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swhme

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Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T IMG_1552
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T B0000621
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T B0000619-2
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T B0000601

See details on my build in this thread

We took a short trip up into the San Juans last weekend to test out the latest iteration of our camping set up on the R1T. The goal was to comfortably transport and house 4 people (2 big, 2 little) in the backcountry, and use electricity as the fuel for all of our cooking. I've been exploring the mountains for about 25 years, and doing vehicle-based overlanding for ~4 years, using a modified 100-series Land Cruiser as my platform.

I'll split up the sections below, so hopefully you can get the answers that are most interesting to you.

Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T B0000465-4


Consumption
Over the course of the trip we averaged 1.68 mi/kwh, over a 500 mile loop from Santa Fe (7100') through:
  • Pagosa Springs (7100', stopped to charge from 30%>80%)
  • Durango (6500', charged at our hotel from 55%>93%)
  • Purgatory (8800', charged from 70%>85%)
  • Off-road: Old Lime Creek Road which maxes out around 10000'. We camped along Lime Creek, at 9100'. Arrived at camp with 80%, left camp 2 days later with 62%
  • Back on road: Over Molas Pass (10800') and into Silverton (9300'). We arrived in Silverton with 50% SoC
  • Off-road: Cinnamon Pass Road over Cinnamon Pass (12460') I was a little nervous that my consumption on the way up was 0.28 mi/kwh, and I got down to 32% SoC, however, with regen on the way down, I got back up to 40%, and ended up at 36% when I arrived in Lake City.
  • Lake City (8700', charged from 36% > 80%)
  • Alamosa (7700', charged from ~25% > 85%)
  • Santa Fe (7100', arrived home with ~10%)
During the trip, I powered two refrigerators (ICECO Go20 in the frunk, plugged into 12V DC, set to 0º F and ARB Elements in the bed, plugged into 120V AC, set to 32º F) and used a Greecho Induction Cooktop/Griddle (rated at 1400W) and a Breville Mini Smart Oven (rated at 1800W)

Temperatures were very range-friendly. 70-80º during the day, 50s at night.

Cooking

Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T IMG_1563
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T ?hash=d8374ca2fa499a20ef60bd7256e4a93d
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T IMG_1575
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T IMG_1576
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T IMG_1578
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T IMG_1572

In addition to the electric appliances mentioned above, I also brought a Camp Chef Rainier 2X as a backup. It was a good thing that I did, this time, as I discovered some holes in my approach.

Greecho Induction Cooktop Thoughts:
I neglected to bring induction-capable pots, so I could only use the Greecho with the griddle top. The griddle worked pretty well, although it would occasionally show an error on one side or the other, and then I'd have to unplug it and plug it back in to keep cooking. I absolutely love the size and weight of this thing, it's so easy to pack, fits nicely in my Zarges boxes. I'll give it a 7/10.

The surface didn't seem to get super hot. Fine for cooking bacon and potatoes, but I don't think it got hot enough to put a proper sear on a steak. I've already ordered the Cooktron and will test that out this week to see how it performs. I made breakfast burritos fully on the Greecho, and they got thumbs up all around.

Breville Mini Smart Oven Thoughts:
To me, there are two great luxuries in camping: cold ice cream and warm cinnamon rolls. I've used a Coleman camp oven for a few years, but it's a pain to temperature control, bulky, and annoying to set up and break down. The Breville works great, although I had to remove the handle in order to fit it into my gear case, and, without that weight, the door won't stay open on its own. I'm working on engineering some sort of fix there.

I was nervous about the 1800W rating, but it ended up never tripping the inverter, which was great news. However, with the Breville maxing out the truck, I couldn't also use the induction griddle, so I had to fall back to using the gas stove if I wanted to make some hot dogs to go with my baked potatoes. Next time, I'm going to bring a Jackery battery just to have some extra watts to play with while I'm cooking.

