21" Lug Configuration - why?

[jakef801]

I know it's probably on one of the threads, but can anyone give me a clear answer as to why Rivian went with a totally antiquated lug config? I want to get wheels powder coated and my guy immediately noticed the config and sighed. Rather than a normal wheel swap while powder coating was being done, he said they'd have to take it to their warehouse and put it on a lift, adding 4 or 5 days to a normally 2 - 3 day process - $900. When I also asked him about a spare, because who knows when I'll get one, he said they could make one, but it would require proprietary drilling and fitment - $700. WTF Rivian?

Sponsored

 

[NY_Rob]

I'll answer that question with another burning question....
Knowing how rare the bolt pattern is (we have read about that here before) and how rare suitable 21" (non-OEM) replacement tires are (again something well documented here)... why are people ordering Rivian's with 21" wheels?

 

[jakef801]

I'll answer that question with another burning question....
Knowing how rare the bolt pattern is (we have read about that here before) and how rare suitable 21" (non-OEM) replacement tires are (again something well documented here)... why are people ordering Rivian's with 21" wheels?

My original config was for 20" Off-roads with max pack. My truck came up in the shop and had everything I wanted except for the max pack (of course) and 20" off roads. They are all-seasons, which will get me by in winter and I know they'll rock crawl in Southern Utah because rubber sticks to sandstone like glue. Mine also has the reinforced underbody shield and was the color I wanted (I kept switching between green and El Cap, but the green is beautiful). I'm prone to being the "I want in now" with things in life. Didn't want to wait another 1 - 1.5 yrs for max pack. Hence, I pulled the trigger. There's my story and reasoning.

 

[R1Sky Business]

I'll answer that question with another burning question....
Knowing how rare the bolt pattern is (we have read about that here before) and how rare suitable 21" (non-OEM) replacement tires are (again something well documented here)... why are people ordering Rivian's with 21" wheels?

Masochism

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

I'll answer that question with another burning question....
Knowing how rare the bolt pattern is (we have read about that here before) and how rare suitable 21" (non-OEM) replacement tires are (again something well documented here)... why are people ordering Rivian's with 21" wheels?

Bolt pattern is same on the 20” and 22” as the 21”…. So not sure your point?

 

[jakef801]

Bolt pattern is same on the 20” and 22” as the 21”…. So not sure your point?

I was pretty certain they are all the same. So I agree with the sentiment of "not sure your point?". It still begs the question as to WHY THE F&*$?

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

I was pretty certain they are all the same. So I agree with the sentiment of "not sure your point?". It still begs the question as to WHY THE F&*$?

Not sure. Only thing I can think of is Rivian may have been concerned with typical aftermarket wheels not being up to the task of this HEAVY vehicle so they didn’t want to go with the typical 6-bolt pattern.

 

[Aardvark]

I know it's probably on one of the threads, but can anyone give me a clear answer as to why Rivian went with a totally antiquated lug config? I want to get wheels powder coated and my guy immediately noticed the config and sighed. Rather than a normal wheel swap while powder coating was being done, he said they'd have to take it to their warehouse and put it on a lift, adding 4 or 5 days to a normally 2 - 3 day process - $900. When I also asked him about a spare, because who knows when I'll get one, he said they could make one, but it would require proprietary drilling and fitment - $700. WTF Rivian?

@jakef801 , what is the bolt pattern on the 21s? I assumed it was the same 5 x 5.5 as on the 20s to reduce manufacturing cost through a common hub.
If it's not the 5 x 5.5, I may rethink my reservation of the 21s.
Thanks

 

[TollKeeper]

Its the same bolt pattern no matter what the wheel selection is.. 20, 21, or 22

I will say that most auto manufactures have gone to a 6 lug bolt pattern on their full size trucks/suv's. So maybe thats why he was grumbling, as he was prepared for 6 lug, and not 5.

 

[jakef801]

^^^ Exactly what he said. I'm looking at it as glass half full. Was what was available to me for early delivery, all seasons for winter and can rock crawl in So. Utah, and supposed mileage efficiency.

 

[SACDFJC]

@jakef801 , what is the bolt pattern on the 21s? I assumed it was the same 5 x 5.5 as on the 20s to reduce manufacturing cost through a common hub.
If it's not the 5 x 5.5, I may rethink my reservation of the 21s.
Thanks

They are exactly the same. My truck came with 21's, I now have 20's. There no difference.

 

[crashmtb]

Rivian uses a very common PCD and centre bore diameter.

The issue getting wheels that fit is the huge front calipers and offset they require.

Sounds like your wheel coater needs some GUNIWHEELs

 

[NY_Rob]

It's the lack of non-OEM tire choices for the 21" wheels that's the problem...

Tons of qualified 20" tires and ample selection of 22" tires, almost zero qualified non-OEM tires available in the 21" size.

 

[jakef801]

^^^ Yep

 

[NY_Rob]

I have an i3 which has a smaller size front tire vs. the rear tires which leaves us i3 owners with exactly one tire manufacturer and one specific tire for that vehicle. It's without doubt the worst part of the i3. Those replacement tires are so rare, I keep a spare front and rear tire for the car sitting in my shed because if I have a catastrophic failure there is literally zero chance of getting a spare for that car locally. Same is probably going to be true for the 21" Rivian tires....

Sponsored