Rivian payload / towing capacity and trailer brake controller

[ACDC]

I see that the R1T and R1S has a payload capacity of 1,700-1,800 lbs and R1T can tow an incredible 11,000 lbs while the R1S can tow 7,700 lbs. That blows away any mid-size SUV/truck currently available.

Those #'s sound great on paper and I have plans to use mine for some towing but I'm concerned about how much reduced range I'll experience from towing. Anyone have a guess how much towing will reduce the range?

Also has Rivian mentioned anything about a trailer brake controller?

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[PoorPilot]

This question along with "cold weather effects on range" get asked about once a week, but I'll attempt to answer it again. Basically there are too many variables to give a definitive answer. If you're towing at max capacity then you can pretty much count on half of your range being depleted from the get-go. Obviously those numbers will change if not towing at full capacity, changes in weather, hilly terrain, stop and go or all highway driving, etc.

Feel free to ask any other questions.

 

[CappyJax]

I ran the numbers. An 11,000 pound RV trailer would reduce the 180kWh Rivian range from 400 miles to about 110 miles. The Rivian won't be good for towing a large trailer. Anything that increases the aerodynamic profile significantly is going to really kill the range.

 

[sdTom]

what are your numbers based on?

 

[CappyJax]

what are your numbers based on?

Physics. I used the drag coefficient and area of an RV trailer, and the weight of the Rivian and trailer to determine the power required to maintain a specific speed.

 

[sdTom]

can you link the representative RV trailer to get a picture of this config? what speed were you using?

wont the truck being in front of the trailer, with less drag help as the trailer is drafting behind the truck.. making things not quite as cut and dry ? dunno, never looked at RV specscbefore.

 

[CappyJax]

I used a 13 foot by 8.5 foot box trailer. Worst case scenario. 60 MPH is was the speed. The truck and trailer has more drag together then either one alone because of the inference between. This is why Tesla fills the gap between truck and trailer on the semi. It greatly reduces the drag.

 

[Jbordinhao]

I agree it will cut range in half, but that’s usually pretty normal. My GMC Sierra gets an average of 22 mpg. When I tow our trailer I get about 8 mpg. So a typical trip is about 260 miles for us. I always stop once in the middle. I figure with the R1S everything would be the same as traveling just stop once in the middle to charge and then charge at campsites. The only issues I’m worried about is charging infrastructure, Tesla has mastered this and driving in our Model 3 is amazing. I just hope it’s just as easy towing a trailer with the Rivian.

Would love to also have solar on the trailer and a battery bank, that I could use in emergencies to charge the truck.

 

[MattpR1T]

Agreed it’s not the best tow vehicle for long range but it sounds like it’s great for towing the boat a few miles to the ramp though.

 

[jacobharry]

I think this will not good for a towing. but we can't say anything right now. if it will be! so definitely people will buy for personal use and as well for towing. First I would like to know the capability of Long Distance Towing services, then will think about to buy.

 

[PoorPilot]

no this is not a good towing vehicle i just tried few times to tow with this but my experience was not as i was expecting. i also tired a Long Distance Towing services, but the result was same.

Wait, you already got your Rivian?! How does it drive? What color did you get? What options did you get?

 

[MattpR1T]

Wait, you already got your Rivian?! How does it drive? What color did you get? What options did you get?

Spammer.

 

[CappyJax]

I wish there was an all electric RV with AWD and autopilot. But built with four season living in mind. With good insulation and as much solar as fits on the roof.

 

[PoorPilot]

Spammer.

Yes, I figured, but sometimes I think I’m funnier than I actually am.

 

[ShaunHicks]

With the capability to deliver peak torque almost instantly, and the ability to modulate power from individual motors more effectively as part of traction-control systems, electric trucks are inherently better-suited to launch confidently up such a ramp—pulling a trailer up a slick boat launch, for instance.
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