Introductions & Welcome Thread 👋

[mpw81]

Welcome!! Agree with others, try search first and then ask away. Pretty helpful group around here.

Before you ask.... no, there isn't a way to get OTA software updates on demand when they are released. They get rolled out in waves over a week or so. That's got to be the most asked question that gets a "use the search function, noob!" response, at least that I can think of, lol. Especially with potential Halloween mode right around the corner.

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[Donald Stanfield]

Welcome! The forum is divided up into common topics, but I think most people utilize the "What's New" tab which shows all posts from all topics in order of most recent.

There is a search function, but it takes some practice to use it effectively and the results won't always be what you are looking for. For example if you wanted to search for all threads on charger installation you could enter "charger installation" then choose to either search only thread titles or to search for all posts about it, which would give you a ton of results, many of which would not help you...

So don't worry about being a newbie. Try the search and if you don't find what you need just ask. Lots of smart people and even more smartasses...

Hey! I resemble that remark.

 

[CompilerBreak]

Since you mentioned chargers specifically, check with your local electric utility, a lot offer significant rebates on particular models. May even have a referral system for installers as well if you don't know where to start.

 

[mikehmb]

Since we're talking charging - if you decide to get an L2 for your home, and it's going to be plugged in vs. hardwired, make sure your electrician (or you, if you're doing it solo) picks a proper commercial-rated NEMA 14-50 plug vs. a standard dryer one. The dryer ones mostly work - until they don't, which for some people can be catastrophic.

I'm one of them. Melted the connector, plug, and nearly lit the wall on fire.

Something like this, for example: https://www.hubbell.com/bryant/en/p...c-polyester-14-50r-black-single-pack/p/170482

Also, ensure that you are running your charger at 20% less than the circuit is capable of. If it's a 50-amp circuit, run your EVSE (the actual name for an "L2 charger") at 42 amps. 60? Run at 48. Etc.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

Since we're talking charging - if you decide to get an L2 for your home, and it's going to be plugged in vs. hardwired, make sure your electrician (or you, if you're doing it solo) picks a proper commercial-rated NEMA 14-50 plug vs. a standard dryer one. The dryer ones mostly work - until they don't, which for some people can be catastrophic.

I'm one of them. Melted the connector, plug, and nearly lit the wall on fire.

Something like this, for example: https://www.hubbell.com/bryant/en/p...c-polyester-14-50r-black-single-pack/p/170482

Also, ensure that you are running your charger at 20% less than the circuit is capable of. If it's a 50-amp circuit, run your EVSE (the actual name for an "L2 charger") at 42 amps. 60? Run at 48. Etc.

Just wanted to check that the reason for the commercial plug is it lasts more plug/unplug cycles than a standard residential one. My understanding is that the loosening of the connection causes heat and arcing. So the standard plug is okay if you're plugging something into it and just leaving it alone. Do I remember that correctly?

 

[beatle]

Welcome.

I also melted my cheap 14-50R while charging my Tesla for a couple years at 40A. Good advice to go hardwired anyway. Saves a bit on wiring, and you can use a less expensive non-GFCI breaker on a hardwired EVSE.

 

[Cascadian]

Welcome

I like my Emporia too. Good value. I went with hardwired for full 11kW (48A) rate on 60A circuit.

For search , my wife discovered that using Google often gave results on this forum that were better than using the forum search itself.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

Welcome to the forums! It can be a bit overhelming with information and where to start, but I'm sure you'll come up to speed quickly. There is a wealth of knowledge here.

 

[boosted20v]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us. Your R1T is very similar to our dear Opal. In looking at your pictures, your wheels look like 22's. Opal has 21's and they look different.

Brian

Thanks everyone and yes Brian mine does have the the 22" brights. I wanted dark but I've grown to like the contrast after having dark wheels on my 4 previous vehicles. May pick up a set of Gold/Bronze 20" with A/T's to switch it up a bit from time to time.

 

[Zoul]

This seems like the first place to start.
As of right now i guess i would call myself a prospective member/buyer? I have not purchased or ordered anything. just looking for the next step. current vehicles are a ram 1500 and dodge Durango. Wife and I love the Durango. the truck I like and it has been a good truck, but she is showing her age more and more and there's more and more i dont like. I feel like the next step is to purchase a new vehicle, but am fine with that being a couple years down the road if need be.

Here is my issue: the big automakers suck. gm cant build a transmission to save their life and in the process ruined the best engine they had made. kia, hyundai, nissan, toyota, subaru ect. make ok vehicles, but the dealerships around me are all owned by a former employer that burned me one too many times. I've heard similar complaints about their other dealers. I like the Chrysler products I own, but not what they would be replaced with. they are killing off current models for an update, but not sure i like the updates. I can not stand any of the ford products, the interiors annoy me in a way i can't explain. German cars are expensive and hard to find service information. I feel this is getting worse every year.

I liked the idea of Rivian when the concepts first came out. a new US automaker that wasn't the big 3, and wasn't tesla. R1t has storage and features similar to my avalanche, has reasonable range, plenty of power, and doesn't look like a rolling dumpster fire waiting to happen. Unlike many blue collar workers that drive a dodge ram I am not afraid or disgusted by EVs. so long as they work, don’t cost me more to charge than filling gas tanks, and don't spontaneously combust and burn down my house. It would be nice if I could work on it too. So far, Rivian seems to fit the bill. Though the service info is not accessible for diy, and the price is pretty similar to the germans, it's something at least. I know I've got tons of questions and concerns that hopefully can get answered here.

