Rookie off-road questions

[aim2023]

Hello folks, as I start to wet my feet off-roading with R1S, I'd like to ask some questions - your feedback is very valuable and welcome. My stock is the 21 inch Pirellis.

1. I'd like to purchase this tire and wheel set - https://rivian.com/gear-shop/p/20-in-all-season-wheel-and-tire-set> Even though it is mentioned as AT, Rivian lists it as All-Season. Why is that? (reason I opt for this is, because the range is supposed to be better - so if I put it on for daily use - I still get good range).

2. If I end up getting the above or any other AT - I want to keep the 21 inch Pirellis as spare/backup while on trails. Is it okay to switch one of the tires (in case of a flat) with the 21 inch?

3. My R1S is the dual-motor performance. I don't intend to hard core off-roading, but dirt road, creek wading, sand. I have watched numerous videos and seems like it'd be a no brainer for the R1. BUT - is there anything I need to keep in mind?

Appreciate all your answers!

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[MountainBikeDude]

Hello folks, as I start to wet my feet off-roading with R1S, I'd like to ask some questions - your feedback is very valuable and welcome. My stock is the 21 inch Pirellis.

1. I'd like to purchase this tire and wheel set - https://rivian.com/gear-shop/p/20-in-all-season-wheel-and-tire-set> Even though it is mentioned as AT, Rivian lists it as All-Season. Why is that? (reason I opt for this is, because the range is supposed to be better - so if I put it on for daily use - I still get good range).

2. If I end up getting the above or any other AT - I want to keep the 21 inch Pirellis as spare/backup while on trails. Is it okay to switch one of the tires (in case of a flat) with the 21 inch?

3. My R1S is the dual-motor performance. I don't intend to hard core off-roading, but dirt road, creek wading, sand. I have watched numerous videos and seems like it'd be a no brainer for the R1. BUT - is there anything I need to keep in mind?

Appreciate all your answers!

1. Those tires wouldn't be my first choice for off roading, but I'm sure they get you in and out without difficulty. I love the rims personally, but would opt for something a little more puncture resistant. I would highly recommend getting a cheap set of tire plugs to carry with you as a just in case. They've served me well, and it's better than swapping off a tire.

2. It would be totally fine to use a 21 as a spare. And probably better than the small spare that you can get with the R1S. Just, if you do blow a tire and it's not able to be plugged, swap it for the spare and head home. Last thing you want is two flats in the bush, and only 3 good tires.

3. The dual motor is more than enough for 99% of things people will do. You'll be fine. Buckle up, and punch it!

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4. A few things to take assuming you won't have cellular service
- Some snacks and water in case you need to overnight or walk out
- warm clothes
- a lighter
- let someone know where you're going if you can beforehand.
My co-worker was volunteer search and rescue, and you'd be surprised how often just those few things can make the difference.

5. Have fun! Scuffs and sometimes getting stuck is part of the fun of offroad adventuring. If you can go with a buddy and a second vehicle, even better! If you're driving down a dirt road, give Rally Mode in standard ride height a go, it's fun.

 

[aim2023]

This is gold. Thank you so much for your comments! I plan to read a bit more about the Goodyear tires before getting them.

 

[aonic]

Check out the Nokian nAT LT tires instead for some peace of mind while off-roading. I had the Goodyear and the nAT. The efficiency difference is not noticeable

You can also get some aftermarket wheels since you’ll be keeping your OE wheels as well

 

[MountainBikeDude]

Check out the Nokian nAT LT tires instead for some peace of mind while off-roading. I had the Goodyear and the nAT. The efficiency difference is not noticeable

You can also get some aftermarket wheels since you’ll be keeping your OE wheels as well

I second the Nokian nAT's (because I have them currently), they're reasonably priced with fantastic overall performance and quality. Doesn't mean the Goodyear tires are bad by any means, Rivian wouldn't have chosen them if they were crap

 

[68wske]

If you’re going to have a whole second set of wheels/tires I would (did) go hard. Goodyear Duratrac RT’s were offered at 25% off for being a USAA member. I got 5 of those and steel wheels from ev sportline https://evsportline.com/products/r1...1CLhme2DCAoj4mbvfnmHt9p85Smi7-ldbrKVTI0rowDHh. Don’t forget to budget for tpms like I did, that was an extra $250 or so.

 

[blturner]

Sounds like you're going to be fine. Yes, more aggressive tires would let you do more aggressive off-roading, but if it's just what you said, then those tires are fine. Not that the other suggestions would not also be fine.

The only additional advice I would give is to be careful of trails that start off easy and get hard later. If there is a sign that says the trail is maintained by a "Jeep club" that is probably more than you're looking to take on. Never go forward on a trail that you could not also come back on if it gets harder. You probably also want to stay on mapped trails, so get a trails app or just stick to what the regular map apps show.

Another point is that time on trails can get hard to predict, so if you don't want to be off-roading at night or need to catch a flight, extra time can lower your stress level. I was on a trail that I thought would only take 2 hours. I was 3 hours and 3/4 of the way through and it was getting harder and harder. I barely had enough time to turn back and might have gotten stuck if I kept going forward.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

You can get those Goodyear tires from tire retailers like Tire Rack or Discount Tire. You do not need to buy them from Rivian. Just make sure you are getting the “RIV” version. This tire is a AS/AT hybrid, aka all-weather. You also are not restricted to factory wheels. Wheels with correct bolt pattern, offset, brake caliper clearance and strength will work. Atomic Wheels is a good place to start as they have many designs that are R1-compatible.

For the light off-roading you described, you do not need a true AT tire or second set of tires for street or off-road use. The Goodyear Territory ATs are suitable for all purpose use. And in 275/60R20 size, your on-road efficiency wouldn’t be as bad as the larger factory AT option. If you tackle terrain with higher difficulty than you describe, then you would want to consider a tougher proper AT tire. For what you described, grade 1-2* trails, true ATs are overkill.

