Rivian payload / towing capacity and trailer brake controller

[IHScout]

Can anyone confirm if an integrated trailer brake controller will be included? I can't seem to get an answer from support on this. I see people adding aftermarket controllers to Teslas and I have an aftermarket on my suburban. Would much prefer the integration. Thanks

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[jarross]

Can anyone confirm if an integrated trailer brake controller will be included?

They allude to it in their updated website, but no real definitions anywhere I can see.

 

[azbill]

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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towing near me

This is exactly my use case. My boat and trailer are 5000 lbs, and I typically travel 35 miles one way to the lake. Range will not be an issue. Plus a boat is much more aerodynamic than a travel or box trailer, so the range loss will likely be less than 50%.

 

[Smithery]

"Trailer assist" does not generally refer to a brake controller, sadly.

To elaborate further, not nearly all trailers even have brakes, and even trailers without brakes benefit from a vehicle's "trailer assist" features

 

[azbill]

"Trailer assist" does not generally refer to a brake controller, sadly.

To elaborate further, not nearly all trailers even have brakes, and even trailers without brakes benefit from a vehicle's "trailer assist" features

I was actually thinking trailer assist is an automated backup feature.

 

[cohall]

I was actually thinking trailer assist is an automated backup feature.

You are correct. They talk about it somewhere on the website, but I don’t remember exactly where.

Edit: found the reference.

• Trailer Assistance: Helps with more difficult reverse maneuvers while you have a trailer attached.

 

[ajdelange]

To elaborate further, not nearly all trailers even have brakes, and even trailers without brakes benefit from a vehicle's "trailer assist" features

I think you'll find that most states require brakes on all trailers above a given size/weight. I rented a small U-haul once that didn't have them (never do that again) but that's the only trailer I have ever seen without them.

Take that back. I think I had a small trailer for my lawn mower that had none.

 

[IHScout]

I have a camping trailer and utility trailer that both have trailer brakes. I take our camper on a 220 miles trip into the mountains from phoenix. I would prefer to have the controller built in rather than aftermarket.

 

[Mjhirsch78]

We have a camping trailer and kayaking trailer, both without breaks. Each trailer is light enough for one person, even a smaller person, to move by hand once we get to a campsite or beach. Hadn’t thought about the trailer breaks thing.

 

[jagged]

More regen w/ no trailer brakes!

 

[drhnbtx]

Rivian website has a statement that towing at max load will cut range by about 50%

 

[ajdelange]

Rivian website has a statement that towing at max load will cut range by about 50%

This is a perennial question. I've done all kinds of calculations and analysis and the answer is "It depends" but if pressed I'd say "Count on losing at least 50%"

 

[azbill]

I think you'll find that most states require brakes on all trailers above a given size/weight. I rented a small U-haul once that didn't have them (never do that again) but that's the only trailer I have ever seen without them.

Take that back. I think I had a small trailer for my lawn mower that had none.

I have a boat trailer with hydraulic brakes, applied at the tongue, that work pretty well. That boat and trailer is 5000 lb. It includes a "break away" cable on it, which is required by law. If the trailer comes loose from the vehicle the braking will stop the trailer.

I also have a horse trailer that is rated for 7000 lbs and it only has a electric "break away" controller for the electric brakes. There is a battery on the trailer to power those, and a pull cable that turns them on. That trailer is not set up to use an electric brake controller from the vehicle, but I do think it can be modified to do that.

I also have a small, 1000 lb enclosed trailer with no brakes at all.

 

[Smithery]

I think you'll find that most states require brakes on all trailers above a given size/weight. I rented a small U-haul once that didn't have them (never do that again) but that's the only trailer I have ever seen without them.

Take that back. I think I had a small trailer for my lawn mower that had none.

I have a light utility trailer without brakes.

I've rented U-haul trailers without brakes.

I've had a motorcycle trailer without brakes.

I've rented U-haul trailers with *surge brakes* that didn't need a brake controller, and my grandpa had one too.

You might be surprised at how widely variable it is - https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-brakes/

It's generally accepted to tow a trailer without brakes up to 40% of the weight of the towing vehicle.

I've certainly gone to 60% of my Model X's weight (legal in my state)

For every trailer you may need to tow that requires brakes, you might be ignoring the fact that there's 5 more smaller and lighter trailers out there that don't.

I, too, hope R1T has an integrated brake controller! But I also won't be surprised if it doesn't. It's certainly not a remotely hard requirement.

 

[skyote]

Factory brake controllers are fairly standard on modern trucks, so I would be very surprised if Rivian didn't include one.

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