R1S capability vs R1T offroad?

[Kaprice]

Just wondering if the R1S is just as capable as the R1T offroad.

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[SANZC02]

Just wondering if the R1S is just as capable as the R1T offroad.

My guess is as good and possibly better.

It is the same drive train but shorter vehicle and shorter wheelbase. That gives it advantages in three of the categories (Approach, Departure, and Rollover)

 

[Viperssd]

This ^
The R1S will be better with a shorter wheelbase and a shorter rear overhang. However, the lack of a full size spare is a really big disadvantage.

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

It will be better in some ways and worse in others. It depends on what type of off-roading you do. High-speed desert running, for example, will benefit from the longer wheelbase on the R1T.

People saying one is always better than another are grossly over-simplifying it.

 

[Gator42]

This ^
The R1S will be better with a shorter wheelbase and a shorter rear overhang. However, the lack of a full size spare is a really big disadvantage.

I've kind of like the idea that I won't be lugging the full size spare about for highway driving- saves weight, battery space, range, etc. For off road trips attach a Yakima tire carrier to the rack or one of those foldable hitch mounted spare carriers.

Works for me but there's always trade offs...

 

[svet-am]

The shorter wheelbase and better attack angles are _exactly_ why I chose it for my use here in Colorado. Not only off-roading (mostly light trails, nothing extreme like the event in Breck) but also driving around in the snow I think it will be better. That was certainly my experience when I had my Xterra versus the F-150/Silverado (or even Tahoe) that some friends drive.

 

[Chris S]

I was interested in the R1S for better maneuverability in tight spots and its better breakover angle, but the lack of a FS spare has me opting for the R1T instead.

 

[Kaprice]

I was interested in the R1S for better maneuverability in tight spots and its better breakover angle, but the lack of a FS spare has me opting for the R1T instead.

Yeah, a full spare has to be considered essential equipment in any off-road excursion. Seems like a glaring miss on Rivian's part.

 

[Pherdnut]

Yeah, a full spare has to be considered essential equipment in any off-road excursion. Seems like a glaring miss on Rivian's part.

We're probably months out from all the accessories for the R1S being released but third party roof rack spare holders are cheap. I don't see any happy solution for integrating the space into the vehicle like they did with the R1T. What do you want to lose? Interior cargo space? Seats? Battery?

 

[Chris S]

We're probably months out from all the accessories for the R1S being released but third party roof rack spare holders are cheap. I don't see any happy solution for integrating the space into the vehicle like they did with the R1T. What do you want to lose? Interior cargo space? Seats? Battery?

True, but it's terrible for aerodynamics (esp. important on an EV w/ limited charging infrastructure), center of gravity, and the hassle of pulling it down and securing the flat one after the change.

 

[NashvilleR1S]

If there are tie down points in the rear, with the rear seats down you could strap a fullsize tire down. Not ideal though.

 

[Zoidz]

If the R1S is your choice for off-roading but you want a full size spare, there's a quick and easy solution - spare tire carriers for the receiver are readily avaiable in a number of designs.

Here's another:

 

[Transfer]

There is so much room in R1S I’d just throw a spare in the back if I’m off-roading. Maybe not ideal if overlanding but a workable option.

For the other 98% of the time the collapsable spare is perfect.

 

[SoCal Rob]

There is so much room in R1S I’d just throw a spare in the back if I’m off-roading. Maybe not ideal if overlanding but a workable option.

For the other 98% of the time the collapsable spare is perfect.

This is exactly what I’m planning to do. For regular road trips the compact spare should be fine. For off-road adventure we’ll lose some cargo space to a full-size spare.

I still need to keep in mind that if I’m not carrying a full-size spare and the compact spare is used then the wheel and flat tire we replace has to go in the cargo area.

I have written before and I’ll keep writing: my biggest concern with the R1S is the lack of a full-size spare for a vehicle targeted at off-road use. I can live without CarPlay, SiriusXM, HUD, and everything else on the wish list. The conventional wisdom is that it is foolish to go off-road without a full-size spare and a lot of clubs will NOT let you participate in driving events without one.

 

[Bbernardo]

I plan on having a full size spare strapped in the cargo area... compact spare won't cut it for me

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