Loading the truck (what goes where?)
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T IMG_1549
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T IMG_1554
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T IMG_1555
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T IMG_1548

Frunk: (Fast access, weather safe)
  • ICECO Go20 Freezer
  • Billingham Eventer camera bag
  • Tom Bihn Technonaut 45 backpack (clothes)
Gear Tunnel: (Long and Skinny Stuff)
  • 2x Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair
  • 2x REI Kids Camp Chair
  • 1x Large Rolltop Table (I believe it's a now-discontinued one from Mountain Summit Gear)
  • 2x Small side tables
  • This leaves a decent amount of space on one end, which I use to store:
    • Extension cords
    • Pump for air mattresses
    • Headlamps
    • Bike Helmet
On Rack: (Bulky Stuff)
  • On top:
    • iKamper Mini 3.0 Tent
    • 23Zero 270º Awning
    • Firewood (I'm going to buy a Yakima SkinnyWarrior basket for this, but for now I just strap it to the rack above the cab)
  • On the sides:
    • MAXTRAX XTREME recovery boards
    • Gazelle T4 Hub Tent
  • On the inside:
    • REI Camp Dreamer Inflatable Mattresses, strapped to the underside of the top of the rack (an XL and a Double, these go in the Gazelle)
    • BuiltRight Molle Pouches
In Bed: (everything else, mostly cooking)
  • ARB Elements Fridge
  • Zarges Cases:
    • DOCK Outdoor Kitchen (this is built into a 40564 Zarges Case), holds disposable plates/bowls and cutlery
    • 40564 Case: Food Storage & Greecho cooktop
    • 40568 Case: Holds the Breville toaster oven and misc bits
    • 40810 Case: Holds other cooking gear. Pots/pans/strainer/prep bowls/misc tools
  • Toilet: I've used a few of these, the latest being the Stansport Portable Toilet 271 -- I like this because it packs up much smaller than the cleanwaste, and it's taller so a little more comfortable. I use it with Cleanwaste wag bags. Would recommend. I had an extra Camp Chef stove carrying bag, so I put everything in there (and clearly mark the bag!)
  • Camp Chef Stove + Propane
  • Yeti Loadout Bucket + Utility Gear Belt + Lid -- I love this bucket, and have used it for years. On the way to camp, it holds a paper towel roll and any other misc odds and ends I grabbed at the last minute. At camp, I put an 8gal trash bag in it and it's our trash can. On the way home, it's full of dirty dishes ready to come in and get washed.
  • 2-3x Dometic GO 11L Jugs + electric faucet. This is my water storage, at least until my sub-frunk water tank is ready!
  • Duffel Bag with clothes
  • Paper bag of fire starting accessories: fatwood sticks, some paper to burn


Camping / Misc Bits
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T IMG_2601
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T Q1010542
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T IMG_2600
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T IMG_2567
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T IMG_2760
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T IMG_2917
Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T IMG_1564
  • We had been planning to move to doing two-vehicle exploring, using both my Land Cruiser and the R1T, but, after a test camp a few weeks ago, quickly discovered we'd rather all go together. So I picked up the Gazelle tent, and it's been great. Quick to set up/take down (probably takes me about the same amount of time as the RTT, if not a little faster), straps easily to the outside of the rack, and very comfortable (I'm 6'5" and can stand up inside). The only downside is having to find a big enough flat spot for it.
  • Speaking of which... camp mode auto-leveling is awesome. Both for the tent, and for using the tailgate as our primary cooking surface
  • I added the E-Bike (Specialized Turbo Tero X 6.0) to my kit a few weeks ago, and it's been fantastic. When we have a charging stop, I can drop the family off at a restaurant or park, start my charge, then ride the bike back to them. And, when we're at camp, I can use it to explore the area without having to break down the camp site and take the truck out. And I can charge it from the truck when needed.

To Improve:
My goal is to get everything dialed in over the next year– we go out at least once a month when weather and other travel cooperate. I'll post another full summary next summer, and will post updates as I go on my build thread, so subscribe over there if you're interested.
  • To Buy:
    • Induction-friendly pans
    • Yakima Skinny Warrior rack for over the cab
  • To do:
    • Zip-line electric wiring behind my builtright bed molle panels so I have AC easily accessible on both sides
    • Install my GMRS radio
    • Install lights on rack for general camp lighting (I have some from SLEE sitting around)
    • Put cooking spoons into my kitchen box so I don't have to stir alfredo noodles with a spatula 😅
    • Install organizer in the frunk lid
  • To Research:
    • What's the smallest battery with 2000W peak AC output? How can I rig this up most efficiently?
    • Options for lighting for under rack and awning. The USB twinkle lights are fun, but they don't throw enough light to cook with.
    • Smaller freezer for the frunk?
Summary:
This truck is incredible. While I love my Land Cruiser, the Rivian is more comfortable, more capable, carries more gear, is way quieter, and is a winner on every front except convenience of refueling. I'm working on dialing things in over the next 6+ months in preparation for a trip to Big Bend in March. If I can pull that trip off (Big Bend is a charging desert, so it's going to require some creativity), then I'll probably sell the cruiser.

