Rivian R1S Becomes First Production EV to Complete the Rubicon Trail!

[mroe]

RIVIAN R1S BECOMES FIRST PRODUCTION EV TO COMPLETE THE RUBICON TRAIL Tahoma, CA

Story: https://stories.rivian.com/r1s-first-production-ev-rubicon-trail

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Haven't done this yet in my truck, but ran it once in my 4Runner and would totally feel comfortable doing it in the Rivian. May want to add sliders before though...

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[Forager]

Way cool, but oof, 102 kWh to go 12 miles. Doesn’t bode well for the long distance tracks! I dream of doing something like the Mojave Road or Canning Stock Route in an EV.

We need more details on the recovery hitch and rock sliders!

 

[jplblue]

Cool!

Any idea why the additional front tow hitch was needed?

 

[SolartoEV]

Just all around rad. Good PR. Soccer moms will be held back by no obstacles now.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Cool!

Any idea why the additional front tow hitch was needed?

Considering there's a giant anderson powerpole hanging out there, they probably brought a hitch mounted winch that they could put at which corner needed it. This is a brilliant idea IMO. Would be interesting to know if they made other changes for this or if it was simply just a hitch reciever welded to a plate, bolted up in place of the tow hooks.

 

[Baymax]

I find it annoying that they slapped a full-size spare on the roof. It’s an adventure vehicle! A full size spare is mandatory when off roading. They should have allowed for a full size spare to be stowed internally like the R1T ...or integrated into the rear tailgate like Jeep, Bronco, Defender, etc.

 

[mike813]

I find it annoying that they slapped a full-size spare on the roof. It’s an adventure vehicle! A full size spare is mandatory when off roading. They should have allowed for a full size spare to be stowed internally like the R1T!

I use my spare area for recovery, charging, power, and air gear, and keep my inflatable spare in my garage. I like the idea of tossing a spare on a roof basket or a hitch-mounted swing away carrier for any hard core use (none of which I'll probably ever do, but who knows)

 

[scottf200]

I thought I saw some other post or other social media where there were 2 R1Ts and 1 R1S but only the R1S made it? I'm sure they learned a lot. It looks impressive. I'll have to check out some YT vids on the area.

 

[SANZC02]

I thought I saw some other post or other social media where there were 2 R1Ts and 1 R1S but only the R1S made it? I'm sure they learned a lot. It looks impressive. I'll have to check out some YT vids on the area.

They article said there were 2 R1Ts for support in the first part and a modified Jeep supporting the second part.

I’ve never done that trail but seems the R1T is pretty long and probably not the best vehicle to use on such a tight technical trail.

 

[scottf200]

I thought I saw some other post or other social media where there were 2 R1Ts and 1 R1S but only the R1S made it? I'm sure they learned a lot. It looks impressive. I'll have to check out some YT vids on the area.

They article said there were 2 R1Ts for support in the first part and a modified Jeep supporting the second part.

I’ve never done that trail but seems the R1T is pretty long and probably not the best vehicle to use on such a tight technical trail.

Thx.

• The R1S was supported by two pre-production Quad-Motor R1Ts from the Rivian test and development fleet for the first leg of the trip, after which a modified Jeep Wrangler provided trail support.

 

[av8or]

I did the trail in my Jeep the week before they did. The section between Buck island lake and rubicon springs was straight up nasty! I’d love to see pics of the damage.

 

[Derek]

The rock sliders they used don't look like any on the market now. I like how flush to the body they are.

 

[Dark-Fx]

I find it annoying that they slapped a full-size spare on the roof. It’s an adventure vehicle! A full size spare is mandatory when off roading. They should have allowed for a full size spare to be stowed internally like the R1T!

And then the R1S wouldn't have made it through the Rubicon like the R1T

 

[Baymax]

And then the R1S wouldn't have made it through the Rubicon like the R1T

I understand the wheelbase issue. Even if they had integrated it into the tailgate design like a Jeep, Bronco, Defender, etc. would have been an acceptable solution!

 

[Trandall]

Why did they need aftermarket rock sliders? Stock means stock, I wish they would have done it without any aftermarket mod's. Just throw the spare in the back with the 3rd row folded and secure the tire to the STOCK tie downs. Sounds like they didn't use the front winch attachment anyway. I think they would have done it truly bone stock and that would have been been better trail cred.

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