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Portable winch option

boardthatpowder

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Given the lack of winch options for the Rivian, anyone know if something like a Superwinch Winch2Go running on an external battery set up in triple line mode (2 snatch blocks) would work?
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Given the lack of winch options for the Rivian, anyone know if something like a Superwinch Winch2Go running on an external battery set up in triple line mode (2 snatch blocks) would work?
I don't winch vehicles or do recovery, but I keep one of these in my truck for loading heavier items into the bed and plug it into the 120v. It's a completely different load level, I'm moving 500-800lbs not a 8000lb truck but figured I would post it here in case it helps.

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Tucker74

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Iā€™ve got Warn winches on both of my other vehicles (M8274/XD9500i), and can tell you a 4K winch isnā€™t going to be very useful for recovery on a 7500k vehicleā€¦especially if not securely mounted to the frame. Thatā€™s really more of a UTV class winch, but could be useful for light load applications if mounted correctly. The battery really isnā€™t needed, plenty of options to wire a winch into the 12v system of the Rivian, itā€™s just like any other truck from that perspective. I donā€™t have my R1T yet, but will either be fabricating a winch tray that mounts between the frame rails, or a receiver mount that does the same if there isnā€™t room behind the bumper for a winch. I use my winches often so itā€™s not an option not to figure something out.
 
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boardthatpowder

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you a 4K winch isnā€™t going to be very useful for recovery on a 7500k vehicle
Yep itā€™s 4000 lb straight pull, but itā€™s instructions can say support 8000 lb in double line / 1 snatch block, so was wondering if it could support 2 snatch blocks to get it to 12000 lbs. it has a solid steel base plate with integrated latches so wonder if that could handle the stress.


The battery really isnā€™t needed, plenty of options to wire a winch into the 12v system of the Rivian, itā€™s just like any other truck from that perspective.
I keep seeing conflicting info around this. Some say the rivian 12v system cannot support the amps a winch would draw as the rivian 12v system is not comparable to an ICE 12v system so was wondering if anyone had given it a try. I reached out to Novawinch as they have an article on one of their winches and a rivian but they said their concern was amps too and that companies such as Optima are working on prototypes.
 

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Tucker74

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I keep seeing conflicting info around this. Some say the rivian 12v system cannot support the amps a winch would draw as the rivian 12v system is not comparable to an ICE 12v system so was wondering if anyone had given it a try. I reached out to Novawinch as they have an article on one of their winches and a rivian but they said their concern was amps too and that companies such as Optima are working on prototypes.
I canā€™t see why, all 12v winches run directly off the vehicle battery. Keep me posted there šŸ˜‰
 

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I looked at some random winch requirements and the specs for the stock Rivian batteries. For example a winch might require 600+ amps of power. The two R1T batteries will only put out 180 amps each.
360 is less than 600, so I think you'd need an external battery capable of higher output.

... or Rivian needs to build a winch that runs off the HV battery.
 

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Assuming you get the power situation figured out, the biggest draw back is that you may be in a situation where you simply can't use a snatch block. Also, you may really need more capacity than you'll get from even using two snatch blocks. A good example would be getting stuck in the mud. You'll definitely need more capacity than the 7100lbs that the R1T weighs. For my Wrangler, I got an 8000lb winch, even though the curb weight is a little under 5000lbs. An argument could be made that my winch is still under powered.
 
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boardthatpowder

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Yeahā€¦ everyone confirming my suspicions, winch2go not ideal by any means.

Is there such a thing as an off vehicle cradle that can hold a winch that would be placed in between the truck and mount point similar to the winch2go concept or is that just a disaster waiting to happen?
 

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There are 2ā€ receiver hitch cradles that can be mounted front or rear.
 

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HighVoltOverland

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Dang man, are you a wizard?


I was about to do a write-up on my self recovery set up.

I have a temp set up that I can share pics of (s00n)

12000LB HF Apex Winch
hitch mount

Rivian R1T R1S Portable winch option IMG_0592


650CCA Car battery
Marine Style Terminals for easy connect/disconnect (may make a more permanent solution if this works well/make a custom )

Rivian R1T R1S Portable winch option IMG_0596


NOCO Trickle charger that I intend to charge battery via the 120v outlets (works as expected)

Rivian R1T R1S Portable winch option IMG_0599


It worked for the maiden, let out the winch, re-roll under pressure voyage in my alley.
It fits ungracefully in the gear tunnel, the hitch extension gives it a weird footprint.

Rivian R1T R1S Portable winch option IMG_0601

I'm looking for a medium size box to fit in in.

Mounted:

Rivian R1T R1S Portable winch option IMG_0591


Rivian R1T R1S Portable winch option IMG_0597


View of Departure Angle Change:

Rivian R1T R1S Portable winch option IMG_0594


No change to the ground clearance:

Rivian R1T R1S Portable winch option IMG_0593


One thing to note, the tailgate can't open fully

Rivian R1T R1S Portable winch option IMG_0598


For the hecklin' boomers who say, "Never trust anything from Harbor Freight that can kill you if it malfunctions"

I agree, generally.

This is a proof of concept build, so I have the ability to self rescue, if needed.

But the specific winch I got has been used by multiple Youtube Recovery Pro's in the heart of off-road recovery land (Moab) and have not had many issues.

And to the Warn fanboys, I too like to waste money, this was just a proof of concept, hoping to wait for a proper hitch mounted solution and dimensions before I buy the long term solution.
 
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IPTV65

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I canā€™t see why, all 12v winches run directly off the vehicle battery. Keep me posted there šŸ˜‰
I think the issue is the Amps, not Volts,
I know the Winch I have specifically says it needs a battery of at least 650CCA to work properly/ with safe margins
 
 




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