Also, get out and use your trucks. They are meant to be dirty and get scratched up. Go make memories and see beautiful things and share them with the people who you love.

Rivian R1T R1S Camping (gear and range) Review in my R1T B0000617-Pano-2
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COdogman

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What a fantastic trip/ gear report! Thank you for taking the time to document all of that.

Cinnamon rolls, ice cream, and camping in the San Juans with your family and electric truck. You are living right, my friend:cool:
 
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swhme

swhme

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jjswan33

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I have the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X and it will output 2000W AC. Also with the 600W charger can be charged up fairly quickly from the truck. I also have 300W of solar for keeping it topped up.

Be careful with some of the other brands of ‘solar generators’ as they have on board chargers and won’t charge from the truck’s AC out.
 

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Similar to your e-bike, we went to Glacier NP this weekend and I splurged on a Segway/Ninebot scooter for the shuttling option since the nearest charging station is 2+ miles south of downtown Whitefish. Dropped the wife and daughter downtown to shop and scope out lunch and went to charge the truck. Nice curving sidewalks to scoot into town. Worked great, and then we had a scooter to roam the campground!
 

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Lovely photos! A bit jealous, tbh. 😉 What tires are those? They look a bit more rugged than the stock AT's.
 

Ingo B

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Great shots! I love camping. Food seems to always taste better, especially since I'm partial to cooking over the campfire.

Anyway, I hang these on the frame of our canopy for warm overhead light above the table. They're bright enough to eat under or for simple prep work. For brighter task lighting, I either use my headlamp or this lantern (also warm lighting - similar color to those old school Coleman propanes). As back up, I have some cheapo solar lanterns that are solar/wind up charged. They emit a harsh blue LED light, so I only use them in a pinch or as perimeter lighting. Oh, and don't forget about the Rivian flashlight in the driver's door. That thing is BRIGHT.
 
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swhme

swhme

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Lovely photos! A bit jealous, tbh. 😉 What tires are those? They look a bit more rugged than the stock AT's.
KO2s. They’re fantastic both on and off road!
 
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swhme

swhme

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Great shots! I love camping. Food seems to always taste better, especially since I'm partial to cooking over the campfire.

Anyway, I hang these on the frame of our canopy for warm overhead light above the table. They're bright enough to eat under or for simple prep work. For brighter task lighting, I either use my headlamp or this lantern (also warm lighting - similar color to those old school Coleman propanes). As back up, I have some cheapo solar lanterns that are solar/wind up charged. They emit a harsh blue LED light, so I only use them in a pinch or as perimeter lighting. Oh, and don't forget about the Rivian flashlight in the driver's door. That thing is BRIGHT.
I love those goalzero lanterns, I use them in the tents! I just ordered some solar string lighting from rei, will pick it up tomorrow and give it a shot, and I’ll also check out that other lantern you shared, thanks!
 

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Ingo B

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Also, for induction compliant cookware, can't go wrong with cast iron. I know they're heavy, but you can also use them over open flame in case you want to cook over a fire. Options! I'm a fan of everything having multiple purposes or uses. Case in point: I pack some gear in milk crates, which after unpacking, double as seats, end tables, or ottomans by the pit or next to the tent.

Anyway, back to pans. Don't really need anything fancy, and for the love of God, don't get one of those enameled versions. They're essentially really heavy non-stick pans (no metal utensils), but without the non-stick attributes.

I got these. Simple and consistent. No complaints.

Sorry to bomb your thread. I geek out over camping stuff.
 
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swhme

swhme

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Also, for induction compliant cookware, can't go wrong with cast iron. I know they're heavy, but you can also use them over open flame in case you want to cook over a fire. Options! I'm a fan of everything having multiple purposes or uses. Case in point: I pack some gear in milk crates, which after unpacking, double as seats, end tables, or ottomans by the pit or next to the tent.

Anyway, back to pans. Don't really need anything fancy, and for the love of God, don't get one of those enameled versions. They're essentially really heavy non-stick pans (no metal utensils), but without the non-stick attributes.

I got these. Simple and consistent. No complaints.

Sorry to bomb your thread. I geek out over camping stuff.
Just ordered the version of those without long handles. Thanks! Will report back next week.
 

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Amazing post and trip report. Thanks for taking the time to put it together and walk us through everything. Gave me some good ideas for our R1S.
Looking forward to hearing more about your exploits.
 

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I love this post, OP. Please keep them coming. Very informative, and helpful pics!
 

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