Ruggedizing the R1S

[Shavaloo]

Other than sliders and good AT’s what other things do you guys like to do to ruggedize the R1S a bit more for off-road and overlanding. Tested the R1S for the first time today, and coming from a new Defender, it felt a little too posh for my needs. I think I’ll miss the hose down interior, handles everywhere, and more utilitarian feel of the Defender. R1S just felt like a really nice SUV. Since LR delayed their EV Defender til whenever, R1S is really my only option for an EV, which I really want. Few other nitpicks are the big open area between the front footwells. Terrible place for stuff as it will just flop into the pedal area, so essentially useless space. And I hate the idea of that much glass above my head on on offroad vehicle that might roll someday. Would much rather have a no glass options. Such great potential, but it feels like they could put out an overlanding model (yes I know the term is overused) with some off road touches like interior grab handles, some body protection, OEM sliders, winch, and full spare option for the rear. Maybe I just need to get one and beat it up so it looks less like a soccer mom suv. I don’t know. What are you guys doing to yours to make them less prissy.

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[Donald Stanfield]

Someone sprayed their T’s exterior with rhino lining. That would make it pretty strong.

 

[Noplacelikeloam]

That’s the R1X. TBD

 

[usulio]

For the interior, rubber floor mats (LinerX or Tuxmat). Screen protectors especially for the back screen which is in the scratch zone. Seat covers and cargo liner in the back for mud and such. There have been discussions of A-pillar grab handles on this forum but I don't think anyone's posted about installing one. People put in MOLLE panels in the center console (product link).

For the exterior, mainly sliders. There is the factory steel underbody protection. Rival makes a front skid plate. You could take the hitch cover off the back in advance for one less plastic panel to worry about. People's main wishlist item is to replace the silver plastic piece under the nose with an actual metal skid, but I don't think anyone is selling that yet. I've actually come to appreciate the black plastic cladding all the way around for taking minor bumps, scratches, etc.

Other than that, a big dose of nonchalant. Go get it dirty and get your first few pinstripes and you'll feel a lot better.

If you care about making it look more off-roady, people put spare tire mounts on the hitch and racks on the top, but all that can come with a hit to range.

 

[Krs71]

Can you put spacers with the 21 inch tires?

 

[Shavaloo]

Thanks. Some good ideas. I think they could sell a good number of more off-road oriented versions of both trucks. Probably too expensive to hope for at this time though.

 

[Riviot]

Maybe I just need to get one and beat it up so it looks less like a soccer mom suv. I don’t know. What are you guys doing to yours to make them less prissy.

Loading the bed with fresh down logs from the forest getting dirt/getting into every crevasse, dropping ladders on the side and scratching/denting it, letting unskilled friends drive and high-center it... Generally giving less Fs about the looks than I probably should.

You could probably save a few pennies by getting a used one that's already externally beat up but internally and mechanically fine. There's one that's rolled around in a field, not sure where it is now though.

 

[White Shadow]

Other than sliders and good AT’s what other things do you guys like to do to ruggedize the R1S a bit more for off-road and overlanding. Tested the R1S for the first time today, and coming from a new Defender, it felt a little too posh for my needs. I think I’ll miss the hose down interior, handles everywhere, and more utilitarian feel of the Defender. R1S just felt like a really nice SUV. Since LR delayed their EV Defender til whenever, R1S is really my only option for an EV, which I really want. Few other nitpicks are the big open area between the front footwells. Terrible place for stuff as it will just flop into the pedal area, so essentially useless space. And I hate the idea of that much glass above my head on on offroad vehicle that might roll someday. Would much rather have a no glass options. Such great potential, but it feels like they could put out an overlanding model (yes I know the term is overused) with some off road touches like interior grab handles, some body protection, OEM sliders, winch, and full spare option for the rear. Maybe I just need to get one and beat it up so it looks less like a soccer mom suv. I don’t know. What are you guys doing to yours to make them less prissy.

If you can wait, take a hard look at the upcoming Scout EVs. Much more inline with something like a Defender. I think the R1S is much more on-road oriented and probalby isn't what you're looking for.

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