Best VIN to look for on Pre-Owned 22-23 R1T?

[EV-CAL75]

Thank you @MountainBikeDude ! Earlier 2023 owners can actually get the upgrades done? Via Rivian themselves or 3rd party? I was looking at the 2022 Rivian R1T with some specs other than the tonneau cover. I dont' think it even has the manual one? Did they ever sell it without one? I would not want to drive a R1T without one (security and efficiency reasons). I remember when I was a kid, we use to ride in the back of my buddy's Toyota pickup. Those were the days...long gone now.

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[Mark_AZR1T]

After 57,000 miles in my early Launch Edition R1T (VIN 17XX), I can confidently say it's been remarkably reliable - just two minor service visits. My 2023 R1S has been equally impressive, requiring nothing beyond a single recall. While both are excellent, I particularly appreciate the superior Meridian sound system in my R1T and its outstanding driving dynamics (for a truck). The electric tonneau cover is a must-have. I did add XCare warranty recently for the R1T for peace of mind.

My positive experience convinced two friends to purchase 2022 R1Ts, and they've had zero regrets. While I recognize my experience may not be universal, I'd strongly recommend seeking out a well-maintained Launch Edition if you can find one - in my view, they represent the best value proposition in Rivian's lineup. Of course, individual experiences may vary, but ours have been exceptional across the board.

 

[DayTripping]

Thank you @MountainBikeDude ! Earlier 2023 owners can actually get the upgrades done? Via Rivian themselves or 3rd party? I was looking at the 2022 Rivian R1T with some specs other than the tonneau cover. I dont' think it even has the manual one? Did they ever sell it without one? I would not want to drive a R1T without one (security and efficiency reasons). I remember when I was a kid, we use to ride in the back of my buddy's Toyota pickup. Those were the days...long gone now.

They may do it as a courtesy/good will gesture. Otherwise you'll have to wait for the original subframe's welds to break.

I will say that the front end feels "tighter" with the cast piece.

As for original PTC (power tonneau cover), I wanted one originally but heard such horror stories I avoided them all together. They are no on their 3rd version to try and get it right on the G2 trucks. I have a manual one now and staying with it.

 

[EV-CAL75]

They may do it as a courtesy/good will gesture. Otherwise you'll have to wait for the original subframe's welds to break.

I will say that the front end feels "tighter" with the cast piece.

As for original PTC (power tonneau cover), I wanted one originally but heard such horror stories I avoided them all together. They are no on their 3rd version to try and get it right on the G2 trucks. I have a manual one now and staying with it.

Yeah I'm leaning into going to the darn dealerships to look at the exact vehicle first. I'm very disappointed that Rivian doesn't show at least some barebone pictures of the pre-owned vehicle that's for sale. I do want to examine certain things as it's not an exact small purchase for me. Found a 2023 with 15K miles for $64K...sound fair? For sure it is not a steal (don't exist unless something is wrong with it). Regarding the fix, that would be nice if I got a 2022 and they can retrofit the subframe thing for me. I just saw the pictures and the welded ones look like it's been done at the chop shop! I mean all 2022s were like that? Those welds don't look too strong either! Thanks for the replies everybody. Greatly appreciate it!

 

[DayTripping]

Yeah, the welded subframes seem to all be that crappy.

What options on the 2023? I assume it is a quad.

 

[EV-CAL75]

Yeah, the welded subframes seem to all be that crappy.

What options on the 2023? I assume it is a quad.

Blue, quad motors, with white interior. Street tires. I don't care which type of wheels/tires since I can always get it separately elsewhere. Looks like it is an Adventure edition and not Launch. What's their difference? 16K miles not 15K (sorry typo earlier). Just need to find the time to drive out there. How did you haggle? I don't even know where to start. I'm the type of dude that thinks everyone is gonna rip him off.

 

[NY_Rob]

The dual 12V battery system was initially used because Rivian had insufficient room behind the Frunk tub to mount a single large 12V battery that would handle the current drain and surge loads from the vehicle 12v systems, so they used two 12V batts in a "unique" arrangement. The system was very trouble prone from the getgo, not just because of some suspect batteries sold to Rivian by their OEM supplier, but also due to the um, "creative" way they ran the vehicle circuits.

In a nutshell, on dual 12V batt vehicle, the left 12V battery powers the left side of the vehicle, and the right 12V battery powers the right side of the vehicle. Idiotic right? So when one battery dies, it completely disables the vehicle. To make matters worse, even with jumper pigtails connected to a good external jumper battery, those factory jumper pigtails in the rear only connect to one of the 12V batts (again, idiotic!). In the end, even with a jump-start, the vehicle still may not power up or even unlock the doors if the "wrong" side 12V batt has died. Needless to say, it was so poorly done, Rivian completely abandoned it in March (IIRC) 2023 in favor of a single 12V battery system.

Vehicles built after March 2023 switched to a single 12V battery system where they bridged the left and right side vehicle circuits to run off one 12V battery (like in every other 12V vehicle built currently). They replaced the second 12V batt with a large super-capacitor bundle that gives a quick surge of 12V power to high current startup devices as needed.

