Introductions & Welcome Thread 👋

[TW-R1S]

Greetings,
New join from a long time Rivian Forums reader here. Been monitoring this forum for years - since way before obtaining 1st Rivian - an R1T in Nov 2022. I have since shifted to an R1S as of June 2023, which has been a great vehicle.

I am grateful to have learned a lot from the community knowledge shared in the forums, and feel like it's time to contribute where possible as I continue to gain knowledge & experiences using my R1S, as well as the other EV's we own - a Hyundai Ioniq 5 and a BMW i3.

I look forward to continued sharing of knowledge, experiences, awareness, and enthusiasm.

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[Reidski29]

Well, I figure it is about time I joined this forum! I have been stalking the forums daily for the past 2 months here and have pretty much decided on buying a used Rivian (R1S, or R1T - the great debate). I have been using the forum to learn more about the vehicles and in an attempt to narrow my search.

A little about myself and my current vehicle situation. I currently drive my beloved 2013 Ford Expedition, however this gets uses very rarely unless camping or the need to drive to a trailhead or the space. As a family we take my wife’s Tesla Model Y everywhere 98% of the time. It is time to replace my SUV and I have been down the path of the Ford Bronco/Toyota Landcruiser. I had a small obsession with the Bronco from 2020-2023 and thought that was it, then came along the landcruiser. Dead set I thought I had it narrowed down – all until I went to the Detroit Auto Show in January 2025. I got in the Rivian R1T, and got to go on an EV test drive. It was just a dual max with the performance pack, told the driver I loved the Rivian and owned a tesla. On the indoor track they actually accelerated full “gas” and when that thing took off I had a gitty feeling the Landcruiser was out. Since then I have been on another demo ride with both the T and the S with my wife as we attempted to narrow this vehicle down.

I had reservations with both vehicles being the EV only family. I/We camp and drive a lot and head to the UP and up north in Michigan where chargers aren’t always frequently used. I have gotten over this and will just have to deal with it.

I love the look of the truck and the drivability on the freeway was great. My biggest beef with the R1T is the lack of space inside for my mountain bike inside the vehicle. I know most people here are gonna tell me to throw it over the tailgate, the bed, etc. Well, I keep my bike with my in my vehicle sometimes for days (go out after work) and hate it sitting in the rain or snow. During the test drive I drove the T home to check the garage space (it fits with NO JOKE 3 inches total, maybe 1.5 inches front and back). With that checked off, I attempted to load my mountain bike with the front wheel off and the seats flipped. It didn’t fit (needed maybe 3 more inches). I went as far as to email softopper to figure out when a top would come out, but I also think it would be a pain to mount the bike all the time in the bed of the vehicle with the front wheel off (bike won’t fit over the tailgate in the garage).

Anyways, the R1S is my wife’s favorite, I like the look and the space inside is very similar to my Expedition. I sleep occasionally while camping in the Expedition and could easily do this in the S which is nice. I also dislike the compact spare being the only option. The biggest negative for me on the S is the additional price over the T and the very slightly noticeable back and forth pitch while driving. Granted my Expedition is a massive boat of a vehicle and has body swap everywhere.

Who knows what I end up with, but I have been checking off the calendar each day with the flavor of the day to see what model I am after for 30 days. Looking at these forums for used ones, Autotrader, dealer lots, and even Carvana. My main pick would be a Limestone, with the 22” black wheels (or maybe the 20” though I know it’s a slight range hit), with the Merdian stereo which puts me in the 2022-early 2023 range with a VIN of around 15XXXX. Picky eh?

Nice to meet you all, from Grand Rapids, Michigan on the west side of the state. Figured I better post now to get some street cred.

 

[DayTripping]

@Reidski29 - Welcome to the forum. It looks like you've really done your research. I think many of us when through the same process. I did this when considering new and used and settled on a used R1T. It was just such an phenomenal value I couldn't pass it up. I have to say the pitching (aka porpoising) of the R1S is was the final deciding factor to go with T instead. I love having the bed now too.

