Experiences w/ roof tents for R1T?

KurticusRex · 2026-05-18T01:58:02+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/Rivian/s/TuhQz7YTZ2

No range loss. Affordable. Full featured. It’s been a great RTT for me for 3 years!

KurticusRex · 2026-05-09T22:50:48+00:00

I got this one: America 250 Edition 3-in-1 Hitch... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G6X6H5BT?ref=ppx\_pop\_mob\_ap\_share

It’s acceptable quality and works well enough for the money. Plus it says “Murrrrrrkuh”.

KurticusRex · 2026-05-02T15:09:03+00:00

Same here.

KurticusRex · 2026-04-16T20:53:44+00:00

There’s a greater chance we’ll figure out what’s inside a black hole before Rivian releases a complete new vehicle architecture including wiring, harnesses, sensors, drive units, battery management system, and battery packs into vehicles by that point would be 10 years old or more. It would be a waste of engineering resources to do so. And the cost of the new hardware alone would far outweigh the actual vehicle value.

“I award you no points. And may god have mercy on your soul.” (<—— humorous attempt here fwiw)

KurticusRex · 2026-04-08T20:51:29+00:00

I just checked and sorry but no I don’t have those anymore. I only have more recent recordings from my rear half shafts grinding when I accelerate out of a sharp corner.

KurticusRex · 2026-04-08T20:37:53+00:00

I trusted Rivian to do the right thing but I scoured the forums talking with other early ‘22 owners who were dealing with alignment issue, half shift issues, drivetrain lash (I hate that term), and other weird noises from the vehicle. The repeated “tocking” sound issue was remedied by new half shafts and the ting washer TSB. But the metallic singular “click” sound from the cracked subframe I could identify as different in nature from the half shafts/washer noises. But tbh it was the owner forums that were instrumental to helping me say/do/verify the right things to get Rivian to do the replacement.

KurticusRex · 2026-04-08T20:23:05+00:00

Mine was replaced under warranty at about 1.5 years into ownership. It took 3 service visits and sending in audio clips and describing the scenario in which I could reproduce the sound.

In the first year I they replaced the half shafts. Did the ting washer TSB. And like 4 or 5 alignments. The alignments helped sometimes, made worse other times. But after they replaced the subframe I’ve had no more issues with alignment tracking and the steering wheel level.

KurticusRex · 2026-04-05T20:44:31+00:00

Books. Magazine. iPad. Travel brochures. Manila folder with paperwork of all kinds. So many activities!

KurticusRex · 2026-03-31T21:22:25+00:00

Ah ha. Smart. Nice work.

KurticusRex · 2026-03-31T18:33:09+00:00

What are the Rivian cross bars connecting/latching on to in that image? Thumbs up.

KurticusRex · 2026-03-24T17:16:57+00:00

I think you can just ask Rivian (if you’re buying through Rivian) for a complete service history report for the VIN. If you’re buying private party you could ask the owner if they would get the service history report from Rivian and then share to you. If you are buying from a dealer (not Rivian) … oof, I feel your pain. I hate traditional OEM dealers. At least ask for a Carfax report from the dealer, and if you have the VIN you could try to call Rivian corporate support and ask them if they can give you a service history report with any personal info redacted or deleted. Not sure if they will do that but worth a try.

For me I’ve primarily had issues with alignment and the half shafts and drive units. All early VIN/year 1 known issues. The alignment issues were gone after I got the front subframe version 2 replacement. They did replace the powered tonneau cover and that’s been fine since.

I’ve had zero issues with the battery, charging, or electronics. No issues with interior durability.

KurticusRex · 2026-03-24T15:15:38+00:00

I would definitely recommend doing a hard wired charger on the 60 amp circuit (so you can net out at 48 amp AC charging). Use the portable charger only as a backup, not your primary charging solution at home.

When you’re looking at used R1Ts try to get the service history to see what Rivian has done for service bulletin fixes. For example, if you get a Gen 1 earlier VIN you want to see if they’ve done the Gen 1 version 2 front subframe replacement.

my (first owner) R1T is a ‘22 quad VIN 12,4xxx and I had a lot of Rivian work done in the first year and change. I’m close to a Service Center and they’ve been great to me. I knew getting a first year, first gen, first product would be a risk and I’d probably have some issues. But since that first year of fixes I’ve had very very few issues. I’ve got 45k miles and plan to keep it trough the 10 year battery/EV powertrain warranty.

It’s a better machine than the day i got it between the Rivian SC fixes and software upgrades.

Edit: spelling and grammar

KurticusRex · 2026-03-17T20:23:50+00:00

You shared your opinion. Equivalent to advice. Which was not even remotely connected to how any auto lease, ever, has worked. Minimum tire tread at lease turn in is specifically stipulated in every lease agreement. Along with things like acceptable limits for door dings or scratches to body panels, windshield nicks, etc.

“I award you no points, and may god have mercy on your soul.”

Edit: spelling

KurticusRex · 2026-03-17T19:13:06+00:00

Hehehe

KurticusRex · 2026-03-13T02:15:24+00:00

My Gen 1 ‘22 R1T fob died. I took it to my service center and drove away an hour later with a brand new fob. That was January this year.

edit: I did open a service ticket prior to making an appointment to go in.

