Side photo of R1S with liftgate open?

[electruck]

I guess it's possible that aero is not too bad with the front location, but I would be very surprised if it were actually better.

This calls for a comparison test!

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[echerod]

My Thule box allows for some fore/aft adjustment. Doesn’t this model? That would completely solve the issue by mounting it as far back as possible without coming into contact with the lift gate.

You're right, but I'm already showing it as far back as possible within the front slot (that's the limiting factor, not the back slot).

 

[svet-am]

To ask the question a different way, I'm curious why you believe that you will still need your Thule. The R1S is literally cavernous inside with storage everywhere (there's two levels of below deck storage in the back) plus the frunk.

 

[echerod]

To ask the question a different way, I'm curious why you believe that you will still need your Thule. The R1S is literally cavernous inside with storage everywhere (there's two levels of below deck storage in the back) plus the frunk.

Good point, however I tend to go on family trips with up to 7 passengers and lots of stuff, so I tend to think I'll still need the extra space!

 

[Donald Stanfield]

I can't speak for Rivian specifically but in my Audi you can set the opening height yourself to pretty much any height you want.

 

[monzarottie]

You're right, but I'm already showing it as far back as possible within the front slot (that's the limiting factor, not the back slot).

OIC that now.

 

[monzarottie]

Good point, however I tend to go on family trips with up to 7 passengers and lots of stuff, so I tend to think I'll still need the extra space!

I typically put campfire wood in my roof box so as not to trash the interior. Even if I have unused storage space in the vehicle.

 

[mgc0216]

Do you intend to leave the box on all the time? If not what percentage of the time will you have it on? Where will you be traveling? Are there ample chargers? Are you really pushing the limits wrt range on those trips?

For me those answers would be

No
A few trips a year - say 10-15 days total.
Around Oregon, maybe down to California or up to Washington via I-5
Yes
No

In that scenario I don't really care if I'm getting 30-40 miles less range per charge because it doesn't have a material affect on me (aside from costing me 10-15% more to charge on the trip and adding some time).

Point is, I see a lot of folks hyper focus on range loss when it's really not that big of a deal. If your answers are different than mine then eeking out every last mile might be critical, in which case feel free to ignore this post

ETA: I see you have a lot more experience than me with EVs, so you probably have considered all this. But, maybe some other forum members have not.

 

[EarlyAdptr]

I can't speak for Rivian specifically but in my Audi you can set the opening height yourself to pretty much any height you want.

Same thing in my 2016 Nissan Rogue.

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