Wheels: I switched from 21 to 20

[Rivian_Hugh_III]

At first sight, I originally wanted the 22's and configured my truck that way. Then, saw them in person at the First Mile Drive and, at least in my own opinion, based on the size of the truck, they just looked abnormally too big for the truck. I originally was also thinking I wanted more of a "sporty" truck appearance. But again, after seeing it in person, decided it was better suited towards the "off-road" styling. So, I changed my mind and decided to go with the 20's. Problem then was, I wanted black wheels and Rivian is charging a whopping $1,700 just to paint the the same wheels in black. The more I thought about it, I figured, there are a bunch of options where you can buy custom wheels and tires for under $2,000. So, save $3,500 and get the 21's that come with it. Then, buy my custom wheels and tires with a look I'll like even more than the black wheel offering by Rivian. Now, rather than just one set of, just OK looking black wheels for $3,500, I'll have two sets of wheels and tires that I'll like even more for around $2,000.

Further, I'll put the stock 21's on for long road trips and have much better range. So, for $1,500 less, I'll wear out my 20's even less, have the option for better range on road trips and get a wheel that I love the look of rather than just settling for what's available.

If I get a wild hair up my behind, I may fork out another $2,000 and get a set of custom sporty 22's as well. Then, for only $500 more, I'll have three sets. Will save a bunch on tire replacement costs. Unlikely I'll do this based on my prior opinion of the 22's being too big for this vehicle, but if they grow on me, it's always an option. And, if I don't want three sets of wheels / tires, can always sell the stock 21's and easily recapture the extra $500 cost and still end up with 2 sets of wheels instead of just one set. Seems to really make a lot more sense for those in cold weather environments. For less money, can have both, summer and winter tire options.

If Rivian's cost for black wheels was $1,000 or less, rather than $3,500, I'd likely have gone with them. But, for $3,500, just opens the door for way too many superior options that are available and end up with far more for far less.

What 20" wheels are you tending towards? Can you share a few pics?

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[TollKeeper]

Im going with the standard 21" road wheel. What another member here said about buying a set of rims and tires for far less than what Rivian wants, holds absolutely true.

My fear, which a few owners of other cars/trucks thru the years has said, that the "special" sizes that Rivian uses will not be available after a few years.

I ran into this problem on a Pontiac 6000 STE AWD I owned years ago. The Lamborghini Contach has this problem as well. The Lamborghini LM002 also had this problem. Hell, even the Geo Metro has this problem.

I personally just hope that Michelin makes the tire in the size needed when that time comes!

 

[kizamybute']

What 20" wheels are you tending towards? Can you share a few pics?

Being that I'm still months (at least) away from getting a Rivian, I haven't made any decisions on a particular wheel yet. Have glanced briefly. I like something a little more aggressive. On my past trucks, have been a fan of Moto-Metal style wheels for off-road styling. They have an aggressive look to them. Just a personal preference that each individual will just have to shop around and see what they like. With Rivian you're limited to three style wheels, with the option of painting two of them black for another $1,700. There are a gazillion custom wheel options available. Once Rivian has actually taken my order for a truck and I know it's combing for sure, then I'll start shopping and likely have a set here waiting to bolt them on the day it arrives.

 

[sevengroove]

I also think Rivian should have made a 20" aero. That being said, losing 10-15% range for 95-99% of the driving I will be doing is unacceptable over the lifetime of the vehicle for me. That extra charging will build up over time and could potentially take years off your truck, which would cost a whole lot more than a few sets of custom 21" tires.

If anything, I would have my everyday 21"s and have a second set of 20" wheels for A/T.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot too. One of the main reasons I’m currently on the 20s is it’s included free of charge for launch editions. If I’m finding myself feeling aggrieved with the lost range, I’ll probably just pick up a custom set of 20s with AS tires instead in the first few months of ownership, by which point I’ll also have a better idea of how much off-roading I’ll actually do with this thing.

 

[Guy]

I respectfully disagree. There are smaller tires for 21" wheels for a handful of other higher volume vehicles, but even those tire options are still extremely limited.

For a tire to have a number of options, that usually means a size used by multiple vehicles, not one option. What tire manufacturer would bring additional options for a 21" wheel in a high load rated 33" tire?

Personally, the 21" wheel option is the biggest head scratching decision I've seen Rivian make. They should've just done an aero 20" with a 265/60 R20 low rolling resistance A/S.

