Should I add Underbody Shield to my configuration?

[zipzag]

I don't know why Rivian didn't put a heavy duty synthetic shield on all their vehicle. While I haven't followed the Lightning closely, why impression is that the Ford stock shield is heavy duty and the don't have an add on option.

Sponsored

 

[Swilly]

That all makes sense. I really appreciate all your suggestions.

Has anyone had any issues or punctures etc. with the regular underbody?

There was a story on twitter about an influencer who said he pulled off his regular underbody going through a slushy puddle. I’m getting it just for the rocky trails in CO.

Seems to be something that they are only offering when building the vehicles, not as a retrofit. So I would rather have it and find out I don’t need it, than find out I need it by not having it(and not being able to get it).

 

[Sully151]

While playing in drift mode on snow your 7,000 lb tank slides into and over a curb launching into bushes and coming down on landscaping rocks. Are you a) Glad you got the underbody shield? b) Wishing you got the underbody shield? Or c) Absolutely sure such a thing will never ever happen?

This is what I have been thinking about. It's almost like I would be spending $2k for piece of mind, which isn't a bad thing, and for the 5% of my driving when that piece of mind will be important.

It's not a cost thing. It will put me right at $80K, so I am ok if the tax breaks ever materialize, but it may push me back on delivery.

 

[Rivian_Hugh_III]

This is what I have been thinking about. It's almost like I would be spending $2k for piece of mind, which isn't a bad thing, and for the 5% of my driving when that piece of mind will be important.

It's not a cost thing. It will put me right at $80K, so I am ok if the tax breaks ever materialize, but it may push me back on delivery.

Also, I like what someone said about resale value. Whenever it comes, the shield will make your truck more compelling and maybe more valuable.

 

[rkalbiar]

Sadly, I added just because of these underbody / loose bolts quality misses Rivian is having... Spending $2K just because of Rivians QC, or lack thereof. SIGH

 

[R1Tom]

I'd get it. Can't hurt and likely help resale.

 

[LeoH]

From scale of 0 to 10 on off-roading, I will be doing about -15. But I got it anyway for resale, as I do not anticipate their prices to ever go down.

 

[ohseedee]

I wanted underbody protection and had it in my config but decided to pick an R1T from the shop that had everything but As I really needed the truck sooner. I want to do a decent amount of off road (including some rock crawling) but now I’m worried I made a mistake and I’m going to be limited. Assuming I get rock sliders, how much of a problem is this? Seems like I risk destroying plastic, but the battery seems pretty protected. if worse case i pull a panel off and get it replaced later I think im good taking that risk. If the risk is height of damaging something critical and having the truck dead on a trial I think I’d avoid a lot of trails.

 

[MidnightRivian]

Yes, all day long.

 

[mkg3]

Our R1S will be my wife's daily. The amount of off roading it will see is probably the shopping center parking lot.

I have underbody shield option selected for resale. Figure it will appeal to more people when time to sell. Will definitely sell before the battery and motor warrantee expires.

 

[coaster206]

Anyone know why underbody shield is $1,700 on the R1S Adventure model, but $2,000 on the R1S Launch Edition? Seems like the same part.

 

[BeanEW]

To me, it is like an insurance policy. You may never use it, but you don't want to be sorry that you didn't have it.

 

[Marchin_MTB]

I thin the underbody shield is now part of an offroad package. As far as I can see in the configurator, you can’t get AT wheels without the off-road package.

 

[Rugbym8t]

I personally skipped it this time, but now that it's part of the off road package it's reasonable. The stock pack is pretty well protected, and unless you legitmatively rock crawl and will slide on your battery (still not recommended). You will be fine without it. And if you do puncture your battery your insurance will pay for it in comprehensive. Also, don't get confused with the vanity plastic covers because under that is steel and metal for the actual pack.

On resale, since it doesn't change the driving dynamic of the truck and isn't visible. It will likely depreciate like most options do on cars. So maybe $500 more resale in the future. Look at R1T prices now (they will never be as high again), and the optional colors and features aren't getting that much more money that silver trucks with black interior. So the resale argument won't hold water.

As part of the off road pack it's a good deal for the spare, wheels, and underbody for less than 4k. Also, moving to 20 inch wheels opens locks of tire options, especially important if you plan to off road. Given you may want a spare anyway, It makes sense to get it as part of the off road package

 

[jebinc]

Yes. Aside from the added protection, this RUS significantly reduces road noise.

Sponsored