New owner - 23' R1T Quad

[Janman]

Hey everyone,

My wife has driven a 2008 Honda CRV since she bought it new when she was in college working on her masters. The damn thing was so reliable that we couldnt justify getting a new vehicle, until now.

With the used prices dropping so much on EVs, it pushed us over the tipping point. However, we never initially intended to get an EV. We wanted to get her a truck but every truck we looked at was either too large, underpowered, had reliability issues, etc. We ran across the Rivian R1T due to it being a good size (not a monster) while having great power and practical creature comforts.

We bought a used 23 R1T from Carmax with 18k miles. My wife absolutely loves it. She smiles ear to ear every time we get into it.

So far it's been a great experience minus a few issues. The tires need to be balanced so we took it to a reputable shop and they told us it needs specific lift pads that they don't have. We have also had a few minor frustrations or issues with the infotainment system (nothing major).

Whats been incredible about this truck is that it keeps surprising me. I literally had no idea it was so capable off-roading. We have the 22" wheels with street tires and got through some nasty mountain service roads. A UTV stopped prior to a big uphill stretch of deep muddy and rocky trenches. We went by him and got through it easily. Once at the top, the guy in the UTV just stared in disbelief.

The truck has so many little conveniences. The air pump in the bed, the cargo hold, cameras (incident recordings), etc.

Does anyone have any tips or advice for a new owner?

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[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

So far it's been a great experience minus a few issues. The tires need to be balanced so we took it to a reputable shop and they told us it needs specific lift pads that they don't have. We have also had a few minor frustrations or issues with the infotainment system (nothing major).

Magnetic jack pucks: I recommend Megawatt or Jackpucks.com. Use forum search to find out more. You should also be aware of lifting and service procedures. It is documented in the Owner Guide and Tow Operator Guide.

You can find these guides here: https://rivian.com/support/support-documents

Does anyone have any tips or advice for a new owner?

Not saying you have to memorize these guides. However, being aware of what's in them is the best thing you can do for yourself. The rest, forum search is a good way to learn. You can also target the site through Google search, simply by adding "rivianforums.com" to your search string.

Lastly, the most basic troubleshooting knowledge to have as an owner: 3 types of resets and identifying what could be leaking.

 

[cbrcanuck]

Welcome to the club! And get used to that ear to ear smile. I'm 2.5 years in and I still love driving the thing! (Also a '23 R1T Quad).

TONS of useful advice on this forum, it's been so great. My recommendation is keep an eye on it, and ignore the typical crap/trolls you see anywhere online. The majority of the people/info on here is fantastic and so helpful.

Enjoy your ride!

 

[ENVErider]

It would help others give you advice on trips if you provided your region, so suggestions can be local to your home. IMO the Southwest has the best trails and ATV opportunities, but every state has something to take your R1 into. If you have access to the SW, I suggest Googling "guide to backroads & 4wd trails" and you'll see 3-4 books by Wells and Peterson that are pretty good with a three-color rating system like ski trails. I prefer the spiral binding versions. My R1T came with one puck inside the wheel well with the scissor jack, but a pack of 4 will be helpful for tire centers that want to lift the entire vehicle at once. Plus, there's the extra benefit of having four pucks offroading because most will stack together to give you variable heights for a single jack situation like what you'd do to change a flat offroading. Mine came in a nice case that I appreciate, and they are not banging against each other.

 

[Erik+]

Not sure what you are talking about, mine is a monster truck : )

 

[natcc99]

Does anyone have any tips or advice for a new owner?

Awesome. Congratulations on your new purchase.
It's also great to hear that your wife is happy. Happy wife, happy life.

I'm assuming this is your first EV? Pardon if I assumed incorrectly.