If you need more interior volume, or 3 rows, then the enclosed space can be helpful with the R1S. There are some good topper options for the R1T finally. Here is one some of us went together on a group buy to purchase. Really adds even more versatility to an already versatile truck. I have to say I really love the gear tunnel on the R1T.

https://autofitpro.co/products/truc...ivian-r1t-2022-present-gen1-and-gen2-deposits

 

[Reidski29]

@Reidski29 - Welcome to the forum. It looks like you've really done your research. I think many of us when through the same process. I did this when considering new and used and settled on a used R1T. It was just such an phenomenal value I couldn't pass it up. I have to say the pitching (aka porpoising) of the R1S is was the final deciding factor to go with T instead. I love having the bed now too.

If you need more interior volume, or 3 rows, then the enclosed space can be helpful with the R1S. There are some good topper options for the R1T finally. Here is one some of us went together on a group buy to purchase. Really adds even more versatility to an already versatile truck. I have to say I really love the gear tunnel on the R1T.

https://autofitpro.co/products/truc...ivian-r1t-2022-present-gen1-and-gen2-deposits

I appreciate the insight, and I actually have already saw that from previous search history posts! For me I am not entirely sold, as I have not been a fan of permanent toppers - but again just something I may need to get over. The security likely can't be beat with it.

Thanks for the reply and I'll the community in the loop with what I ended up with. I know where to go if I have questions - this forum!

 

[bcerv8]

Good morning all!
I finally traded in my Hyundai Palisade for the RS1. I had been patiently waiting for the EX90 from Volvo and the Ionique 9 from Hyundai and just couldn’t wait any longer for a 3 row EV. We currently have a Tesla model y and a hummer 3x pickup and now the Rivian RS1.

We are a family that loves EV. The savings on gas alone are worth it but also the savings in time and money on maintenance.

Now, here comes the bad part. We scored a 2025 RS1 for a good price as someone traded it in with only 7k miles because the price became too expensive in monthly payments. But, as soon as we started driving it we realized a few issues:

1. The heat pump buzzes so loud when it cuts in but it produces zero heat most times. If it does blow heat on high or even somewhere in the 80’s it blows for about 10 seconds and the heat pump cuts off.

2. We bought it with the headlight recall being outstanding

3. The infotainment has wanted a reboot twice in the last 4 days we’ve owned it always in the morning. Plus yesterday I reversed out of a parking spot and when I set it to drive the infotainment system rebooted itself out of nowhere.

we set a service appointment but they can’t get us into the Denver, Colorado service center until April 21st so we are stuck with no heat until then which to me is the most major issue.

I’m glad to be here though and hopefully these issues get worked out asap!

 

[MountainBikeDude]

Well, I figure it is about time I joined this forum! I have been stalking the forums daily for the past 2 months here and have pretty much decided on buying a used Rivian (R1S, or R1T - the great debate). I have been using the forum to learn more about the vehicles and in an attempt to narrow my search.

A little about myself and my current vehicle situation. I currently drive my beloved 2013 Ford Expedition, however this gets uses very rarely unless camping or the need to drive to a trailhead or the space. As a family we take my wife’s Tesla Model Y everywhere 98% of the time. It is time to replace my SUV and I have been down the path of the Ford Bronco/Toyota Landcruiser. I had a small obsession with the Bronco from 2020-2023 and thought that was it, then came along the landcruiser. Dead set I thought I had it narrowed down – all until I went to the Detroit Auto Show in January 2025. I got in the Rivian R1T, and got to go on an EV test drive. It was just a dual max with the performance pack, told the driver I loved the Rivian and owned a tesla. On the indoor track they actually accelerated full “gas” and when that thing took off I had a gitty feeling the Landcruiser was out. Since then I have been on another demo ride with both the T and the S with my wife as we attempted to narrow this vehicle down.

