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21" Tires a problem ANY suggestions ?

tps5352

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Interesting thread, as it highlights one of the more pressing issues (some) Rivian drivers face around wheels and tires. There were probably many drivers (who innocently ordered the optional 21-inch wheels and) who went through the same thing when it was time to replace the rubber. (How many folks ordered 21" wheels for their Gen 1 vehicles? How could we know?) The 21-inch wheel and tire story is just one issue I uncovered when writing about Rivian wheel and tire sizes, here.

Let me steal a couple of illustrations from that post:

Rivian R1T R1S 21" Tires a problem   ANY suggestions ? GEN 1

|||↑|Selection of aftermarket|↑|||||||||||||||||||| Figure 4 (Gen 1 wheels/tires) from here.
||||||||tires is very limited for
||||||||||||a 21-inch wheel.

Rivian R1T R1S 21" Tires a problem   ANY suggestions ? GEN 2

Figure 5 (Gen 2 wheels/tires) from here.​

I keep editing these figures, as I learn more information and confirm facts. But the figures and tables summarize some of the key issues Gen 1 Rivian drivers faced (and, even though Rivian OEM 21" wheels were discontinued, Gen 2 drivers still face):
  • Vehicles may offer up to six wheel+tire options (sometimes exclusive to specific model versions, but usually universal to all models).
  • The first time I visited my local Rivian service/sales center (to get the 'lay of the land' and begin the process of selecting a particular model-version) I was looking at all the different wheels based solely on aesthetics--what did the the wheels look like and did I like the appearance?
  • What I needed to consider (and eventually did) was so_much more, including:
    • What my primary/secondary/tertiary driving types would be (like pavement, pavement, and pavement, with a little gravel thrown in).
    • Wheel size (20", 21", and 22" diameter). (The 21-inch wheels were Gen 1 only, but they are still available new from Rivian or used online.)
    • Tire size (33" and 34" diameter).
    • Sidewall height (as determined by wheel and tire diameters), and its impacts on ride comfort, handling, range, tire durability, et cetera.
    • OEM tire brands (Pirelli, and one Goodyear) and models.
    • Tread design and intended purposes of the various tire models.
    • The range of potential replacement aftermarket tire models available (so important, as this Thread points out).
    • The need for and availability of speedometer software reprogramming, when tire sizes are changed.
    • A tire's Load Index, and why it is important.
    • Online lists of Rivian-applicable aftermarket tires (e.g., here).
    • Online tire calculators (e.g., here).
    • Immediate and long-term costs.
    • Et cetera, et cetera. (The list goes on...)
Oh, and what a wheel looks like is important, too.

Most of my driving will be on pavement, so road comfort, tire durability, and range are important to me (sporting and all-terrain performance, not so much). Since I prefer higher profile tires. I'll probably choose to get the optional All-Terrain Package, in part due to the 20-inch wheels, and (hopefully) 34-inch tires (but maybe 33" by then?). From there I can eventually switch to more road-friendly 34-inch tires. (A second Rivian or aftermarket wheel-set is always an option.) And, hopefully, Rivian will provide some sort of software update soon that allows drivers to conveniently re-program for different wheel/tire sizes using the car's software screen.

My plans are just one of many possible strategies. In general, new buyers may, want to:
  • Assess what their driving needs will be.
  • Become familiar with all the Rivian OEM wheel-sets, and...
  • Online lists of Rivian-compatible tires and tools (like tire calculators).
  • Choose the vehicle that best fits their plans for ultimate wheels and tires (whether it is to achieve a particular tire size, save money over the long-run, etc.).
before choosing their new/used vehicle.
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Alanparkcity

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Interesting thread, as it highlights one of the more pressing issues (some) Rivian drivers face around wheels and tires. There were probably many drivers (who innocently ordered the optional 21-inch wheels and) who went through the same thing when it was time to replace the rubber. (How many folks ordered 21" wheels for their Gen 1 vehicles? How could we know?) The 21-inch wheel and tire story is just one issue I uncovered when writing about Rivian wheel and tire sizes, here.