All other things being equal, if you can avoid the dual 12V system, do it. If because of other options you prefer a particular vehicle which has a dual 12V battery system, keep in mind that Rivian charges $800+ to change out the two batts.

 

[EV-CAL75]

Thank you @NY_Rob for the clarification of the dual 12V batteries. I am going to research on that subject more regarding their sizes, capacity, etc. I had a solar setup for my garage utilizing dual golf cart batteries (Lithium wasn't a real solution then) and that was a nightmare to maintain! Imagine 2 batteries in a cramped car! I have no idea where are they located either. $800 for 2 batteries....yikes! That is a terrible design that's for sure!

 

[NY_Rob]

^ my pleasure!

Here's the batteries they use.. 18Ah each, SLA. If you're willing to make some short jumper leads to replace the Rivian angle brackets for the battery leads you can replace the original batts with $89 batts from Amazon.

 

[EV-CAL75]

OH MY GOODNESS those things are TINY! They look like my motorcycle batteries! Are they wet? Not even AGM/Gel? Any of the 2025 Rivians have lithium 12V batteries? This is really not acceptable despite the truck being gorgeous!

 

[MountainBikeDude]

The dual 12V battery system was initially used because Rivian had insufficient room behind the Frunk tub to mount a single large 12V battery that would handle the current drain and surge loads from the vehicle 12v systems, so they used two 12V batts in a "unique" arrangement. The system was very trouble prone from the getgo, not just because of some suspect batteries sold to Rivian by their OEM supplier, but also due to the um, "creative" way they ran the vehicle circuits.

In a nutshell, on dual 12V batt vehicle, the left 12V battery powers the left side of the vehicle, and the right 12V battery powers the right side of the vehicle. Idiotic right? So when one battery dies, it completely disables the vehicle. To make matters worse, even with jumper pigtails connected to a good external jumper battery, those factory jumper pigtails in the rear only connect to one of the 12V batts (again, idiotic!). In the end, even with a jump-start, the vehicle still may not power up or even unlock the doors if the "wrong" side 12V batt has died. Needless to say, it was so poorly done, Rivian completely abandoned it in March (IIRC) 2023 in favor of a single 12V battery system.

Vehicles built after March 2023 switched to a single 12V battery system where they bridged the left and right side vehicle circuits to run off one 12V battery (like in every other 12V vehicle built currently). They replaced the second 12V batt with a large super-capacitor bundle that gives a quick surge of 12V power to high current startup devices as needed.

All other things being equal, if you can avoid the dual 12V system, do it. If because of other options you prefer a particular vehicle which has a dual 12V battery system, keep in mind that Rivian charges $800+ to change out the two batts.

Fantastic explanation btw. Cheers.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

Thank you @MountainBikeDude ! Earlier 2023 owners can actually get the upgrades done? Via Rivian themselves or 3rd party? I was looking at the 2022 Rivian R1T with some specs other than the tonneau cover. I dont' think it even has the manual one? Did they ever sell it without one? I would not want to drive a R1T without one (security and efficiency reasons). I remember when I was a kid, we use to ride in the back of my buddy's Toyota pickup. Those were the days...long gone now.

Rivian themselves. The subframe was a known weak point on early VIN's so they typically inspect them at certain intervals for fatigue, and if any issues are found, they are replaced with a cast version.

As I said, the Jounce lines and additionally the AC lines will be redone/rerouted as part of a customer satisfaction campaign Rivian initiated mid last year. Jounce line gen 2 eliminates the swishing suspension compression noise (mostly noticed on large speed bums at low speeds) and the AC line re-routing eliminates the cabin hum/vibration when the AC compressor is under heavy loads which typically is when you DCFC in hot weather.

Both of the satisfaction campaigns are Gen 1 vehicles only.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Hey guys, on the lookout for one of these but have no idea which ones are more reliable. Early VINS or latter?
Thank you all and trying to get some information before placing an order. Would you guys prefer local dealerships or ordering directly from Rivian? I don't like to deal with salesman PERIOD. Thanks again!

There isn’t one. As production progressed since late ‘21 there have been rolling changes for both improvement and cost cutting. What every used shopper should focus on is accessibility of nearest service center and just how much warranty is left before luxury car level out-of-pocket expenses kick in.

 

[NY_Rob]

OH MY GOODNESS those things are TINY! They look like my motorcycle batteries! Are they wet? Not even AGM/Gel? Any of the 2025 Rivians have lithium 12V batteries? This is really not acceptable despite the truck being gorgeous!

Unfortunately there are no Lithium 12V batts available from Rivian only the SLA OEM batts you see above. There are however aftermarket LiFePO4 12V batts available for Rivian's through Ohmmu. They even made a full video on replacing the 12V batts in a dual battery Rivian here. There has been considerable debate here regarding the possible issues that may occur when replacing a simple lead-acid battery with a LiFePO4 battery which has it's own built-in BMS. As far as I know, there only a handful of Rivian owners on this forum who have switched to the Ohmmu LiFePO4 batts.

 

[Gurule92]

What I found is the random dealers tend to sell the trucks with more accessories, fobs, crossbars, etc.

This is likely because people trading at random dealers aren't staying in the rivian game so they don't need the stuff.

The truck I bought from rivian didn't have anything extra, not even the spare.

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