Gen2s Missing Onboard Air Compressors

[SurfnBike]

So now that Rivian stopped including onboard air as a standard feature, what are you new-to-be Gen2 owners going to do in the event you are on a road trip and get a puncture or a slow leak, and there is no gas station with air available? Last time I drove home from Las Vegas my buddy got a nail in his tire, we pulled it out, plugged it, and pumped it back up using a simple 12V air compressor, all while on the side of the road; 30 minutes later we were back on the road and the fix got us home where he was able to get a new tire at his convenience. This saved us a tow truck and probably a half-day delay.

I have a good 12V compressor but it requires connection to a traditional large car battery with enough amps to get the job done. Looking at the Rivian shop hardly any of the R1S vehicles come with onboard air now, definitely not for the config that I'm looking for. So this begs the question, what other solutions are out there?

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[Eric9610]

In my other cars, MB and Tesla, I carry this Ryobi mobile inflator. Works really well and the battery stays charged for ever. Link

 

[Kelvn]

They include a small portable air compressor if you don't have the onboard compressor.

 

[natedogg]

Costco sells one that I have used, it works really well and is pretty quick actually: https://www.costco.com/fanttik-s100...ith-power-bank,-black.product.4000230430.html

 

[Davethadog]

An m18 Milwaukee compressor is going to be more useful, less expensive, and more reliable in the long run. IMO there’s no reason to have a built in air compressor unless it’s also running air lockers or something else.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Could always tap the onboard compressor for the suspension. Won't be able to do setpoint fill like the accessory one, but at least it'd be something in an emergency (besides the included 12V emergency compressor)

 

[shamoo]

The smart-ass answer would be...the same thing 99.9% of every other vehicle owner does when they get a flat and don't have an on board air compressor.

But as others have said, there are plenty of small portable units you can bring along with you if you feel the need. I've been driving for ~30 years and I have never come across a situation where I needed an onboard compressor. And I've had many flats in my day. Could it have saved me a little time? Sure but I'd also have to get on the ground and do a bunch of work (patching, etc) when I can just call someone.

Out on the trail, sure. But those situations are more rare and if you're doing serious off roading, you generally have a spare tire to throw on. A patch isn't going to fix a gash in the sidewall.

 

[f1racer328]

there’s no reason to have a built in air compressor unless it’s also running air lockers or something else.

Going to disagree, and I'm a Milwaukee fan that does have their air compressor.

On board air is always there, doesn't need batteries, and doesn't take up any additional space. However, most people will never use it.

 

[iansriv]

WIsh we had runflats.

 

[KootenayEV]

I'd miss that - I really like the onboard air on my gen 1 - I use it regularly for my trailer tires.

 

[Rivdog]

Going to disagree, and I'm a Milwaukee fan that does have their air compressor.

On board air is always there, doesn't need batteries, and doesn't take up any additional space. However, most people will never use it.

Counterpoint: my onboard air compressor broke the 2nd time I used it. Rivian eventually fixed it with mobile service, but I could have been in major trouble. If I hadn’t tested the compressor by trying to air back up, I wouldn’t have even known it failed. Much easier to test a mobile compressor for functionality on a regular basis when you’re going off the beaten path and can throw it in the spare tire compartment. Pretty small and takes up minimal space. I agree the onboard is cool and practical, but I just don’t trust it anymore.

 

[Glembi2]

I was thinking of getting this one for my other vehicles:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0823K1FY...7e4[axid|52addb8e-f16b-4646-94b6-6e49643001e7

here’s a guide: https://www.caranddriver.com/car-accessories/g42589683/best-portable-tire-inflators-tested/

 

[Davethadog]

Going to disagree, and I'm a Milwaukee fan that does have their air compressor.

On board air is always there, doesn't need batteries, and doesn't take up any additional space. However, most people will never use it.

Maybe I’m salty but I’ve had mine replaced already and it barely works when hot. This surprised me because it’s rumored that ARB manufactures the pumps and I’ve had them before on my Toyota with no issues.

IMO it’s even more egregious for Rivian to rely on a similar style compressor for their suspension which continues to be problematic. There’s a reason why other mfgs have moved to sealed nitrogen systems.

 

[Hillbilly]

Love my compressor. Both on our R1T and S have been great.

 

[swazi]

So now that Rivian stopped including onboard air as a standard feature, what are you new-to-be Gen2 owners going to do in the event you are on a road trip and get a puncture or a slow leak, and there is no gas station with air available? Last time I drove home from Las Vegas my buddy got a nail in his tire, we pulled it out, plugged it, and pumped it back up using a simple 12V air compressor, all while on the side of the road; 30 minutes later we were back on the road and the fix got us home where he was able to get a new tire at his convenience. This saved us a tow truck and probably a half-day delay.

I have a good 12V compressor but it requires connection to a traditional large car battery with enough amps to get the job done. Looking at the Rivian shop hardly any of the R1S vehicles come with onboard air now, definitely not for the config that I'm looking for. So this begs the question, what other solutions are out there?

Flag down the first gen one owner you can find and admit that they are superior. Easy!

Edit: if you are really lucky and they have Meridian sound then you can listen to some sweet tunes while getting the word done!

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