Fair points and I too wished there was an aero 20 Inch choice. People are willing to pay $10k for another 90-100 miles and choosing the 20 inch wheel for a cost I lose 30-45 miles. Given charging capabilities that is a lot unfortunately because the 20s look good

 

[Rivian_Hugh_III]

Fair points and I too wished there was an aero 20 Inch choice. People are willing to pay $10k for another 90-100 miles and choosing the 20 inch wheel for a cost I lose 30-45 miles. Given charging capabilities that is a lot unfortunately because the 20s look good

Hopefully someone will develop an aftermarket aero insert for the 20’s

 

[pcrampton]

The Rivian website has been updated. It now includes photos and descriptions of the wheels. This page, https://rivian.com/r1t and click on the 'Explore Performance' in the Performance sub-category of the 'Capability' section.

 

[COdogman]

Has anyone actually confirmed the exact wheel specs for the various options? I had read somewhere in the forum the 20s are 20x8.5 5x5.5 bolt pattern, but have not confirmed that anywhere else. Makes shopping for potential aftermarket alternatives a little hard.

 

[skyote]

Has anyone actually confirmed the exact wheel specs for the various options? I had read somewhere in the forum the 20s are 20x8.5 5x5.5 bolt pattern, but have not confirmed that anywhere else. Makes shopping for potential aftermarket alternatives a little hard.

Correct. However, there is not an aftermarket wheel anywhere that has the proper offset of 48mm. People thinking aftermarket need to reconsider, at least in the near term.

Trying to use a lesser offset is going to make a Rivian look like a bro truck or clown car. Tires sticking out will cause significant aero issues, and might have clearance/rubbing issues when turning at lower ride heights.

 

[SeaGeo]

Pontiac 6000 STE AWD

This caused:
1. Confusion.
2. Confusion why a Pontiac was among you list of other cars.
3. Googling.
4. More Confusion.
5. Some realization for item 1.

 

[fastwheels]

Fair points and I too wished there was an aero 20 Inch choice. People are willing to pay $10k for another 90-100 miles and choosing the 20 inch wheel for a cost I lose 30-45 miles. Given charging capabilities that is a lot unfortunately because the 20s look good

If range difference between the 20 and 21 was not so great I would go with the 20s because I also think they look best. I will be 99% on road and don't want to take the range hit of the 20s, especially since I plan on getting dedicated winter tires (20") for ice/snow anyway. My biggest concern is the limited availability of 21s, so I am currently configured with the 22s to split the difference on range. There are several 22" tire options available today, and the Lightning will also be using this size so I'm not too worried about the 22s becoming hard to get.

 

[COdogman]

Correct. However, there is not an aftermarket wheel anywhere that has the proper offset of 48mm. People thinking aftermarket need to reconsider, at least in the near term.

Trying to use a lesser offset is going to make a Rivian look like a bro truck or clown car. Tires sticking out will cause significant aero issues, and might have clearance/rubbing issues when turning at lower ride heights.

Thanks. That’s what I’m starting to realize. I guess it’s possible that by sometime in 2023 when my truck is ready there would be options, but for now it just doesn’t exist. No bro or clown cars for me. ?

 

[OldGoat]

While reading this thread, it occurs to me that I am one lazy SOB. I need the 20's for off-roading a couple of times a month. I would quickly tire (pun intended) of hauling up four mounted wheels from the basement, jacking up the car, replacing the four wheels and toting the old ones down into the basement. I know myself well enough to know, I won't do it...of course that is why I sit here waiting until the second half of 2023 when the max pack becomes available.

 

[COdogman]

While reading this thread, it occurs to me that I am one lazy SOB. I need the 20's for off-roading a couple of times a month. I would quickly tire (pun intended) of hauling up four mounted wheels from the basement, jacking up the car, replacing the four wheels and toting the old ones down into the basement. I know myself well enough to know, I won't do it...of course that is why I sit here waiting until the second half of 2023 when the max pack becomes available.

Not lazy… I would say “wise”

 

[TollKeeper]

This caused:
1. Confusion.
2. Confusion why a Pontiac was among you list of other cars.
3. Googling.
4. More Confusion.
5. Some realization for item 1.

It was a car I had personal experience with.. It was a limited production car with AWD, with 24 made in 1988, 1376 in 1989, and around 2000 for 1990 in S/E trim. because of its not used on any other car EVER rear suspension and drivetrain, it created a need for a special tire for clearances. As of 1994, the factory tire size was no longer available, and are still not available.. 195/70 R15

But I digress..

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