R2 cargo area air flow for dogs

[forestwalker]

That 40% of the population very well may make up 80%+ of Rivian's target market.

Wouldn't be shocked if it were more!

Although it would appear there are definitely some of those "others" out there owning Rivians.

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[Millbarge]

I am currently sitting outside in Phoenix AZ and one of my dogs is laying on the concrete patio pavers in full sun.

alive???? how can that be possible????

 

[LevelHeaded]

I can’t think of any vehicle that has third row or cargo area air vents that doesn’t have a third row. No direct airflow onto the dogs so it will be very similar to the Model Y or a RAV4 or CRV or 4Runner or any other 5 seat mid SUV.

Yeah, I’m really confused. OP is clearly familiar with 5-seater SUVs and the fact that the Rivian’s air vent setup is by far the industry norm. But in addition, they say their current MY, which is set up the same way, stays perfectly cool for their dogs. Yet… the R2 is a big concern because it’s set up the same way? Why would it be any less suitable than the MY, or any Subaru ever, RAV4, or a 4Runner?

 

[Killer95Stang]

I asked my RIvian Engineer guy neighbor this question.... since he has done extensive testing in hot weather with the R2. Without getting technical... he said the HVAC system is more efficient, since the R2 has a small cabin and it uses the same system as the bigger sibling (R1S)... but yes, he still recommends a sunshade for the rear hatch area if you plan on traveling in very hot climates with your dog in the hatch area.

 

[SDH]

personally I find it best to just drop the back seats down so the dog is closer to the vents up front.

 

[Killer95Stang]

Yeah, I’m really confused. OP is clearly familiar with 5-seater SUVs and the fact that the Rivian’s air vent setup is by far the industry norm. But in addition, they say their current MY, which is set up the same way, stays perfectly cool for their dogs. Yet… the R2 is a big concern because it’s set up the same way? Why would it be any less suitable than the MY, or any Subaru ever, RAV4, or a 4Runner?

Because I don't know or care to look up... do the Rav4s and Subarus have the rear glass over the hatch area. In my opinion, the direct sun beating down makes you feel a lot hotter than the actual cabin temp.

 

[Alan in Tempe]

alive???? how can that be possible????

We have had seven terriers (4 different breeds) over 40 years living in the Phoenix area. Six of them would occasionally lay outside in the full sun mid day when temps are well over 110. Some would only do it for a few minutes, others for more like 10-15 minutes. Apparently, our comfortable 79 degrees inside got too cold for the dogs. The seventh dog spent a lot of time outside, but avoided being in the sun always, even staying in our shadow when we were out walking or hiking. I think dogs adapt to their local climate just as humans do.

 

[LevelHeaded]

We have had seven terriers (4 different breeds) over 40 years living in the Phoenix area. Six of them would occasionally lay outside in the full sun mid day when temps are well over 110. Some would only do it for a few minutes, others for more like 10-15 minutes. Apparently, our comfortable 79 degrees inside got too cold for the dogs. The seventh dog spent a lot of time outside, but avoided being in the sun always, even staying in our shadow when we were out walking or hiking. I think dogs adapt to their local climate just as humans do.

My labs did the same thing in Scottsdale!

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

You must not understand how vehicle HVAC works at all. Air gets changed constantly. Cracking the rear drop glass is just going to encourage the hottest air to be exchanged out, the cabin is positive pressure when the HVAC system is running.

Or aero. While in motion, there is a large low pressure area at the rear. Cracking the rear glass will extract cabin air and cause higher air flow through and out of the HVAC.

 

[TexB]

I’m not really overthinking anything, I am not putting dogs in the back of my car so I don’t care how hot it gets. I was just offering to give information since I have full access to an R2 and a surplus of time on my hands. If it won’t provide value to people then I’ll just do something else. No big deal.

I think they probably quoted the wrong person, not sure. Either way I'm one of several people curious about the cargo area temps for my dog so please continue the test! If you have even more time, maybe sit in the cargo area with the seats up and see how the airflow is.

I'm assuming you haven't got the update with Pet mode yet? Once you get the update, if you can let us know how it changes things. I'm guessing it directs the front vents towards the back, but wonder how effective it is. Thanks!

 

[Jeremy3292]

The idea that you need 3rd row vents for dogs is nonsensical and I have 2 dogs I love dearly. If the AC is set to 72 AUTO and the rear vents are on too, the cargo area won’t be 90 degrees lol. Maybe 78 degrees at worst. R2 isn’t a big cabin to circulate air in like R1S. You can also just set it to 68 degrees so the back is say 74 or better. I’ll await @R1Thrilled test though.

 

[SANZC02]

The glass ends at the back seat, the cargo area will get some sun at an angle from the glass but not direct.

Assuming the glass is similar to the R1, I’ve never had any issues with heat on my bald head in my R1S and have been in the southwest deserts with temps over 110 in full sun.

 

[Millbarge]

The idea that you need 3rd row vents for dogs is nonsensical and I have 2 dogs I love dearly. If the AC is set to 72 AUTO and the rear vents are on too, the cargo area won’t be 90 degrees lol. Maybe 78 degrees at worst. R2 isn’t a big cabin to circulate air in like R1S. You can also just set it to 68 degrees so the back is say 74 or better. I’ll await @R1Thrilled test though.

GenX actually rode in the "way back" of station wagons with no vents back there and with no vents in the 2nd row (not to mention no seats or seat belts). And they survived....

 

[R1Thrilled]

Ok, my quick (very unscientific) test is done.

It was a humid 85 degrees during this test, I set the climate in the car to 72 degrees (auto low) and kept the climate on for the entire test duration.

I made a quick video but for those who don't care to watch the results are:

20 minutes in shaded area of front cabin reads 76 degrees ambient
20 minutes in rear cargo area reads 83 degrees ambient

For what it is worth I sat in the rear for 30 seconds or so (not filmed) and could tell there wasn't a ton of airflow but overall it was comfortable enough. I think all you really need to do is fold the middle section flat and the rear air vents give a nice breeze. Hope this is helpful, i'm obviously not a pro cinematographer.

Edit: Oh I also do not yet have the pet mode update. Eagerly waiting.
Edit 2: I guess I didn't really provide my overall opinion on this. I tested at basically the absolute minimum human comfort airflow, there is a ton of overhead to crank the A/C up. I personally wouldn't be concerned about having pets in the rear cargo area. If you have a dog that runs hot you have options for a fan with the 12v or 120v plugs. But as always, YMMV.

 

[Killer95Stang]

The glass ends at the back seat, the cargo area will get some sun at an angle from the glass but not direct.

Assuming the glass is similar to the R1, I’ve never had any issues with heat on my bald head in my R1S and have been in the southwest deserts with temps over 110 in full sun.

My neighbor is biased... back in 2021-2022 when testing in death valley, he had to cut out a piece of cardboard to protect his head from the heat coming through the glass roof.

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