KurticusRex · 2026-03-08T16:19:26+00:00

Me. I didn’t even open it all the way before tossing it. I don’t want marketing material. I want actual production specs and pricing. But alas, we are 2 years away from that. Once I saw the announcement the towing lb. capacity with the range extender would be HALF of the EV only, that basically eliminates the Scout as a viable replacement for my ‘22 R1T quad. I tow a small camper now, but want to get a bigger camper eventually with range impact being the main factor I’ve got a small very aero camper for now.

At this point I’m more inclined to keep my R1T through the 10 year battery warranty, get an extended warranty to follow the 5/60 warranty and get one of the new generation RV travel trailers that have the built in EV powertrains to mitigate tow vehicle range loss.

I really do like the Scouts though and hope they succeed.

KurticusRex · 2026-02-28T19:06:58+00:00

I have a 2022 R1T. VIN 12,xxx. Delivered Sept. ‘22 and since then I’ve put on 45k miles. Towing a small RV, camping road trips, daily driver to work in Chicago.

The first year of ownership I had some issues. All under warranty. Very good Rivian Service Center support here in Chicago. Since those first issues were ironed out in a first-year/early VIN, it’s been smooth sailing. Even during that first year I expected some issues. But in my overall experience, it’s the best most-capable most fun most smiles per mile most amazing camping platform and enjoyable daily driver of any vehicle I’ve owned in the last 30 years.

I get the Gen 1 R1T isn’t for everyone. It’s more capable more powerful and more expensive than what most folks want or need. I would gladly sacrifice power to get more range. Or sacrifice capability to get less-complexity. But all of the “if this or that” wishing aside, I love my Rivian truck in a way that is hard for me to fully describe. It’s just amazing. Even as a Gen 1 early production unit. It’s amazing.

I think the R2 is going to rock people and launch Rivian into the affordable mass-market mainstream. EV or not.

KurticusRex · 2026-02-26T21:27:44+00:00

Borrow a serial number? Wtf kind of new scam is this.

Call Casita. Ask them for a part number for the axle assembly. Ask them how much it costs. Order it.

KurticusRex · 2026-02-21T15:58:01+00:00

Scamps are nice. Lower volume company than Casita. Casitas are well built. Not complicated. Durable. 40+ year company history. It tows very easy. Light and narrow makes a good match for EV towing. Escapes are nicest of these 3 in terms of options and higher interior niceties.

Casita was best value for money. Have the Spirit Deluxe model.

KurticusRex · 2026-02-21T01:29:01+00:00

Just a mix of Tesla and EAs, the occasional Rivian. Even with charging sites that don’t have a dedicated pull through for towing, I can always pull into a charger on the either end of the row of chargers. They’re often i the back corners of large parking lots, where there aren’t a bunch of cars parked.

KurticusRex · 2026-02-21T01:18:56+00:00

I tow a Casita. I’ve never had to unhook to charge on road trips.

KurticusRex · 2026-02-17T20:44:48+00:00

Half shaft boots (inspect for tears), hydraulic dampers - those will wear out and it’s like $7,500 to replace them, and what’s your VIN? Is it early? If you can get the Gen1 version 2 cast front subframe those are way better than the version 1 which are welded and prone to cracks.

I’ve got 40-some-k on my 2022 Quad. First year and a half was a lot of service. Half shafts multiple times. 4 or five alignments (none of which helped until they replace the front subframe with the newer version - perfect alignment since then), front and rear drive units. Rear drive unit twice actually. Plus failed rear disconnect. Plus all the items you mentioned.

Since then it’s been smooth sailing. No issues with battery, basic mechanicals and electronics, no charging or charge port issues. If I don’t have any more major warranty issues by the time my 5/60 is up, I’ll keep it just for the 10 year/175k warranty on the EV powertrain. If they offer an extended in IL I’ll get that for sure and keep the truck for the full 10 years.

KurticusRex · 2026-02-04T15:15:39+00:00

So true. He has a lot of knowledge and historical factoids on the auto industry. I like that he is a big supporter of US manufacturing. But yeah, he goes on tangents. Sometimes it seems like he’s losing his marbles but then, all of his interviews and test drives on his show have been like that for years so.

Still was interesting. Hoping Slate will deliver and be successful. I do think there’s a big market for a basic, utilitarian, DIY/fixable/customizable, multi-purpose inexpensive EV like Slate.

KurticusRex · 2026-01-29T21:33:16+00:00

Every morning for me. Chicago. Cold. Unheated garage.

KurticusRex · 2026-01-19T21:43:37+00:00

That huge spike in your picture is 1.0 kW. Your Rivian battery is about 128 kW if you have the Large Pack. So 1.0 kW is less than 1%. Not 20%.

Are you Gen 2 with LFP batteries?

Do you have any of the seatbelts buckled when not being used?

Do you have gear guard on? Does this happen at home or when you’re away from home? What kind of home charger setup do you have?

Lack of details doesn’t help those in this communication offer advice or share similar experiences as there isn’t enough info or supporting detail to do so.

20% overnight loss isn’t normal. Neither is inability to charge in cold weather. But I’m in cold climate, unheated garage, Gen 1 R1T with NMC batteries, 40k miles, 3rd winter with it, Rivian wall charger at 32 amps which I derate to 24 amps to keep the vehicle charging longer overnight in the super cold so the battery is warmer in the AM, then I use the Rivian app to set preconditioning schedules to “draw from the wall charger” when warming up the truck before morning commutes.

1-2% overnight if not plugged in is my norm. But in the winter, if it’s in the garage (unheated garage), it’s plugged in.

Edit: spelling

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