Towing Four Down? Rivian motor tech decoupler allows for RV towing

[AustroTom]

Hello All,
New to this forum and already firing away with all important questions

I just watched Sandy Munro and RJ Scaringe talking about the new Dual Motor lineup. What caught MY ear was the fact that one will be able to tow a Rivian four-down (behind a motorhome for exmple), by disengaging the motors from the drivetrain and inverters.
Is this CONFIRMED?? Will only the dual motor allow this feature or are all Rivians capable of doing so?
Thomas

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[Dark-Fx]

Hello All,
New to this forum and already firing away with all important questions

I just watched Sandy Munro and RJ Scaringe talking about the new Dual Motor lineup. What caught MY ear was the fact that one will be able to tow a Rivian four-down (behind a motorhome for exmple), by disengaging the motors from the drivetrain and inverters.
Is this CONFIRMED?? Will only the dual motor allow this feature or are all Rivians capable of doing so?
Thomas

I think they meant dolly towing? The fronts can't be disengaged as far as I know.

 

[AustroTom]

That'd make more sense

 

[Aardvark]

RJ specifically mentioned drivetrain disengagement in response to Sandy's question. OP is correct. When this feature is added, 4 wheel towing will be possible.

 

[W1SE]

If it was possible probably not very practical. With the weight of the vehicle I don’t think it’s a good option for tow-behind a motor home.

 

[pc500]

Yup.... Get a jeep Wrangler

 

[AustroTom]

I'm towing my Chevy Silverado 2500HD at 7,800lbs all the time

 

[AustroTom]

Yup.... Get a jeep Wrangler

The idea is to take an EV with me

 

[No_Name5330]

they could even make it so you can charge the battery with the return so you have a full battery when you get to your destination

 

[azbill]

they could even make it so you can charge the battery with the return so you have a full battery when you get to your destination

No, it will only be a complete disengage, not tow charging.

 

[No_Name5330]

No, it will only be a complete disengage, not tow charging.

i’m just spitting ideas. there’s no need to shut those ideas down

 

[scottf200]

Towed behind RV [using tow dolly since only one set of wheels]

13:25 minutes in.

 

[Joe Hoffman]

No_Name: Azbill isn't shutting your idea down. This topic has been raised/asked/discussed and clarified by Rivian many years ago. Azbill is simply providing the answer that we've already received from RJ 3 years ago. The engineering truth is that you can't 'tow charge' an EV except for short distances, certainly not the distances RVers (like myself) would be driving on a daily basis. A typical day we can drive 200-500 miles (or more). This would cause irreparable damage to the electrical drive train of the EV. This answer was provided by RJ 3 years ago when I raised the question to him.

What RJ and Sandy are referring to is the ability to tow a Rivian IF AND ONLY IF it is disconnected. Whether Rivian plans to provide an easy disconnect or not is a big question. It's very non trivial to disconnect the drive train ourselves as owners. Some RVers do this with other vehicles by simply putting the transfer case into N, or via an easy slip disconnect drivetrain addOn by Warner (FJ series). These solutions don't work for an EV.

I originally ordered my Rivian 3 years ago in anticipation of towing it behind my motorcoach. But that reality died, although I still will be receiving it soon. I can flatbed tow it, some of my Tesla friends do that, but flatbed trailers are a PITA when we get to some destinations.
For those that want an EV-like vehicle to be flat towed, I can suggestion the Ford CMAX (used market only) or the Ford Escape Plugin-hybrid. I have 90k miles on my CMAX being towed and it's been a great solution for 7 years. I get a kick out of plugging it into 110v outlets at campgrounds and getting my 'moneys worth' out of my campground fee.

Safe travels

 

[AustroTom]

So.... does anybody know the answer?? Is it towable four down, or not?
And if yes, only the new dual motor or all Rivians?

(unfortunately I don't have Mr. Scaringe's direct number)

 

[AustroTom]

I guess this is as far as the Rivisan owner's knowledge goes what their vehicle can do?
(no mean intention of course)

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