Help me understand wheel tire swap options on the R1S

[White Rock Rivian]

First time poster from British Columbia, Canada - I have a reservation for a Forrest Green R1S Dual Standard with Black vegan leather interior and dark ash wood trim. I'm trading in our previous family hauler (Honda Odyssey) and was given a surprisingly good trade-in offer by the Vancouver dealer, but I have to choose from an already available RIS in the shop. I selected a Dual Standard, which provides me enough range to get from White Rock to our place in Whistler and back (and I avoid a higher tier of luxury tax that comes with the price of a Dual Large battery).

However, it comes with the 22 inch range wheels. While I'm not a fan of the design, the main issue is that currently 22 inch Nokian Hakka R5s are out of stock. So I'm thinking of ordering the All terrain rim and tire package with the Pirelli Scorpion AT tires, which are 3 peak mountain snowflake rated, which should be adequate for this winter, and having the installed when I pick up the vehicle.

I've also considered getting Black Rhino Voltaic 20 inch rims together with the Scorpions AT tires; the price is pretty much equivalent.

With my ICE vehicles, I would usually get my wheels swapped seasonally at KalTire, as there is a location close to home.

I've read a lot on these forums and on Reddit, but I've still got some questions:
1. If I mounted 22 inch Hakka R5s onto the Range wheels would I need to get a calibration when switching back and forth with the 20 inch Rivian AT wheel/rim setup?
2. I've also thought about getting 20 inch Hakka R5s and having those mounted on to the 20 inch Rivian AT wheels during the winter, and running the Pirelli Scorpions during the other seasons. Would that need a calibration each time?
3. Should I still go to KalTire for my seasonal swaps, or should I take it to the Rivian service centre in Richmond to do the swaps - anyone had any experience with either of these options? Anyone else in the South Surrey area that is recommended?
4. If I went with the Black Rhino Voltaic rims, would that affect needing to get tire calibrations done, as long as I stick to 275/60R20 rubber for the winter tires?
5. If I opted for the Black Rhino Voltaic rims, are there other 20 inch AT tires that I should consider instead of the Pirelli Scorpions? I seen that BFG KO2 and KO3s come in a 275/65/20 and are 3 peak mountain snowflake rated; same thing for the Falken Wildpeak tires, but neither are specifically developed for electric vehicles like the Scorpions are (not sure if that's a legit distinction or just marketing mumbo jumbo).
6. Do I need a separate set of TPMS sensors if I opt for having two sets of rim and tires (I haven't on my ICE vehicles but I'm wondering if there is anything special about a Rivian that requires it).
7. If calibrations are required by at the Rivian service centre in Richmond, then how much do they charge for that?

I'm also planning to get matte PPF done with blackout badges replacing the standard chrome ones as soon as pick the vehicle up in a few weeks. have already contacted Monster Auto Lab in Langley. Would you guys recommend the ExoShield windshield protection ... for those of you in BC with an R1T or R1S, how have your windshields held up. Has anyone needed to get a replacement?

Thanks - looking forward to waving to some of your guys on the road soon!

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[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

First time poster from British Columbia, Canada - I have a reservation for a Forrest Green R1S Dual Standard with Black vegan leather interior and dark ash wood trim. I'm trading in our previous family hauler (Honda Odyssey) and was given a surprisingly good trade-in offer by the Vancouver dealer, but I have to choose from an already available RIS in the shop. I selected a Dual Standard, which provides me enough range to get from White Rock to our place in Whistler and back (and I avoid a higher tier of luxury tax that comes with the price of a Dual Large battery).

However, it comes with the 22 inch range wheels. While I'm not a fan of the design, the main issue is that currently 22 inch Nokian Hakka R5s are out of stock. So I'm thinking of ordering the All terrain rim and tire package with the Pirelli Scorpion AT tires, which are 3 peak mountain snowflake rated, which should be adequate for this winter, and having the installed when I pick up the vehicle.

I've also considered getting Black Rhino Voltaic 20 inch rims together with the Scorpions AT tires; the price is pretty much equivalent.

