Do I want the underbody shield?

[Joe Hoffman]

As stated, previously, I don’t think aerodynamics matters given. There are shields either way.
I have underbody shields on my R1S however, I’m not an off roader of any significant amount. I don’t think matters because the damn vehicle is so heavy to start with. I think you’d be OK either way if you don’t mind spending the money go ahead, but I don’t think for our life patterns there’s much value in them.

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[MidnightRivian]

My two non negotiables were underbody shield and ocean coast.

This was because of debris on the roads where we live and the ability to go off-road without needing to buy Rock sliders right away.


I’m personally waiting for better options for rock sliders or OEM.

Large and quad was default option given my pre-order pricing.

Also some folks have had their stock underbody panels ripped off when driving through viscous materials like Mud, sand or snow. Also some have had their panels partially damaged when going through water / puddles off-road.

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/...-is-the-underbody-shield-worth-it-211394.html

Resale was not that important of a factor for me. I can see it being easier to sell a vehicle with underbody shield because so few are available in the secondary market and at this time there is no other options for underbody shield aftermarket.

At least for me when compared to the Rivian R1T truck with 20” all terrains and 10,000 miles, my SUV with 20” AT / underbody shield and 7,000 miles was much quieter in regards to road noise.

I would 100% go with underbody shield and ocean coast all over again. Just last night my wife complimented on the interior and color combination.

underbody shield is a small price to pay for peace of mind / insurance.

I see people throwing $2,000 - $7,000 on PPF which is just like a screen protector for your phone but flip their shit when it’s time to spend $1,700 on carbon fiber and steel to protect the under carriage.

Get the underbody shield. The truck feels much more solid compared to the cheap weak panels that are factory.

I had the opportunity to get under both and really bang the underbody with my hands to see if the upgrade was worth it. I decided to spend the extra for the underbody protection from factory versus the basic option or possible aftermarket options.

with underbody shield / smooth / strong / steel / carbon fiber and no plastic.

without underbody shield. Plastic flexible panels, grooves and screws sticking out.

Damage from a puddle.

remember, play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

 

[Acoustic71]

I live in Oregon and commute regularly on the smaller highways that traverse the hills and passes. For me it was a no-brainer. I have seen trees, people, tailpipes, chains, toilets (!!), camper shells, tires, rims, bumpers, deer, cows, dogs, cats, and the occasional back pack in the road.

I do not regret my decision to include the underbody shield. YMMV

 

[hgpayne]

My original configuration had the under post shield as well. Long story short I bought one off the R1 Shop rather than wait for my specific order (I’d still be waiting). It didn’t have the underbody shield but did have the front PPF. I find this more valuable for my use. I’ve added EV Sportline Rock Sliders that should do the trick for most of that area anyway. I’m not an intense off-roader so I think I’m good. The rock sliders were really just an upgrade to the running boards I really needed so my short wife can climb into the truck.

 

[Hillbilly]

My wife will drive over anything without hesitation, so we got it on her R1S.

I didn't bother with my R1T.

 

[Yossarian]

Thanks again for the replies. Thanks particularly to @MidnightRivian for posting the photos of the shield and of the puddle damage.

While I've been leaning toward not adding the shields, I'm now thinking they may be worthwhile. I'll ruminate a bit before making a final decision, but if the added cost is what I think it is ($1,700 - I'm an early reservation holder), will probably change my config one last time.

 

[Epicloop]

I might as well hold out for the inevitable quad Enduro and any benefits it carries in efficiency

You think that will be an option for PPH?

But as a routine daily driver. I want the range.

Shield has negligible affect on range.

If the reduction was significant, say in the area of -3db, geting the shield may be worth it

The sound dampening will be even more noticeable in winter with slush/compact snow.

Also some folks have had their stock underbody panels ripped off when driving through viscous materials like Mud, sand or snow. Also some have had their panels partially damaged when going through water / puddles off-road

Primary reason right here to get a proper underbody shield.

 

[TheRiviAnswer]

You only need it if you plan to go extreme offroading. Even if you're just planning to stick to fire roads and more overlanding, you don't need the shield. People worried about road debris have obviously never offroaded. The car is protected from rotary with or without the shield.

Now, if you don't currently go off-roading, but our adventurous and think you might in the future, then sure get the shield. Otherwise don't.

 

[TheRiviAnswer]

For what it's worth, I've ripped through mud, water, and a little bit of snow, and I don't have the underbody shield, and my underbody panels are just fine.

One person had a bad experience in the internet goes crazy.

Don't overthink it. You only need the underbody shield if you're going to do extreme off-roading and Rock crawling.

You don't need it for road debris. That's overkill. There's so many Teslas on the road, you don't hear about them getting their battery damaged with road debris.

 

[MidnightRivian]

Recent Reddit members experience with their stock underbody panels being ripped off / damaged while going through a deep puddle.

Here is their story and end results.

You decide if it’s worth it. I’m glad I got it.


Most recent misadventure was during a recent thunderstorm 3/23 when I drove through a deep puddle and something snagged my underbody plastic panel and tore it off (see photos).
(I don’t have the reinforced off-road underbody)

I’m not sure what I hit as it was submerged in whatever puddle I drove through — all I heard was that hanging panel dragging on the street.

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