Let me steal a couple of illustrations from that post:

Optional Rivian Gen 1 Wheels & Tires

Figure 4 (Gen 1 wheels/tires) from here.​

Optional Rivian Gen 2 Wheels & Tires

Figure 5 (Gen 2 wheels/tires) from here.​

I keep editing these figures, as I learn more information and confirm facts. But the figures and tables summarize some of the key issues Gen 1 Rivian drivers faced (and, even though Rivian OEM 21" wheels were discontinued, Gen 2 drivers still face):
  • Vehicles may offer up to six options (sometimes exclusive to specific model variations, but usually universal to all models).
  • The first time I visited my local Rivian service/sales center (to get the 'lay of the land' and begin the process of selecting a particular model-variation) I was looking at all the different wheels based solely on aesthetics--what did the the wheels look like and did I like the appearance?
  • What I needed to consider (and eventually did) was somuch more, including:
    • What my primary/secondary/tertiary driving types would be (like pavement, pavement, and pavement, with a little gravel thrown in).
    • Wheel size (20", 21", and 22" diameter). (The 21-inch wheels were Gen 1 only, but they are still available new from Rivian or used online.)
    • Tire size (33" and 34" diameter).
    • Sidewall height (as determined by wheel and tire diameters), and its impacts on ride comfort, handling, range, tire durability, et cetera.
    • OEM tire brands (Pirelli, and one Goodyear) and models.
    • Tread design and intended purposes of the various tire models.
    • The range of potential replacement aftermarket tire models available (so important, as this Thread points out).
    • The need for and availability of speedometer software reprogramming, when tire sizes are changed.
    • A tire's Load Index, and why it is important.
    • Online lists of Rivian-applicable aftermarket tires (e.g., here).
    • Online tire calculators (e.g., here).
    • Immediate and long-term costs.
    • Et cetera, et cetera. (The list goes on...)
Oh, and what a wheel looks like is important, too.

Most of my driving will be on pavement, so road comfort, tire durability, and range are important to me (sporting and all-terrain performance, not so much). Since I prefer higher profile tires. I'll probably choose to get the optional All-Terrain Package, in part due to the 20-inch wheels, and (hopefully) 34-inch tires (but maybe 33" by then?). From there I can eventually switch to more road-friendly 34-inch tires. (A seconf Rivian or aftermarket wheel-set is always an option.) And, hopefully, Rivian will provide some sort of software update soon that allows drivers to conveniently re-program for different wheel/tire sizes.

My plans are just one of many possible strategies. In general, new buyers may, want to:
  • Assess what their driving needs will be.
  • Become familiar with all the Rivian OEM wheel-sets, and...
  • Online lists of Rivian-compatible tires and tools (like tire calculators).
  • Choose the vehicle that best fits their plans for ultimate wheels and tires (whether it is to achieve a particular tire size, save money over the long-run, etc.).
before choosing their new/used vehicle.
Since I live in the mountains I bought 20” wheels with Hakka R5 SUV snow tire, which are outstanding in the snow . I still like the OEM Pirellis for summer rubber. They are quiet, comfortable and efficient. I’ll decide later on summer tire options, but still have at least 10-15k miles left on the Pirellis (10k so far). I could sell my 21” wheels, or continue to swap summer/winter wheels. Like most Rivian owners, I don’t off-road.
 

Alanparkcity

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Needing to replace my 275/55/21 tires after 25K miles Looks like ONLY options are Pirellis (the same that is on there Now) which I am not impressed with
OR the Micheline Defender LTX MS/2 which appear to be out of stock nationwide for approx 60 days +

ANY suggestions for other tires or manufactures for these rims ?

Ken
It wouldn’t be hard to pick up slightly used Pirellis on line to get you by.
 