I had reservations with both vehicles being the EV only family. I/We camp and drive a lot and head to the UP and up north in Michigan where chargers aren’t always frequently used. I have gotten over this and will just have to deal with it.

I love the look of the truck and the drivability on the freeway was great. My biggest beef with the R1T is the lack of space inside for my mountain bike inside the vehicle. I know most people here are gonna tell me to throw it over the tailgate, the bed, etc. Well, I keep my bike with my in my vehicle sometimes for days (go out after work) and hate it sitting in the rain or snow. During the test drive I drove the T home to check the garage space (it fits with NO JOKE 3 inches total, maybe 1.5 inches front and back). With that checked off, I attempted to load my mountain bike with the front wheel off and the seats flipped. It didn’t fit (needed maybe 3 more inches). I went as far as to email softopper to figure out when a top would come out, but I also think it would be a pain to mount the bike all the time in the bed of the vehicle with the front wheel off (bike won’t fit over the tailgate in the garage).

Anyways, the R1S is my wife’s favorite, I like the look and the space inside is very similar to my Expedition. I sleep occasionally while camping in the Expedition and could easily do this in the S which is nice. I also dislike the compact spare being the only option. The biggest negative for me on the S is the additional price over the T and the very slightly noticeable back and forth pitch while driving. Granted my Expedition is a massive boat of a vehicle and has body swap everywhere.

Who knows what I end up with, but I have been checking off the calendar each day with the flavor of the day to see what model I am after for 30 days. Looking at these forums for used ones, Autotrader, dealer lots, and even Carvana. My main pick would be a Limestone, with the 22” black wheels (or maybe the 20” though I know it’s a slight range hit), with the Merdian stereo which puts me in the 2022-early 2023 range with a VIN of around 15XXXX. Picky eh?

Nice to meet you all, from Grand Rapids, Michigan on the west side of the state. Figured I better post now to get some street cred.

2023 R1T here. Any R1T with a VIN below 19000 will have the Meridian speakers. Mine is a 1896X.
R1S will be in a far lower VIN range

 

[Reidski29]

@MountainBikeDude any chance you leave your bike outside overnight/snow/rain by chance in the R1T? Are the gear cables enough for security in your eyes? Thanks in advance!

 

[MountainBikeDude]

@MountainBikeDude any chance you leave your bike outside overnight/snow/rain by chance in the R1T? Are the gear cables enough for security in your eyes? Thanks in advance!

I've had too many expensive bikes stolen, so typically unless I can see it, it doesn't stay in my vehicle. That said, the gear guard cable is nice as a deterrent to would be thieves looking for a quick grab.

I would add the crossbars are actually my go to bike lock, on the rear most locking point, you can actually run the crossbar straight through the frames of all the bikes hanging over the tailgate and lock the crossbar down. That to me is the best option.

 

[Reidski29]

I've had too many expensive bikes stolen, so typically unless I can see it, it doesn't stay in my vehicle. That said, the gear guard cable is nice as a deterrent to would be thieves looking for a quick grab.

I would add the crossbars are actually my go to bike lock, on the rear most locking point, you can actually run the crossbar straight through the frames of all the bikes hanging over the tailgate and lock the crossbar down. That to me is the best option.

AWESOME tip I never thought of that!

 

[dulinor]

Now that I've had my R1S (Tri-Motor Gen 2) for TWO WHOLE DAYS I figure it's time to sign up!

So, far very happy with the car. I had a heart-stopping moment when I first picked it up and heard bizarre whistling noises coming from the roof at speed (as documented in a Reddit post) but it hasn't recurred. Plus Rivian actually got back to me promptly about it, which is reassuring even though I told them I didn't need a service appointment.

We've had our eyes on Rivians (and EVs) for a while and a confluence of factors had us go from a test drive to an order to delivery in two weeks. We have 9 year old twins and dogs so have been living the minivan life. I actually really like our Pacifica Hybrid - tons of room and we never use gas around town, but it's getting long in the tooth and is currently at the shop for the second multi-week repair in the last few months. (We have an unlimited Mopar warranty on it so it's all covered. I bought it because I didn't trust a first-generation hybrid system from Stellantis but that's the one system that *hasn't* had issues.)