With my ICE vehicles, I would usually get my wheels swapped seasonally at KalTire, as there is a location close to home.

I've read a lot on these forums and on Reddit, but I've still got some questions:
1. If I mounted 22 inch Hakka R5s onto the Range wheels would I need to get a calibration when switching back and forth with the 20 inch Rivian AT wheel/rim setup?
2. I've also thought about getting 20 inch Hakka R5s and having those mounted on to the 20 inch Rivian AT wheels during the winter, and running the Pirelli Scorpions during the other seasons. Would that need a calibration each time?
3. Should I still go to KalTire for my seasonal swaps, or should I take it to the Rivian service centre in Richmond to do the swaps - anyone had any experience with either of these options? Anyone else in the South Surrey area that is recommended?
4. If I went with the Black Rhino Voltaic rims, would that affect needing to get tire calibrations done, as long as I stick to 275/60R20 rubber for the winter tires?
5. If I opted for the Black Rhino Voltaic rims, are there other 20 inch AT tires that I should consider instead of the Pirelli Scorpions? I seen that BFG KO2 and KO3s come in a 275/65/20 and are 3 peak mountain snowflake rated; same thing for the Falken Wildpeak tires, but neither are specifically developed for electric vehicles like the Scorpions are (not sure if that's a legit distinction or just marketing mumbo jumbo).
6. Do I need a separate set of TPMS sensors if I opt for having two sets of rim and tires (I haven't on my ICE vehicles but I'm wondering if there is anything special about a Rivian that requires it).
7. If calibrations are required by at the Rivian service centre in Richmond, then how much do they charge for that?

I'm also planning to get matte PPF done with blackout badges replacing the standard chrome ones as soon as pick the vehicle up in a few weeks. have already contacted Monster Auto Lab in Langley. Would you guys recommend the ExoShield windshield protection ... for those of you in BC with an R1T or R1S, how have your windshields held up. Has anyone needed to get a replacement?

Thanks - looking forward to waving to some of your guys on the road soon!

Tire circumference is key. It is how far the vehicle travels with each full revolution. How far the vehicle travels per each hour, gives you average speed. How much energy consumed during that hour, and knowing how far traveled, provides data on consumption rate, which leads to range estimation.

Regardless of wheel size, sticking to the same overall tire diameter and circumference as your vehicle was programmed, ensures that all instrument readings and range calculations remain similar/consistent. Hence, there’d be no need for reprogramming.

Google “how to understand car tire marking” and you’ll find many FAQs, including one by Tire Rack, on how to read and determine tire sizes.

Also Google “tire size comparator” and “ tire size calculator”. You will find multiple online calculators to help you decipher tire sizes the easy way. With the comparators, you’ll also get to see effects of different sized tires on speedometer and odometer readings. Differences of less than 1% doesn’t need vehicle reprogramming. 3% or more, definitely reprogram. Sometime in 2025, Rivian plans to release an OTA to allow owners to change, on their own, known tire size. Exact timing unknown.

20” standard “all season” on gen2 has the Goodyear Territory AT, specifically developed for Rivian, is 3PMSF rated. They may be more economical to replace than the tires on the 22” Range. Plus, there far more non-factory tire alternatives for 20” wheels, whether you want AT, AS, MT or Snow tires.

Wheels/tires are easy to change post delivery. The high voltage battery pack isn’t. If range is at all a concern, pack size selection should be a greater consideration, not the wheel/tires options.

Currently Discount Tire is the only franchise Rivian has worked with. Though despite having info on jacking procedures, various DT locations can’t be counted on. Use forum search and you will find many tales of damage caused by DT employees. Google “Rivian tow operator guide” and “Rivian owner guide”. Tire service procedures are spelled in all of these guides. Additionally, you should consider acquiring a set of quality jack pucks. Search the forum and you will find multiple options.

You need TPMS sensors in each set of wheels you intend to run, IF you want pressure monitoring. Search forum and you will find multiple threads with details on which and where to buy. The official Rivian Gear Shop sells the exact same ones they put on the production cars.

