I think as all the margins of industry are getting tighter, dealerships seem to be depending on the service center to generate more profits. I wonder if internet pricing is one aspect of this, where more pricing transparency has lead to lower sales profits, which in turn means mechanics and...
If you have a shortage of mechanics, why not try increasing the pay and improving the working conditions? I don't think the complexity of the machines is an issue, as long as the technician is compensated for their time and effort. When you use service as a profit center, and you maximize...
I think whatever you buy, first and foremost you should go with something that you can get support for locally. I'm lucky to live 25 minutes away from the nearest Rivian service center, and that played a big part in my deciding to get one. If you're 6 hours away, I'd say to wait for a service...
As you pointed out, there are so many variables that it's hard to make a consistent travel plans unless you have a lot of data about your own RV's towing characteristics. For me, personally, towing my InTech Flyer Explore (mid-sized square box) I can sometimes achieve as high as 1.4 miles per...
I had this same problem on the way home from picking up my R1T. I needed to do one fast charge, and had signed up for a Tesla subscription to have access to the supercharging network.
The order of operation I use is this:
1. Open the charge port door and pull down the CCS charging cover.
2...
We took a trip from Maple Grove, MN down to Wyalusing State Park, which is just south of Prairie du Chien in Wisconsin. We were pulling a 2021 InTech Flyer Explore with our 2023 Performance Dual Max battery. It's 234 miles each way, with a top speed limit of 65 mph. I decided to go 60 mph on...
It's common for all the air suspension set-ups I'm familiar with. The ability to change ride height on the fly comes with a bunch of wear items the will require regular maintenance. Bottom line is that if you want to play, you've got to pay.
In one case, a set of Blink chargers at a Ford dealership were blocked by a fellow with a Mustang (not a Mach-e) who was having some sort of quick examination done by a mechanic. And he was parked squarely between the two chargers. But, yeah, I often see Tesla sites that have one offset...
I, on the other hand, have an InTech Flyer Explore that is shaped like a brick. Aero really drives what kind of range I get, and on a recent trip I got 1.05 kwh/mile on the way to the destination and 1.20 kwh/mile on the way back, going 60 mph both ways. The difference was entirely a steady...
Let me ask a quick question - as far as installing the lead for a trickle charger, is there any issue with the 12-volt battery being disconnected for a minute or two? I have a bunch of basic chargers from my years of motorcycle riding that I can use. I'll just need to disconnect the battery...
I just wanted to give everyone a quick update. I took my '23 R1T (Dual Motor Max Performance) to the Minneapolis Service center. They also replaced the ting (hope I got that right) washers and repaired one axle boot that was oozing (their words) grease. I was there (working from home that...
I got the dreaded 12-volt battery warning this morning. Called Rivian and set up an appointment to get it replaced (under warranty) at the Minneapolis Service Center tomorrow. Mobil service would have been out about 30(ish) days, and I work from home on Wednesdays so no big deal.
I guess...
Other folks have covered the important stuff, so I'll just mention a couple lessons I've learned over the years. First, if you need to cover distance - slow down. Going from 65 mph to 70 mph changed my consumption from 1.25 miles/kwh to 1 mile/kwh. Back roads and 60 mph are your friend...
I bought my 2023 Dual-Max R1T from Rivian this June. The two issues I had were getting Rivian to accept my insurance on the new truck - I initially had my insurance agent provide a binder that showed the R1T being added to my existing policy, but Rivian wouldn't accept that. I eventually had...
I'd definitely suggest budgeting more time for a tire rotation, just because it is a great time to do some inspections and TLC on the vehicle. Mind you, I'm not suggesting you get under it, but use a flashlight to check the brake pads, look at bushings, look for any fluid leaks that shouldn't...
I'll contrast that with the time I didn't get an odd look. I was renting a post hole digger from a local chain store, and was expecting some hassle from the folks working the counter when I pulled up in my R1T. Did paperwork, paid, ect and pulled around back to hook it up. Guy came out, he...