Expected Chrysler to buy out the warranty so we started looking. They didn't so we're keeping the van but we wanted something with three rows we could trust. Plus with everything going on wouldn't be surprised if prices spike up and the credit to be gone soon. Surprisingly my wife hated the looks of the EV9/Ioniq 9 and thought the ID.Buzz was "too cute." We have multiple friends with Rivians and so we ended up with my "reach" car.

Took it on a long trip today (got back with 7% battery) and I never thought I'd like driving a big boat this much. The tech stack is a little disappointing so far but overall we're over the moon.

Like everyone else the car I *really* want is an R3X but this is a lot of fun right now.

 

[CampfireWisdom]

Aspiring Rivian owner here... got my R2 reservation although I am seriously considering an R1T. I'm all about finding the perfect adventure vehicle to take my kids camping while teaching them about the next evolution in transportation; electrification.

I have a podcast and YouTube channel about my passion for camping and the outdoors. My (small) audience is well aware of my obsession with all things Rivian. I'm a nub to EVs, but I'm a quick learner and lifelong student.

All my best,

Greg

 

[Bcross]

Just joined since I'm picking up my R1T DMP tomorrow morning! I've been following Rivian on this and other platforms for a couple of years - beginning when they announced the purchase of the plant in Normal.

I live in Central Illinois about an hour from the 'mother ship'. I've been driving light trucks my entire life - my last drivers where Ram 1500's -so not new to trucks.

Look forward to continuing to tap this hive mind for Rivian best practices.

 

[DayTripping]

Aspiring Rivian owner here... got my R2 reservation although I am seriously considering an R1T. I'm all about finding the perfect adventure vehicle to take my kids camping while teaching them about the next evolution in transportation; electrification.

I have a podcast and YouTube channel about my passion for camping and the outdoors. My (small) audience is well aware of my obsession with all things Rivian. I'm a nub to EVs, but I'm a quick learner and lifelong student.

All my best,

Greg

Welcome to the forum. I had an R2 reserved and now that I have my R1T, not really sure if I'll convert my reservation into an order. You can pick up low mileage R1T's for likely about the same, or a little more as an R2 (depending on spec). A 2022-2024 quad motor R1T is a heckuva bargain right now. Supercar performance, fun to drive, and a great daily driver.

 

[COdogman]

Just joined since I'm picking up my R1T DMP tomorrow morning! I've been following Rivian on this and other platforms for a couple of years - beginning when they announced the purchase of the plant in Normal.

I live in Central Illinois about an hour from the 'mother ship'. I've been driving light trucks my entire life - my last drivers where Ram 1500's -so not new to trucks.

Look forward to continuing to tap this hive mind for Rivian best practices.

Since that was in 2017 I just wanted to check on you and ask what it's like for time to move that slowly? Are you part Greenland Shark?

Former Mitsubishi plant now owned by Rivian Automotive
The Associated Press
Jan. 5, 2017
NORMAL — Rivian Automotive has completed its purchase of the former Mitsubishi plant in Normal, where it plans to manufacture electric vehicles.

https://www.sj-r.com/story/business/2017/01/05/former-mitsubishi-plant-now-owned/22809022007/

 

[RivianRiverRat]

Since that was in 2017 I just wanted to check on you and ask what it's like for time to move that slowly? Are you part Greenland Shark?

Former Mitsubishi plant now owned by Rivian Automotive
The Associated Press
Jan. 5, 2017
NORMAL — Rivian Automotive has completed its purchase of the former Mitsubishi plant in Normal, where it plans to manufacture electric vehicles.

https://www.sj-r.com/story/business/2017/01/05/former-mitsubishi-plant-now-owned/22809022007/

Soon

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