ExoShield costs about 650 USD. Considering windshield replacement is about 1800 (and potentially considerable downtime), the film is cheap insurance. There are downsides. The film is softer than glass and not scratch-proof. Dirt and wipes will scratch it, make it more prone to glare. Not so bad that you couldn’t see well enough to drive. One can get used to it.

 

[White Rock Rivian]

Differences of less than 1% doesn’t need vehicle reprogramming. 3% or more, definitely reprogram.

Thanks, I hadn't seen that explained so succinctly before in any other post that I've read about tire/rim swaps for the Rivian. This is very good advice, and really helps with picking wheels/tires.

I also took it for granted that TPMS sensors were installed into my second set of rims when I purchased my last SUV. I see that EV Sportsline sells a set of 4, so I'll place an order for those.

I have no idea what the windshield replacement costs her in the Great White North, but I have very good insurance, so cost is less of a concern for me. However, after I saw a video of how complicated it is to remove the thing, I'm worried more about the downtime to get it replaced, which is why I'm considering the Exosheild. The upright windshield design inevitably leads to broken windshields, whether it's a Rivian, Jeep, Bronco or Defender. But those other vehicles don't require disassembly to the degree that a Rivian does.

One thing that does give me pause about putting on a protective windshield PPF ... during winter, when ice accumulates on the windows, you can't use a scrapper to scrape it off the window! Too bad the Rivian doesn't come with a heated windshield like the Defender!

I've read the owners guide for English Canada - there is nothing in there about who to go to for tire/rim swaps for a Rivian here in British Columbia. I've read on some forum posts that some of the Rivian Service Centers in the US have been giving people a hard time about swapping on aftermarket wheels/tires. I wonder if that's the case as well in BC and how long out one has to book to get a swap done, as well as the price.

Would appreciate if local BC Rivian owners could chime in.

I am aware that there might be a updated function to the UI to be able to do the calibration - I hope that's the case, but its probably wise to try to pick the closest matching winter and 3-season tire sets, so that I don't have to worry about calibration.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

The windshield is heated, where the wiper blades rest. Scraping the film with ice scrapers likely a no-go.

Tire service: Rivian or any tire/auto shop willing to work with information and jack pucks you provide, or DIY.

https://rivian.com/support/article/r1-tow-operator-guide

 

[White Rock Rivian]

Based on the above, that differences in total diameter < 1% don't require recalibration:
- I could match Hakka R5 SUV 275/60/R20 with either BFG KO2/KO3 or Falken Wildpeak tires which are also available as 275/60/R20 (no difference)
- or match up the stock Pirelli Scorpion 275/65/R20 with the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 in 275/65/R20 (no difference)

If I wanted to keep the 22 Range rims for winter with a set of Hakka R5 SUV 275/50/R22, then the best match would be an all-terrain tire in 275/60/R20, which has a 0.6% difference in diameter. Too bad the factory all-terrain option is the Pirelli Scorpion 275/65/R20, which has a 3.2% difference between all available winter tires for 22 inch rims ... all the major manufactures top out at a 275/50/R22 winter tire. So I'd need calibration done with this setup.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

This has been a common question, and as noted, selecting the correct 20" tire size for your wheels eliminates the need for recalibration when transitioning to a 20" configuration,

On a related note, we have one set of our custom forged Variant Wheels in Satin Black remaining from our large pre-order, arriving the third week of January. These are also 20" wheels, shown below in Triple Bronze on my R1T for reference. Last photo is actual 'Satn Black' which will be ready for shipment in 2 1/2 weeks.

Rivian Forgred 20" Variant Wheels LINK $695 EA

Satin Black (below)

 

[Riviot]

If I wanted to keep the 22 Range rims for winter with a set of Hakka R5 SUV 275/50/R22, then the best match would be an all-terrain tire in 275/60/R20, which has a 0.6% difference in diameter.

