R2 Tow Test -- Maxing Out Towing Payload & Trailer Weight (by Out of Spec)

AI summarized --

Key Test Parameters

• The Vehicle: Rivian R2 Performance
• The Setup: They loaded a roughly 24-foot flatbed trailer carrying an electric-converted Porsche 914.
• Weight & Payload: The setup was intentionally loaded to max out the R2's official 4,400-lb towing capacity. Additionally, they placed three adults inside the cabin to push the vehicle's payload capacity close to its maximum limit.

Key Takeaways & Driving Impressions

• Ride Stability & Suspension: The hosts were highly impressed by how stable the R2 felt under max load. They specifically credited the semi-active adaptive damping suspension (exclusive to the Performance trim during initial rollouts) for settling down vehicle motions and keeping the ride smooth and controlled. They noted they would be hesitant to tow this heavy with a non-adaptive damper setup without sacrificing daily ride comfort.
• Thermal Management: The R2 handled the thermal load surprisingly well, showcasing strong overall cooling and powertrain capability under stress.
• Capacity & Limitations: While the car handles the max 4,400 lbs capably, the hosts expressed a desire for a slightly higher rating (such as 5,000 lbs). However, they concluded that the R2 is more than well-equipped for "occasional towing"—such as hauling a track-day car, a small tractor, or gear to a farm.
• The Verdict on Towing: If frequent, heavy towing is your primary goal, the larger Rivian R1 (R1S/R1T) remains the definitive choice due to its massive battery capacity and higher ratings. However, for a compact SUV of its size, the R2 punches above its weight class, out-towing many crossover competitors (like the Tesla Model Y's 3,500-lb limit) while maintaining exceptional driving dynamics.

@Katsudon thanks again for the summary of an Out of Spec video. I tow an approximately 2200 lb RV trailer and have no worries about the R2 being able to handle it.

EVtowing said:

@Katsudon thanks again for the summary of an Out of Spec video. I tow an approximately 2200 lb RV trailer and have no worries about the R2 being able to handle it.

Click to expand...

What is your % range loss towing the trailer, compared to normal?

Qamera said:

What is your % range loss towing the trailer, compared to normal?

Click to expand...

Assume 50% range loss

grooks said:

Assume 50% range loss

Click to expand...

Yep. Though depending on conditions it can be “only” 40%.

It’s not a problem. I plan for it, and Superchargers are just about everywhere. I actually prefer frequent breaks on long trips, I don’t linke sitting in a car for hours.

it's less a percentage loss and more a cap on peak efficiency. think of the trailer as enforcing a soft cap on your efficiency for a given speed.

the trailer is the great equalizer. aging wheels demonstrated this -- the tow vehicle has quite little to do with the efficiency.

it takes a certain amount of energy to overcome the wind and rolling resistance of a trailer. the only way to meaningfully change that is to more efficiently more the air around the trailer, but you're not going to magically decrease frontal area, so you're more or less relegated to rear aero. teardrop campers are good at this.

Anyone have dimensions on the insertion length for the receiver? I'm looking to get a hitch mounted bike rack and don't know the receiver depth.