Optima Overlanding Rivian R1T build teased for SEMA

[ironpig]

Looks like we might start to get some interesting accessories hitting the market soon.

While the truck is cool, the battery pack trailer with solar panels sounds like something that could actually benefit those looking to go deeper in to remote areas.

https://www.carscoops.com/2022/10/optima-teases-overlanding-ready-rivian-r1t-for-sema/

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[jjswan33]

Thanks for sharing. I dig the bumpers and the rock sliders for sure. Curious to see what else they have customized.

 

[ironpig]

Thanks for sharing. I dig the bumpers and the rock sliders for sure. Curious to see what else they have customized.

Yeah rock sliders are the one thing I'll buy once there is a good option. I really don't need anything else, but I'm excited to see what starts hitting the market. Maybe bumpers at some point down the road.

 

[SANZC02]

Looks like we might start to get some interesting accessories hitting the market soon.

While the truck is cool, the battery pack trailer with solar panels sounds like something that could actually benefit those looking to go deeper in to remote areas.

https://www.carscoops.com/2022/10/optima-teases-overlanding-ready-rivian-r1t-for-sema/

Thanks for sharing, the article says they will have 2 vehicles, hope the second one is the R1S….

 

[jclicky]

Interesting, unless an intern did the mockup & scraped some rack images from other places, a close-up view of the full-size image shows the logo for Overland Ruff Rax; I like the builds he’s been a part of (even built a pull-out solar panel mounted under his roof rack that slides out when parked to soak up some watts).

His alloy handlebars also have the Rivian coloring…interesting.

https://overlandruffrax.com/

All I care about is whether or not they found an elegant way to add a winch.

As for the bumpers & bull-bars, I’m a bit wary of that until we have the IIHS report to understand how Rivian has buffeted the framing on the bumpers; I’ve seen reports of some fender-benders totaling R1Ts because there’s little to no bumper assembly, so an after-market bumper might not increase risk to the root frame materially if Rivian’s bumpers don’t add much padding anyway. Hmmm…

Can’t wait to see videos & photos of the build, great find @ironpig!

 

[COdogman]

Would love to get a look at that solar trailer they are talking about.

In the thread below a forum member took an off road recovery class with a well known instructor who reportedly had prototype *Rivian* rock sliders on his R1T. So eventually that could be an OEM option.

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...covery-training-class.8404/page-2#post-208161

 

[swhme]

Since finding a charge in the middle of nowhere is an almost impossible task, the truck will be accompanied by an Optima Power Station that is built on a Turtleback trailer. It’s being billed as a “Swiss army knife for EV overlanders” as it promises to give them “unprecedented range capabilities.”

Fascinating...

 

[Dark-Fx]

Solar is totally useless for a vehicle that isn't incredibly efficient. Best case for the Aptera is 40 miles in a day, and it's 4-5x more efficient than the Rivian.

 

[COdogman]

Solar is totally useless for a vehicle that isn't incredibly efficient. Best case for the Aptera is 40 miles in a day, and it's 4-5x more efficient than the Rivian.

True for everyday driving. But if you are slowly crawling through the backcountry you don’t need to add that many miles each charge. Even if you could add 25 miles in a few hours it would still be useful IMHO. That is essentially what those trail side Jeep solar L2 chargers will do. 20+ miles in 2 hours.

 

[Rally1]

They will have an R1S at the show. I agree, the trailer as a charger idea would make basecamping more of a reality.

 

[R1Sky Business]

Thanks for sharing, the article says they will have 2 vehicles, hope the second one is the R1S….

Better off road prowess....has to be

 

[Dark-Fx]

True for everyday driving. But if you are slowly crawling through the backcountry you don’t need to add that many miles each charge. Even if you could add 25 miles in a few hours it would still be useful IMHO. That is essentially what those trail side Jeep solar L2 chargers will do. 20+ miles in 2 hours.

Stationary Solar charging stations are a different story for sure. If you are pulling a trailer just for solar panels, you are probably better off not doing that instead. Unless you really are in a situation where you can spend a week somewhere to charge, but I don't even like staying at a single campsite that long. Daytime is the best time to be mobile.

 

[yizzung]

What’s in the jerry cans? Gatorade?

 

[Gdorff]

What’s in the jerry cans? Gatorade?

I was wondering the same thing, I'm like hope those Jerry cans are full of lithium ion batteries.. ?

 

[COdogman]

Stationary Solar charging stations are a different story for sure. If you are pulling a trailer just for solar panels, you are probably better off not doing that instead. Unless you really are in a situation where you can spend a week somewhere to charge, but I don't even like staying at a single campsite that long. Daytime is the best time to be mobile.

I get your point. It does sound like it serves other functions too:

In particular, the power station has a Level 2 charger and “enough energy storage to power up your EV in the wild.” The portable power station also has 12-, 110-, and 220-volt outlets for powering everything from cameras to computers to lights.

While that’s notable by itself, the trailer comes equipped with an air compressor, an electric stove, a stereo, and camping lights. Users will also find “awning-style solar panels” to recharge in the wilderness. When drivers return home, the Optima Power Station can be plugged in to recharge.

Since it can store power as well I could imagine driving to the trailhead with it fully charged, then topping off your Rivian at the RAN charger, heading into the backcountry for a multi day trip and either using it as your kitchen/ emergency backup power source. Or you could go out for weeks and just use the solar function to get you from place to place while you explore. You won’t need a week to recharge. 25 miles in a couple hours is not that inconvenient to me if you only move your camp 10-15 miles every day or 2.

To each their own. I think it’s a good idea….

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