If you want a Winter set and AT set, this is your best bet. But don't be surprised when your range ain't great with ATs. There are plenty of aftermarket options, make sure you get 116 load index too (point of controversy here). The "all season" Goodyear Rivian has now is technically an AT tire, but more of an All Weather jack-of-all-trades.

If you want a summer set and winter set, put 275/60R20 winter tires on some aftermarket 20s and leave 22s as is.

 

[White Rock Rivian]

There are plenty of aftermarket options, make sure you get 116 load index too (point of controversy here).

I hadn't read that there was a minimum load index that was recommended - thanks!

 

[DB88]

I will chime in.. So I have a Gen 2 R1T with the 22 range wheels. Live in Victoria and also have a place in Whistler. The Stock pirellis are M+S tires. I looked into this and they are approved for winter driving on the sea to sky highway. Now are they the best winter tires... probably not. I'm up in Whistler now and had no issues with the OEM tires on the slushy roads when driving up here. I was also looking into getting a set of 20"' wheels and winters. But for now I think the pirellis will be fine. There are many aftermarket choices for 20" wheels. Rivian said they would be coming out with an update soon, so you could change wheels size yourself. My previous Gen 1 I had a full ppf and also had the windshield covered also. I couldn't even tell it was installed. I will be doing this again. I have to look to see what product they installed. Cheers and congrats!

 

[White Rock Rivian]

I will chime in.. So I have a Gen 2 R1T with the 22 range wheels. Live in Victoria and also have a place in Whistler. The Stock pirellis are M+S tires. I looked into this and they are approved for winter driving on the sea to sky highway. Now are they the best winter tires... probably not. I'm up in Whistler now and had no issues with the OEM tires on the slushy roads when driving up here. I was also looking into getting a set of 20"' wheels and winters. But for now I think the pirellis will be fine. There are many aftermarket choices for 20" wheels. Rivian said they would be coming out with an update soon, so you could change wheels size yourself. My previous Gen 1 I had a full ppf and also had the windshield covered also. I couldn't even tell it was installed. I will be doing this again. I have to look to see what product they installed. Cheers and congrats!

Brilliant - thanks for that information

 

[electruck]

You're not planning to drive round trip from White Rock to Whistler on a single charge are you? In wintery conditions, that might not be possible (although the LFP battery is suited to using 100% of the pack's capacity).

 

[Seano]

I've posted in another section of the forum, but in case you didn't see it: I ordered ours with the 22s & all seasons and just installed 20's with Haka R5 SUV (275/60R20's) for Tahoe. Tire size is spot on with the 275/50R22 Pirelli Scorpions and don't require any re-programming.

Years ago I'd seen the recommendation that a little more sidewall is better with snow tires? Have had great success with the Haka's on another vehicle - this setup is no different.

Originally wanted a different wheel, but these were all avail via tirerack - mounted, tpms installed and shipped to my home.

 

[White Rock Rivian]

You're not planning to drive round trip from White Rock to Whistler on a single charge are you? In wintery conditions, that might not be possible (although the LFP battery is suited to using 100% of the pack's capacity).

In the summer, I should be fine with round trip, but I am considering keeping the 22 inch Range rims for the winter, for this reason.

We have a place at the Westin Whistler, so I don't need to drive any once I get there, and they can top me up with a charge while I'm there.

 

[White Rock Rivian]

I was hoping to put the winter tires on the ugly rims (the 22 inch Range rims), and run with all-terrain tires during the warmer 3 seasons of the year.

Either that or I'd just go with 20 inch rims, and swap all-terrain and winter tires on them seasonally.

DB88 posts above has me contemplating just going with 3 mountain peak snowflake rated 20 inch all-terrain tires during winter as well. I don't drive the Coquihalla highway (I may do so in a few years when my kids are older and skiing more), but right now my major highway driving during the winter would be limited to the Sea to Sky highway.

 

[DB88]

Also there are 12 new Tesla super chargers at market place that have the built in adapter installed. So very convenient to charge when you’re in Whistler.

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