So I guess the question is: what can yall do to convince me? And the wife?

 

[godfodder0901]

This seems like the first place to start.
As of right now i guess i would call myself a prospective member/buyer? I have not purchased or ordered anything. just looking for the next step. current vehicles are a ram 1500 and dodge Durango. Wife and I love the Durango. the truck I like and it has been a good truck, but she is showing her age more and more and there's more and more i dont like. I feel like the next step is to purchase a new vehicle, but am fine with that being a couple years down the road if need be.

Here is my issue: the big automakers suck. gm cant build a transmission to save their life and in the process ruined the best engine they had made. kia, hyundai, nissan, toyota, subaru ect. make ok vehicles, but the dealerships around me are all owned by a former employer that burned me one too many times. I've heard similar complaints about their other dealers. I like the Chrysler products I own, but not what they would be replaced with. they are killing off current models for an update, but not sure i like the updates. I can not stand any of the ford products, the interiors annoy me in a way i can't explain. German cars are expensive and hard to find service information. I feel this is getting worse every year.

I liked the idea of Rivian when the concepts first came out. a new US automaker that wasn't the big 3, and wasn't tesla. R1t has storage and features similar to my avalanche, has reasonable range, plenty of power, and doesn't look like a rolling dumpster fire waiting to happen. Unlike many blue collar workers that drive a dodge ram I am not afraid or disgusted by EVs. so long as they work, don’t cost me more to charge than filling gas tanks, and don't spontaneously combust and burn down my house. It would be nice if I could work on it too. So far, Rivian seems to fit the bill. Though the service info is not accessible for diy, and the price is pretty similar to the germans, it's something at least. I know I've got tons of questions and concerns that hopefully can get answered here.

So I guess the question is: what can yall do to convince me? And the wife?

Drive one... That's all the convincing either of you should need

 

[SANZC02]

This seems like the first place to start.
As of right now i guess i would call myself a prospective member/buyer? I have not purchased or ordered anything. just looking for the next step. current vehicles are a ram 1500 and dodge Durango. Wife and I love the Durango. the truck I like and it has been a good truck, but she is showing her age more and more and there's more and more i dont like. I feel like the next step is to purchase a new vehicle, but am fine with that being a couple years down the road if need be.

Here is my issue: the big automakers suck. gm cant build a transmission to save their life and in the process ruined the best engine they had made. kia, hyundai, nissan, toyota, subaru ect. make ok vehicles, but the dealerships around me are all owned by a former employer that burned me one too many times. I've heard similar complaints about their other dealers. I like the Chrysler products I own, but not what they would be replaced with. they are killing off current models for an update, but not sure i like the updates. I can not stand any of the ford products, the interiors annoy me in a way i can't explain. German cars are expensive and hard to find service information. I feel this is getting worse every year.

I liked the idea of Rivian when the concepts first came out. a new US automaker that wasn't the big 3, and wasn't tesla. R1t has storage and features similar to my avalanche, has reasonable range, plenty of power, and doesn't look like a rolling dumpster fire waiting to happen. Unlike many blue collar workers that drive a dodge ram I am not afraid or disgusted by EVs. so long as they work, don’t cost me more to charge than filling gas tanks, and don't spontaneously combust and burn down my house. It would be nice if I could work on it too. So far, Rivian seems to fit the bill. Though the service info is not accessible for diy, and the price is pretty similar to the germans, it's something at least. I know I've got tons of questions and concerns that hopefully can get answered here.

So I guess the question is: what can yall do to convince me? And the wife?

I bought a Tesla Model S in 2016, that car made me decide EV was for me moving forward. I started looking for an EV to replace my Jeep GC. The R1S was the only thing that came close so I made my deposit in June 2020, picked up the R1S in January of 2023, 25k miles later still very happy with my choice.

I would suggest you go to a service center and test drive one. The new dual motor standard packs starting at 76k appears to be a decent deal. They have made a lot of improvements in the underlying hardware.

I am so happy with my R1S I placed a day 1 reservation for the R2 and plan to replace our Model S with it.

There is a rewards program that allows the referrer and the new customer to get some free charging on the Rivian charging network and some credit to the gear shop. Feel free to ask anyone on the forum for their referral code should you decide to move forward. If you like your Durango the R1S will be a great replacement for it.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

It starts with yourself. Put in the time. Do the research. Do the test drive. Read the publicly available online owner manual (so you are equipped to ask better questions at the test drive). Convince yourselves. If you can’t convince/decide for yourself, it doesn’t matter what anyone tells you. You’re not a child to be told what to think or do with your money.

 

[Webleyaz]

Drive one... That's all the convincing either of you should need

This.
And never stopping for fuel again.
Or oil changes.
Fits in your garage better.
Puts a big grin on your face every time you mash the "loud" pedal.
You can sneak home at 3 am.
If you trade in the ram and drive a Rivian exclusively for a month or more your Durango will seem like a loud, smelly, horse drawn carriage.

 

[Glembi2]

I hear ya. We have all been there with dealerships at least to some extent.

When we were looking, all other vehicles were either not what we needed on space or just boring

The things that convinced me to get a Rivian were no internal combustion engine to burn oil, no oil leaks, no fouled spark plugs, no leaking differentials (I got the QM), and less worrying about hidden potholes full of water at night. The wife wanted something on par with her crossover for hauling stuff.

Funny thing is the wife refuses to drive it because there are too many things one can adjust.

Take the R1T for a few test drives and see whether it continues to speak to you. After 10 months of ownership, I’m still smiling every time I drive the truck.

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