Gen 1 R1T with 20" AT Bump Steer Over Rough Roads — Is Gen 2 with 22” Wheels Better?

[RivSav]

Hey everyone,

I recently test drove a Gen 1 R1T with 20” all-terrain tires and noticed significant bump steer at low to mid speeds (0-50 mph), especially over rough, choppy pavement. It felt like the steering was being pulled left and right by road imperfections. I’m about to order a Gen 2 R1T with 22” Range wheels and was wondering if this issue is specific to Gen 1 or caused by the 20” AT tires?

For those who have driven a Gen 2 with 22” wheels, did you experience any bump steer over bad roads, or did it improve compared to Gen 1?

Thanks in advance!

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[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Bump steer is normal as there is no steering stabilizer. Nowhere as bad as a lifted Jeep, because the air suspension is compliant. 22” wheels are heavier and have less air volume for shock absorption. Better? Not physically possible.

 

[RivSav]

I see... so is there any improvement in the Gen 2 cars?

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I see... so is there any improvement in the Gen 2 cars?

Gen 2 R1S has improved suspension hardware, with components tuned specifically to the R1S. Gen 1 had components carried over from Gen 1 R1T, with whatever tuning allowable through software.

 

[jjswan33]

How many miles were on the gen 1 you test drove? The suspension may need tuning/replacement.

 

[RivSav]

How many miles were on the gen 1 you test drove? The suspension may need tuning/replacement.

I really hope you're right. I have no idea how many miles were on it but it was a Gen 1 R1T Quad. Their other demo vehicle is a Gen 2 R1S so I'm going to try and go back and see if that one feels any better.

It's tough because they're 2 hours away from me and it's really giving me some pause. My partner and I were so set on the R1T but it may be a dealbreaker.

 

[RivSav]

Gen 2 R1S has improved suspension hardware, with components tuned specifically to the R1S. Gen 1 had components carried over from Gen 1 R1T, with whatever tuning allowable through software.

But the bump steer thing isn't unique to one model or the other correct? They both do it?

 

[jjswan33]

I really hope you're right. I have no idea how many miles were on it but it was a Gen 1 R1T Quad. Their other demo vehicle is a Gen 2 R1S so I'm going to try and go back and see if that one feels any better.

It's tough because they're 2 hours away from me and it's really giving me some pause. My partner and I were so set on the R1T but it may be a dealbreaker.

If you don't need AT tires then definitely try out a gen 2 with the tires you want. 20" AT tires are going to give the harshest ride for sure.

 

[strykerwsu]

I would chime in from a ride comfort perspective but no time in a Gen 2 vehicle. I have all 3 wheel and tire combinations on Gen1 R1S and R1T. The R1T on Gen 1 the best riding truck I've ever been in, but of course won't compare against a lux cruiser.

The 20 AT are very good but they do have some wheel shimmy if not properly balanced. It took 2 balancing sessions to get them properly balanced. The 21s are the perfect mix of ride quality and efficiency. The 22s ride great on the R1T and perfect for "sporty" driving but were really bad on the R1S. We always use the 21s on the R1S. I ended up buying aftermarket 20 inch wheels with 275/60 tires as my distance/comfort setup. Best overall street ride by far.

It sounds like Rivian specifically focused on suspension for R1S for gen 2. So if looking at R1T don't think you will find much difference between them. However, the tire balance issue on the AT is what I bet you're experiencing.

 

[RivSav]

If you don't need AT tires then definitely try out a gen 2 with the tires you want. 20" AT tires are going to give the harshest ride for sure.

Thank you, I appreciate it. We scheduled an appointment this week to drive the Gen 2 R1S on 22" Range wheels. Really looking forward to it. We would be ordering a Gen 2 R1T on 22" Range wheels though

 

[RivSav]

I would chime in from a ride comfort perspective but no time in a Gen 2 vehicle. I have all 3 wheel and tire combinations on Gen1 R1S and R1T. The R1T on Gen 1 the best riding truck I've ever been in, but of course won't compare against a lux cruiser.

The 20 AT are very good but they do have some wheel shimmy if not properly balanced. It took 2 balancing sessions to get them properly balanced. The 21s are the perfect mix of ride quality and efficiency. The 22s ride great on the R1T and perfect for "sporty" driving but were really bad on the R1S. We always use the 21s on the R1S. I ended up buying aftermarket 20 inch wheels with 275/60 tires as my distance/comfort setup. Best overall street ride by far.

It sounds like Rivian specifically focused on suspension for R1S for gen 2. So if looking at R1T don't think you will find much difference between them. However, the tire balance issue on the AT is what I bet you're experiencing.

Thank you so much! That makes me feel so much better. I can't wait for our test drive later this week now

 

[RivSav]

I'm so happy to report that we drove the Gen 2 R1S on 22" Range wheels today and it was wonderful. It had none of the bump steer issues that we noticed on the Gen 1 R1T we drove the first time. Overall it was so much more refined and pleasant of a vehicle. It felt great.

I'm not sure if the issue we were noticing was related to Gen 1 vehicles, All-Terrain tires, a broken and abused demo car, or any combination of those but I'm so relieved now.

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