Riviam

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I'm in the same boat, but with nearly unanimous praise for the Defenders (which seem to be in stock most everywhere now in the 275/55/R21), it makes the decision to jump to 20s or 22s a little more difficult. The 21 ride quality is great. Can put the Michelins on them for ~$1400 or can do something like the MSW Type 52s which resemble the 20" OE ATs. That plus an on-road AT tire puts me at about $2600. But replacements abound after that. Grinding over the decision but it gives me something to do...
 

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I'm in the same boat, but with nearly unanimous praise for the Defenders (which seem to be in stock most everywhere now in the 275/55/R21), it makes the decision to jump to 20s or 22s a little more difficult. The 21 ride quality is great. Can put the Michelins on them for ~$1400 or can do something like the MSW Type 52s which resemble the 20" OE ATs. That plus an on-road AT tire puts me at about $2600. But replacements abound after that. Grinding over the decision but it gives me something to do...
I am considering MSW wheels with continental terrain contact HT tires. They see like the grippiest all season tire.Either that or slick to 21 inch Pirellis for another 25k miles. Defenders have significantly longer braking distance.
 

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The Continentals look great. There's a whole other thread on it but have been looking at the Nitro Nomad Grapplers and the Yokohama Geolandar CV4S. Both are really all season tires dressed up with a little beef.
 

mudito

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Got my Michelins installed yesterday. First thing noticed is the ride quality improvement! It was an instant change.

It's getting below freezing in texas so I can't still test grip levels for acceleration and braking but I'll be doing that in a few weeks and it warms back up. I have data (GPS data from my RaceBox) from the Pirelli's to compare.
 

Riviam

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Got my Michelins installed yesterday. First thing noticed is the ride quality improvement! It was an instant change.

It's getting below freezing in texas so I can't still test grip levels for acceleration and braking but I'll be doing that in a few weeks and it warms back up. I have data (GPS data from my RaceBox) from the Pirelli's to compare.
Did you put them on the 21s? How do they look?
 

mudito

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Did you put them on the 21s? How do they look?
Yup, 21" - They look awesome! But I'm a sucker for Michellin tires ond their look, so I'm very biased :)
Rivian R1T R1S 21" Tires a problem   ANY suggestions ? 1736350421295-l9
y
 

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Riviam

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Yup, 21" - They look awesome! But I'm a sucker for Michellin tires ond their look, so I'm very biased :)
1736350421295-l9.jpg
y
Yeah they look great. The 20’s show more plain sidewall but seems like the 21s get it about perfect. I may wait until next tire change to swap wheels.
 

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Yeah they look great. The 20’s show more plain sidewall but seems like the 21s get it about perfect. I may wait until next tire change to swap wheels.
We’ve got 6-8in of snow coming over 24-48 hours (which is rare for Arkansas). Would be interested to know how they do in the occasional winter slush.
 

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We’ve got 6-8in of snow coming over 24-48 hours (which is rare for Arkansas). Would be interested to know how they do in the occasional winter slush.
I can report on that Tomorrow and Friday :) North Texas is expecting some white love ;)
 

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They will have 21’s on the R2
Source? Much can change between now and actual production. For economy of scale and production cost, I don’t see a single logical reason for Rivian to offer it. Plus, lack of tire options.
 

Alanparkcity

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Source? Much can change between now and actual production. For economy of scale and production cost, I don’t see a single logical reason for Rivian to offer it. Plus, lack of tire options.
The Rivian R2 is expected to feature 21-inch wheels with 275/50R21 tires, as indicated by close-up images from recent unveilings.





This setup is similar to the 21-inch wheel options available on Rivian’s current models, the R1T and R1S, which also offer 20-inch and 22-inch wheel configurations.





While Rivian has not officially confirmed all wheel size options for the R2, it’s likely that multiple configurations will be available to suit different performance and aesthetic preferences.





For a visual overview of the Rivian R2’s size and design, you might find this video helpful:
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