EV Sportline RMAXX Aluminum Running Boards - Initial Impressions / Review / Photos

[personify]

After eyeing running boards since getting my R1S 14 months ago, I finally took the plunge and purchased the latest version of the @EV Sportline RMAXX aluminum running boards (no Aero Panels) in late March. It took a while for them to arrive, as EV Sportline was waiting on new inventory that also happened to be an updated design. More on that below. I installed the running boards two weeks ago and wanted to share my initial impressions for anyone considering adding them to their R1.

TL;DR: I highly recommend these running boards, but I honestly don’t have any experience with competing products to compare against. But I can say these have far exceed my expectations. They’ve greatly enhanced my experience (and my family’s) with the vehicle after a year+ of ownership on a number of fronts.

Shipment and Installation
I made my purchase right before an updated design version was being stocked for the first time, so it took a while longer than expected to receive them. But EV Sportline was great about communicating the delay when I checked in. They arrived in good shape with ample protective packaging. However, I quickly realized that what I received didn’t match any of EV Sportline’s text or video instructions. I had to reach out to their support team a couple times to validate what I received was indeed a new variant and waited about a week for them to produce new text instructions and an updated video guide. Once I had all of that, install was incredibly straight forward. Their documentation was great and easy to follow. Just make sure you have the right and recommended tools before starting! In particular, make sure you have deep sockets - not depth standard ones. You will find it challenging - maybe impossible - to properly torque some of the blots with standard depth sockets.

I had no problem installing the running boards by myself with no extra hands to assist thanks for the lightweight aluminum build and thoughtful design.

Functionality and Performance
I appreciate the kneel functionality of the R1, but it’s SO nice to be able to disable it and have the suspension primed and ready to go as the vehicle starts up. No more rough ride for the first few minutes every time the R1 gets going.

I use the roof racks frequently, and having the running boards makes accessing them MUCH easier. If you use the roof racks regularly, you’ll appreciate having these on your R1.

I also have young kids, and my wife is 5’4”. They love how much easier they can get in and out of the vehicle. My 2.5 year old can climb in and out on their own no problem, even with kneel mode disabled. These are great if you use your R1 as a family hauler.

As for build quality - it’s top notch. Clean welds and construction, and really well thought out design. They feel rock solid, even though they are aluminum. And they are remarkably light!

Appearance
They really do look OEM. Zero issues, and in my opinion, I think they enhance the look of the vehicle. They’re streamlined and don’t detract from the clean Rivian design. I’ve gotten several compliments and inquiries on them, so it seems others agree.

Bottom Line
All in all, I’d highly recommend these to anyone considering running boards, especially those with kids, partners/spouses/family members that are shorter, and/or use roof racks regularly. Great product and customer support, EV Sportline!

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[nelw]

I currently have the original steel ones which have rusted up. Still got another two years of warranty so probably gonna wait until next year or this summer to use it. Possibly upgrade to these nice fancy aluminum ones!

 

[personify]

I currently have the original steel ones which have rusted up. Still got another two years of warranty so probably gonna wait until next year or this summer to use it. Possibly upgrade to these nice fancy aluminum ones!

I heard from another owner when there steel ones rusted, they were able to upgrade to the aluminum ones just paying the difference in the purchase price. Might be worth looking into when you’re ready!

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I currently have the original steel ones which have rusted up. Still got another two years of warranty so probably gonna wait until next year or this summer to use it. Possibly upgrade to these nice fancy aluminum ones!

Or you could just take yours to a reputable local powder coater to be redone properly. Probably not more than a few hundred bucks

Unless the coating is compromised from dragging on hard surfaces… rust is usually due to low quality control during coating process… resulting in a porous coating. Contamination in the powder. Improper prep of surfaces to be coated. Or, improper temp in the baking process, causing pockets of gas to form.

Search online for porosity in powder coating and you will find same info.

 

[EV-Dale]

The step-in height of an R2 is a deal-killer for my wife after we looked at the R1S on display at the Scottsdale space. These running boards might put the R2 back on the table. What is the approximate difference between the height of the top of the running boards and the passenger floor of the car? Thanks for posting this review James!

 

[godfodder0901]

The step-in height of an R2 is a deal-killer for my wife after we looked at the R1S on display at the Scottsdale space. These running boards might put the R2 back on the table. What is the approximate difference between the height of the top of the running boards and the passenger floor of the car? Thanks for posting this review James!

These are not for R2.

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