• Be sure to rotate your tires often. If you have the latest SW update, there is an odometer counter to help monitor tire rotations. (Settings > Vehicle > Service > Wheels and tires)
• Conserve mode with lowered suspension has a potential of wearing our your tires prematurely https://www.motortrend.com/features/rivian-r1t-r1s-tire-wear-conserve-mode-opinion
• To prolong battery life, don't charge to 100% unless you have to.
• You mentioned about tire balancing. During that time, check the front hub bolts to make sure they are not loose or backing out. https://riviantrackr.com/news/rivian-owners-report-loose-steering-knuckle-bolts/
• As for your tire shop not having the pucks, check out Tire Rack and Discount Tire https://rivian.com/support/article/what-tire-partnerships-does-rivian-currently-offer

Have fun and enjoy your new vehicle!

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Warning on Discount Tire/America’s Tire

While they are partnered up with Rivian, and have been provided info on service procedures, at the corporate level, that does not mean every single location and tech are competent or savvy. Check with other forum members in your area for which ones they go to. Check with each location ahead of your appointment. Watch them like a hawk as they prepare to lift with jacks.

Search this forum and you will find handfuls to posts on how their DT damaged their vehicles. This is precisely why I recommend strongly that every owner should be aware of what is inside the official guides. DT briefly had active daily engagement on this site. They terminated that because they just couldn’t handle the amount of reported incidents.

Businesses like DT operate on a model of volume-for-profit. The less time they spend on each car, the more cars they can service during any single business day. So, if you are going to use DT (or any other tire shop like them) try to get one of the first appointments of the day—when the techs are fresh and have clear heads to pay attention to details.

 

[Janman]

It would help others give you advice on trips if you provided your region, so suggestions can be local to your home. IMO the Southwest has the best trails and ATV opportunities, but every state has something to take your R1 into. If you have access to the SW, I suggest Googling "guide to backroads & 4wd trails" and you'll see 3-4 books by Wells and Peterson that are pretty good with a three-color rating system like ski trails. I prefer the spiral binding versions. My R1T came with one puck inside the wheel well with the scissor jack, but a pack of 4 will be helpful for tire centers that want to lift the entire vehicle at once. Plus, there's the extra benefit of having four pucks offroading because most will stack together to give you variable heights for a single jack situation like what you'd do to change a flat offroading. Mine came in a nice case that I appreciate, and they are not banging against each other.

We live in North Georgia in the Southeast.

 

[Janman]

Awesome. Congratulations on your new purchase.
It's also great to hear that your wife is happy. Happy wife, happy life.

I'm assuming this is your first EV? Pardon if I assumed incorrectly.

• Be sure to rotate your tires often. If you have the latest SW update, there is an odometer counter to help monitor tire rotations. (Settings > Vehicle > Service > Wheels and tires)
• Conserve mode with lowered suspension has a potential of wearing our your tires prematurely https://www.motortrend.com/features/rivian-r1t-r1s-tire-wear-conserve-mode-opinion
• To prolong battery life, don't charge to 100% unless you have to.
• You mentioned about tire balancing. During that time, check the front hub bolts to make sure they are not loose or backing out. https://riviantrackr.com/news/rivian-owners-report-loose-steering-knuckle-bolts/
• As for your tire shop not having the pucks, check out Tire Rack and Discount Tire https://rivian.com/support/article/what-tire-partnerships-does-rivian-currently-offer

Have fun and enjoy your new vehicle!

Thank you for this. It's very helpful!

 

[Janman]

Magnetic jack pucks: I recommend Megawatt or Jackpucks.com. Use forum search to find out more. You should also be aware of lifting and service procedures. It is documented in the Owner Guide and Tow Operator Guide.

You can find these guides here: https://rivian.com/support/support-documents



Not saying you have to memorize these guides. However, being aware of what's in them is the best thing you can do for yourself. The rest, forum search is a good way to learn. You can also target the site through Google search, simply by adding "rivianforums.com" to your search string.

Lastly, the most basic troubleshooting knowledge to have as an owner: 3 types of resets and identifying what could be leaking.

Thank you very much. This is helpful.

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