Things to think about: Full size spare and ways to carry one for off-pavement outings. Recovery plan and gear. Rivian’s recovery kit is a good reference. But you can piece together your own from reputable brands for less (ARB, Factor 55, Rhino USA…). A better jack than the factory scissor jack. Traction boards. Rock Sliders: Goat Fabrication, Megawatt, DCE, etc.. Highly recommended, a four tire inflation/deflation kit.

*https://jeepjamboreeusa.com/trail-ratings/

 

[eemri]

Really enjoying this thread -- thanks OP posting, and to all the replies.

I've been considering making the same switch. I basically have the same setup (though an R1T) and seemingly the same requirements.

I've found that the OEM 21" do well off-road for my seemingly beginner / intermediate level. I just returned from a few days in Moab where the 21s were just fine. I was just constantly worried about the potential puncture and sidewall-slicing sharp rocks on some trails. Seeing as the 21s have been ok, and I don't do that much offloading, I figured a little more peace-of-mind would be nice (since I think it's just psychological for me), and the fact that I can get different tires for the 20" in the future.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

Really enjoying this thread -- thanks OP posting, and to all the replies.

I've been considering making the same switch. I basically have the same setup (though an R1T) and seemingly the same requirements.

I've found that the OEM 21" do well off-road for my seemingly beginner / intermediate level. I just returned from a few days in Moab where the 21s were just fine. I was just constantly worried about the potential puncture and sidewall-slicing sharp rocks on some trails. Seeing as the 21s have been ok, and I don't do that much offloading, I figured a little more peace-of-mind would be nice (since I think it's just psychological for me), and the fact that I can get different tires for the 20" in the future.

The 20" rims either from Rivian directly or from others are really a good all round sizing and compatible with the vast majority of tires. The 21's however are a pain to find tire options for.

Here in coastal British Columbia, I was having a lot of fun, but also incurring a fair amount of punctures on the Pirelli 20" AT's. There are just too many sharp rocks unfortunately.

Here is a decent review of the Goodyear Wranglers on an F150
https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/thr...itory-at-factory-tires-after-40k-miles.18472/

 

[usulio]

Hello folks, as I start to wet my feet off-roading with R1S, I'd like to ask some questions - your feedback is very valuable and welcome. My stock is the 21 inch Pirellis.

1. I'd like to purchase this tire and wheel set - https://rivian.com/gear-shop/p/20-in-all-season-wheel-and-tire-set> Even though it is mentioned as AT, Rivian lists it as All-Season. Why is that? (reason I opt for this is, because the range is supposed to be better - so if I put it on for daily use - I still get good range).

2. If I end up getting the above or any other AT - I want to keep the 21 inch Pirellis as spare/backup while on trails. Is it okay to switch one of the tires (in case of a flat) with the 21 inch?

3. My R1S is the dual-motor performance. I don't intend to hard core off-roading, but dirt road, creek wading, sand. I have watched numerous videos and seems like it'd be a no brainer for the R1. BUT - is there anything I need to keep in mind?

Appreciate all your answers!

Agree with previous replies. The Goodyear set you linked is basically designed exactly for your use case. Price compare against buying them separately, MSW Type 52 wheels at 20", and TPMS along with getting them mounted and balanced.

You could keep a 21" as a spare but why? You're going to sell the other 3? I'd sell the set of 4 and buy a matching 20" wheel and tire as a spare. Rotate it in when you do tire rotations. That's what I'm doing anyway.

For your case, I think rock sliders are very optional. Some other recovery gear (strap, shackles, probably recovery boards) sound good.

One thing to keep in mind especially on sand -- Rivian does not recommend airing down as much as you hear about elsewhere in the offroading world. Because the R1 is so heavy, the risk of debeading is higher. Rivian used to recommend about 31 PSI at the lowest I think. I thought I'd heard Goodyear said low 20s is ok on sand if you don't drive aggressive, but check me on that.

 

[blturner]

One important thing to remember is that AT tires are much noisier than the 21" OEMs. Everyone said the factory ATs are not that noisy but after a couple of thousand miles mine are the loudest thing on the truck and I thought they were noisy to start with. I know that I am picky, but I switch to the 21s for summer driving on the highway. So yes I have 2 sets. My spare happens to be a 20" AT.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

One important thing to remember is that AT tires are much noisier than the 21" OEMs. Everyone said the factory ATs are not that noisy but after a couple of thousand miles mine are the loudest thing on the truck and I thought they were noisy to start with. I know that I am picky, but I switch to the 21s for summer driving on the highway. So yes I have 2 sets. My spare happens to be a 20" AT.

OP isn’t talking about the 275/65R20 Pirelli ATs

 

[HaveBlue]

I have the Michelin AT on our Lexus. Great off road for serious 4 wheeling and smooth even at 100mph.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=LTX+A/T+2&partnum=765R0LTXAT2OWLV4&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

Continental also makes an AT that's going to go on the pavement

If you aren't going to do much off road, A/S truck tire works fine

 

[B Digs]

The 20" rims either from Rivian directly or from others are really a good all round sizing and compatible with the vast majority of tires. The 21's however are a pain to find tire options for.

Here in coastal British Columbia, I was having a lot of fun, but also incurring a fair amount of punctures on the Pirelli 20" AT's. There are just too many sharp rocks unfortunately.

Here is a decent review of the Goodyear Wranglers on an F150
https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/thr...itory-at-factory-tires-after-40k-miles.18472/

Hello, the Goodyear tire in the thread you mentioned was designed in collaboration with Ford. It is a different tire with different performance goals compared to the Goodyear Wrangler AT designed specifically for Rivian.

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