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R1S needs a true roof rack, please!

crashmtb

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Yes. I agree, but it needs to happen prior to my delivery date, whenever that may be. Fortunately, I think I have a lot of time. I am also wondering how they will do it with the unique mounting system that Rivian has.


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wicked2112

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Yes. I agree, but it needs to happen prior to my delivery date, whenever that may be. Fortunately, I think I have a lot of time. I am also wondering how they will do it with the unique mounting system that Rivian has.
Be careful about what you ask for, and please believe this WILL NOT happen before delivery.

I'll explain.

Fitting a vehicle takes time. But also, you have to have a vehicle in hand - to determine what will fit and what fails.

This mounting system is different from anything on the market currently. The only way an after-market solution becomes available, would be if an after-market dealer had access the vehicle - same with the R1T. Once they have the vehicle and can fit them, a couple of factors have to be determined? Can you create a system that will allow similar points of attachment for other rack components? Can it come in under or at the weight limit that Rivian is stating - remember, all of these vehicle have a glass roof, and too much weight will cause issues. Who warranties these after-market racks if something goes wrong? Rack manufactures will not take any responsibilities for another rack system damaging your vehicle - especially a system that isn't called out in a fit, Rivian will be no different in my opinion.

Lastly, what I am gathering from some of the comments, is that people are mistaking this vehicle as an overlanding vehicle, versus an adventure vehicle. Yes, this vehicle can go ANYWHERE - as it has been proven. BUT, you must consider factors and limitations of where and what you are carrying. Overloading your vehicle can cause a lot of damage to your vehicle if you are not careful, and we all know how much these vehicle cost.

My advice to EVERYONE here concerning racks -

Do you research on what you can and cannot (or should carry) on you R1T or R1S.
Don't put something on your vehicle that could be harmful down the road.
Check with Rivian to see what they suggest.
If you do go with an after-market brand for racks or accessories, vet them extensively!!! It would be a shame if you didn't, and your vehicle became damaged because of it.
Remember also, these vehicles have warranties. If you do something outside warranty, it could ultimately VOID the warranty, and no one wants that.

The rack system Rivian is currently using is solid and everyone should enjoy it! Its extremely easy to install, and will allows you simple and easy access to your gear.

Have fun!

Cheers!
 

crashmtb

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Be careful about what you ask for, and please believe this WILL NOT happen before delivery.

I'll explain.

Fitting a vehicle takes time. But also, you have to have a vehicle in hand - to determine what will fit and what fails.

This mounting system is different from anything on the market currently. The only way an after-market solution becomes available, would be if an after-market dealer had access the vehicle - same with the R1T. Once they have the vehicle and can fit them, a couple of factors have to be determined? Can you create a system that will allow similar points of attachment for other rack components? Can it come in under or at the weight limit that Rivian is stating - remember, all of these vehicle have a glass roof, and too much weight will cause issues. Who warranties these after-market racks if something goes wrong? Rack manufactures will not take any responsibilities for another rack system damaging your vehicle - especially a system that isn't called out in a fit, Rivian will be no different in my opinion.

Lastly, what I am gathering from some of the comments, is that people are mistaking this vehicle as an overlanding vehicle, versus an adventure vehicle. Yes, this vehicle can go ANYWHERE - as it has been proven. BUT, you must consider factors and limitations of where and what you are carrying. Overloading your vehicle can cause a lot of damage to your vehicle if you are not careful, and we all know how much these vehicle cost.

My advice to EVERYONE here concerning racks -

Do you research on what you can and cannot (or should carry) on you R1T or R1S.
Don't put something on your vehicle that could be harmful down the road.
Check with Rivian to see what they suggest.
If you do go with an after-market brand for racks or accessories, vet them extensively!!! It would be a shame if you didn't, and your vehicle became damaged because of it.
Remember also, these vehicles have warranties. If you do something outside warranty, it could ultimately VOID the warranty, and no one wants that.

The rack system Rivian is currently using is solid and everyone should enjoy it! Its extremely easy to install, and will allows you simple and easy access to your gear.

Have fun!

Cheers!
All I get from your reply is that you guys are probably working on cool stuff that uses the attachment points ??
 
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Singletracker

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Kenny - thank you for all that very relevant information. You do seem to be uniquely qualified to comment. However, I wish you were more encouraging ☹

I have a couple of questions, however. As to the glass roof - is it really a critical structural component or is any weight on the roof actually supported by the pillars and the truck frame?

Considering there would be a Rivian weight limitation, as with most vehicles, wouldn’t it be better to spread that weight over 6 mounting points as opposed to 4? I could mount a 150 lbs. tent on those 4 mounting points, assuming proper spacing, with 100 lbs. to spare. Considering a rack with 6 mounting points, it seems as though the 250 lbs. dynamic weight limit could at least be maintained, possibly increased. It doesn’t seem like a modest weight would be an issue, unless one decided to go crazy and carry all manner of stuff up there. Of course, the rack, itself, would add significant weight and that would have to be taken into consideration.

