you get with the max pack I switched to adventure/standard battery in late June of 2022 and got the R1T less than a month later. I live about 10 miles from the Minneapolis service center.
Thoughts after 9 months of ownership and 17,000 miles: Love it. Can highly recommend it. No real issues to date. A few comments on the frequency discussed items on this forum below;
* Tonneau cover: I've used it sparingly but it has always worked well. Pretty quiet during operation. I use a silicon lubricant on the track with every use.
* Tires: 21" road tires. After 17,000 miles I have 7/32" of tread left. Just had the 2nd tire rotation done by Rivian. Estimated more than half of life left. Tires worked well during a Minnesota winter of near record snowfall total for the year.
* Vehicle Size: Just right for me. Some reviews give the F150 Lighting an advantage for size, not for me. The F150 is too big, would not fit in my garage. The F150 is not an option for me. The R1T hits the sweep spot.
* Drive Train and Suspension: A little clicking from motor backlash when starting from 0 mph. I consider this normal and an acceptable amount of noise for taking up the backlash. I did develop the "creaking" at about 3,000 miles. They did some service at the first tire rotation at 8000 miles (grease in the shafts I think) and the noise went away and has not returned.
* Vampire Drain: I'm in the 1% per day kinda range like most people. Do want to see improvement here and expect there will be.
* Fit and finish on delivery: Excellent to my eye. Some of the more discerning people might find something but I'm completely satisfied.
* Fit and finish after 17,000 miles: Still excellent. Interior holding up very well even with a Labrador retriever puppy being present in the back seat for most of the miles.
* Rivian flashlight/camp speaker/compressor: I have used the flashlight quite often and like having it there. Have never used the speaker (not a music guy). Used the compressor a few time and am happy to know it is on board. The camping flood lights on the wing mirror are pretty cool to have.
* Sound system. Great to my ears but see bullet point above, I'm not a music guy. NPR and my audio books sound great on the system.
* User Interface: I originally thought putting everything in the UI like vent controls would be a problem. While I would still like mechanical controls for heating/ventilation having it on the UI is much less of an issue than I had imagined beforehand. If in my mind it was a level 10 problem before trying it, in reality it is a level 2 problem. Still not as good as mechanical buttons and vents but less of an issue than imagined. I like the way Rivian integrated the UI screen. Very nice looking cabin interior. I've only had to do a couple software resets over the past 9 months.
* Navigation. I have never used apple car play so can't compare directly but I find the Rivian navigation system to have performed very well. I find the car play/andtroid auto debate a bit tiresome. These navigation systems didn't really exist 10 years ago and now they are all very powerful and rapidly advancing. A very first world problem.....
* Driving comfort: One of my favorite things. Quiet, comfortable, easy to drive. Best vehicle I've ever been in. Love the power!
* Driver +: Don't use it. See bullet point above. It's like finally getting your race seat in Formula 1 then letting somebody else drive the car for you. I want to drive it. I've tried Driver + for brief periods but it doesn't do it for me. I don't find it relaxing or helpful nor do I fully trust it.
* Charging: Do 99% of charging at home or at our lake cabin. Did one road trip from Minneapolis to Bentonville Arkansas for a mt bike trip. Hit EA, Shell Recharge, ChargePoint and Francis Energy chargers. All worked as they should with no drama but one. Held more than 200 kW on one EA charger for quite a long time. The one drama was an EA station that would not take digital payment. Used a manual credit card swipe then it worked. Saw one other person struggle with digital payment on another EA station and told him to try a manual swipe and it worked for him too.
* Range: Exceeding expectation. Don't miss the max pack, especially at the price for extra miles delivered. I've posted the charts below a few times on other treads but doing so again here. This data is taken on the same 165 mile trip on a mix of freeway and state highway at an average speed of 50 to 55 mph.
Assuming a 125 kW battery back the range would be;
Accessories:
* "Camp Kitchen". I made my own and like it very much. 1/2" plywood construction. Two induction cooktops, pantry area to custom sized to a specific set of organizers. Removable pantry access door become a flat work surface on the tailgate.
Induction cooktop:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/MegaChe...in-Black-with-1-Element-985110967M/309033088?
Slides:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HCN5NFD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Finish on plywood cabinet:
A product with the brand name "OSMO". I do a lot of furniture making and this stuff is amazing. I use nothing else. Apply a very small amount at a time with one of those white 3M scrub pads, spread it around over a large area and wipe off. Let dry a half a day and apply another layer. No sanding. Do 3 to 5 layers and you have a flawless finish that was very easy to apply. It seems expensive for the small can you get of the product but you need very little of it. If you do woodworking, give this stuff a try! Look up videos on application!
https://www.amazon.com/Osmo-Polyx-O...=1683633115&sprefix=osmo+satin,aps,168&sr=8-7
* Roof top tent:
https://www.thule.com/en-us/rooftop...tents/thule-tepui-explorer-kukenam-3-_-901300
Happy with this option. Fits the Rivian cargo racks fine, goes up easy. Included mattress is a bit thin and hard, we supplement with backpacking air mattresses. Only issue can be seen in this photo, the window awning by the cab can't be fully opened because of interference. Not a big deal. Used an electric blanket a few nights. Ran the cord into the bed outlets, very comfy!
* Tent mounting and storage:
My wife is petit and I'm not exactly Hulk Hogan. The tent weighs something like 120 pounds and it's a struggle for use to carry and lift onto the bed. I made a hoist system for my garage repurposing a bunch of 80/20 inc. hardware I had from another project. The only expense was two $42 chain hoists from Home Depot. Had to cut some holes in the garage ceiling drywall but my garage is pretty hacked up already so no big deal. Works well! The tent mounting hardware connected just right to the 80/20 inc extrusions to keep the tent in place on the frames which are independent and slide off the front and back of the tent once it is on the Rivian cargo rails. The chain hoists are mounted to a frame I build in the garage attic with materials on hand, no $$$ there.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/VEVOR-1...0Hn93Fapau1u5ibcSvxoCvrwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://8020.net/
To get our dog in the tent I made a ramp in two sections. It is made from 1/4" plywood with wood "hooks" on them to catch a rung of the ladder. We put some rubbery floor mat stuff on the plywood for grip. After a few training sessions and a lot of dog treats she gets up and down the ramp just fine.
There are many seat covers for dogs. We got this one and like it. Very affordable;
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BK157QCP?th=1
Charging while camping. I've verified the included Rivian portable charger works on 50, 30 and 20 amp campground circuits. You really want 50 if you can find it.... For the 30 you need the right adapter plug made specifically for EV's like this one. Remember to throttle down the amperage to 24 amps from the Rivian UI or else your risk overloading the 30 amp circuit breaker.
https://www.amazon.com/Parkworld-88...locphy=9019694&hvtargid=pla-961834616805&th=1
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