Lastly, if Rivian has no intention of it ever being a capable overlanding vehicle, they are sure doing a bang up job of promoting it to do exactly that.

Anyway, thanks, again for your incites.
 

Notaevfan

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Can't get past the higher center of gravity....and reduced range due to aerodynamics....I'm dying. We are talking about putting a bunch of stuff up top right?
 

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crashmtb

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, it seems as though the 250 lbs. dynamic weight limit could at least be maintained, possibly increased. It doesn’t seem like a modest weight would be an issue, unless one decided to go crazy and carry all manner of stuff up there. Of course, the rack, itself, would add significant weight and that would have to be taken into consideration.

Lastly, if Rivian has no intention of it ever being a capable overlanding vehicle, they are sure doing a bang up job of promoting it to do exactly that.

Anyway, thanks, again for your incites.
the dynamic load limit on a roof rack generally has more to do with the effect on CoG, and what happens when that mass wants to change direction, than anything else.

Is “overlanding“ defined as exclusively using a rooftop tent?
 
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Singletracker

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Well, aerodynamics and CG are certainly affected when you put anything up on the roof. The question is how much. People carry stuff on the roof of their car all the time. It’s not a big deal, if done properly. My rooftop tent probably cost me less than a mile per gallon, at 70 mph. In my case, what really has had the most effect on mileage is larger, heavier tires. Note that Rivians with the 20” A/T tires take a mileage hit. The higher CG is not a big deal, unless one is planning track days ? My FJ is certainly not going to set any slalom records in stock trim. Add a modest lift, proper suspension, larger tires, a roof rack and tent and it’s just fine. It is well worth it. Everything is a trade off. With the Rivian’s suspension and very low CG, I’m pretty sure that rooftop tent is virtually unnoticeable, except for mileage and possibly wind noise, the way they have it mounted so far forward.

I always thought of “overlanding” as a general term for getting off the beaten path, hitting the trails. It has nothing to do with a roof top tent. Although, a rooftop tent does make it a lot more comfortable.
 

Zoidz

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I always thought of “overlanding” as a general term for getting off the beaten path, hitting the trails. It has nothing to do with a roof top tent. Although, a rooftop tent does make it a lot more comfortable.
You are describing what most people call off-roading. Overlanding generally implies something very different. Other than the "Long Way" trip, which was really an endurance test and publicity stunt, I can't think of any advertising that Rivian has done promoting overlanding.
"Overlanding, unlike off-roading at the Trona Pinnacles or a camping trip to Grand Canyon National Park, usually involves long-distance travel to remote locations that are under-documented and where little prior exploration has occurred. Other characteristics that define overlanding include, but are not limited to, self-reliance, adventure, survival, and discovery."

"Don't fool yourself: A weekend trip spent roasting marshmallows over a soothing campfire, tackling obstacles, and conquering trails, as adventurous as it sounds, does not qualify as overlanding."
 
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SoCal Rob

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Well, call me entitled, if you will, but the reality is, without my rooftop tent, the vehicle is has limited usefulness. I figure I’m 1.5-2 years out from ever seeing my R1S, so I will be patient - I promise. Really, I promise ?
Regardless of entitlement, I have a question from a different viewpoint.

If I’m a decision maker at Rivian and we’re selling a roof-top tent compatible with our mounting system, what is the incentive for me to make it easier for people to use a competing product?

With that in mind, I’m not convinced Rivian will be making what you want soon, er, shortly.
 
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Singletracker

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Okay, Zoidz, works for me. By that definition, I don’t think anybody is going to be “overlanding” a Rivian - no charge stations ☹ I guess my regimen is somewhere between “off-roading” and “overlanding”, but leaning more towards ”off-roading” ? ? Okay, now that we’ve got that straight, how about that darn roof rack, so I can off-road ?
 

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Mysta

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The roof itself should be plenty strong for any reasonable rate. They are required to be so for rollover safety reasons. I think most roof racks are rated in the 250 lbs. or more dynamic (driving) weight and at least double that for static weight. The rack I have on my FJ is rated at 300/600 lbs. My current rooftop tent is about 150 lbs., well within any normal load limit range. A proper roof rack would utilize all six mounting ports and disperse any load over a larger range of the vehicle structure than a pair of crossbars.
Buy another set of crossbars and mount whatever you want to all 3
 

crashmtb

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kneebuster

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I'm sure Gobi will have a full length rack designed in short order once they get their hands on a vehicle to measure. Like others have said it's about getting the aftermarket producers some vehicles to start solutioning outside the OEM options
Gobi makes great stuff. My gen 2 Xterra was the one they used to design the racks and ladder for that truck. If I were getting the R1S I'd consider loaning to them again.
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