Who wants a simpler R1?

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What would the ride height be in this theoretical fixed height Rivian?

Ride height has a huge impact on range.

If it was fixed at high (or max), advertised range would likely be less than 200 miles. While that might be sufficient for what most people actually need, it's not close to what people think they need. People just don't buy EV's with less than 200mi of range.

If it was fixed at low or lowest, as would be required to advertise 300 plus mile range, It would have a hard time claiming to be an "adventure vehicle".

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[jjswan33]

I recall a conversation with some Rivian owners. The question, "What is your favorite feature of the truck" Quickly 3/4 owners said it was the acceleration, yep the acceleration is quick but that is true of most EVs but the suspension is what makes the Rivian special.

On the other hand as an owner who had a suspension failure I understand your concern but today it's still my favorite feature of the truck.

 

[Goose]

What would the ride height be in this theoretical fixed height Rivian?

Ride height has a huge impact on range.

If it was fixed at high (or max), advertised range would likely be less than 200 miles. While that might be sufficient for what most people actually need, it's not close to what people think they need. People just don't buy EV's with less than 200mi of range.

If it was fixed at low or lowest, as would be required to advertise 300 plus mile range, It would have a hard time claiming to be an "adventure vehicle".

Just the standard ride height would be sufficient. This would allow for greater articulation and use of electronic controlled dampers would allow for a firmer on road, softer off road ride.

 

[Inkedsphynx]

I would have been significantly less interested in coils. I've had 3 vehicles with air suspension, and never had an issue. I like to take corners faster than I should, so yes, I do *need* a McClaren inspired suspension. I wouldn't have wanted 2 motors, I wouldn't have wanted coils, I wouldn't have wanted anything that makes it less capable than it already is.

EDIT: As others have said, variable ride height is huge. I lose probably 15-20% range at speed in Standard compared to low. I'd certainly not have wanted the same truck with 20% less range.

EDIT 2: My last vehicle was a Defender with air suspension. I put at least 5 or 6k miles on it offroading. I'm a very experienced offroader who has been doing it his whole life. The Defender, prior to the R1T, was the best stock offroader I've ever owned. I'm not sure your friend with the Defender knows what they're talking about, or knows how to properly use their vehicle. Maybe they've got the 4d and it's somehow vastly different offroad than the 2d I had (Other than breakover it shouldn't really be that different). ?

You spend a lot of time on here posting fairly negative things, curious why you're in line at all at this point. You seem to be constantly looking for ways to talk yourself into some ICE instead of an R1. At this point, go get the ICE and quit complaining about things that aren't going to change

 

[Goose]

I would have been significantly less interested in coils. I've had 3 vehicles with air suspension, and never had an issue. I like to take corners faster than I should, so yes, I do *need* a McClaren inspired suspension. I wouldn't have wanted 2 motors, I wouldn't have wanted coils, I wouldn't have wanted anything that makes it less capable than it already is.

EDIT: As others have said, variable ride height is huge. I lose probably 15-20% range at speed in Standard compared to low. I'd certainly not have wanted the same truck with 20% less range.

That’s great! Glad it’s your dream truck. I only wants the option of traditional suspension.

 

[lmr]

I only wants the option of traditional suspension.

Then it sounds like your dream truck is not an R1T, as others have already said, look to the R2 for the more traditional, and cheaper options, to be showcased as that will be the first volume seller for Rivian and targeted towards a cheaper market entry point and to international markets.

At this point it is highly unlikely Rivian will overly complicate their manufacturing process this early in the game by reengineering a new suspension, as an option, for their R1 lineup. Especially when they are already looking to uncomplicate their current processes by offering fewer options, not more, as they ramp.
You can certainly wish for it, lord knows everyone has their wish list, but this kind of net new option is not likely to be seen, if ever, before the R1's first major refresh 5 or 6 years from now.

Maybe go look at a Ford Lighting which does have a more traditional suspension, although its full independent rear-suspension is also out of the norm for full-size pickups, but its not an airbag suspension.

 

[Goose]

Then it sounds like your dream truck is not an R1T, as others have already said, look to the R2 for the more traditional, and cheaper options, to be showcased as that will be the first volume seller for Rivian and targeted towards a cheaper market entry point and to international markets.

At this point it is highly unlikely Rivian will overly complicate their manufacturing process this early in the game by reengineering a new suspension, as an option, for their R1 lineup. Especially when they are already looking to uncomplicate their current processes by offering fewer options, not more, as they ramp.
You can certainly wish for it, lord knows everyone has their wish list, but this kind of net new option is not likely to be seen, if ever, before the R1's first major refresh 5 or 6 years from now.

Maybe go look at a Ford Lighting which does have a more traditional suspension, although its full independent rear-suspension is also out of the norm for full-size pickups, but its not an airbag suspension.

I like the overall styling of the Rivian more than anything from Ford. We don't know enough about the R2 for me to be excited about it, however, like I mentioned previously. Based on current rumors the R2 is going to be a unibody crossover, that's not for me. I want a BoF truck like the R1T.

I'm not saying the air suspension will prevent me from getting an R1, just wishing it would be an option to reduce price and the complications. Again, looking at the recent posts on the forum homepage there's been a number of suspension failure threads posted.

 

[bummin]

I have a 2019 Ram with air suspension which I find to be quieter that my R1T. Sure some noise comes from the Rivian roll control, but overall no issues with air suspension. Rivian is quicker to inflate/deflate, but ride quality is similar. Downside of springs is lack of load leveling which is a great feature if you haul loads frequently. Had a 17 Raptor and though it had the best ride of any truck I have ever had, put some tile in the bed and the tail pipe drag with the nose pointed at the sky.

Would like to see an R1T with a Raptor like suspension setup, but is a lot of weight to contend with for those wishing to have daylight under the tires from time to time.

 

[zefram47]

Nope. After living with a 3" lifted 4Runner since 2016 an adjustable suspension is a huge plus in my book. My parents have trouble climbing into the 4Runner and I was already considering a Lexus LX570 (which has hydraulic height control) with light off-road mods as a result. The R1 with nearly 6" of adjustment fits the bill nicely and can't wait to get mine.

 

[Goose]

I would have been significantly less interested in coils. I've had 3 vehicles with air suspension, and never had an issue. I like to take corners faster than I should, so yes, I do *need* a McClaren inspired suspension. I wouldn't have wanted 2 motors, I wouldn't have wanted coils, I wouldn't have wanted anything that makes it less capable than it already is.

EDIT: As others have said, variable ride height is huge. I lose probably 15-20% range at speed in Standard compared to low. I'd certainly not have wanted the same truck with 20% less range.

EDIT 2: My last vehicle was a Defender with air suspension. I put at least 5 or 6k miles on it offroading. I'm a very experienced offroader who has been doing it his whole life. The Defender, prior to the R1T, was the best stock offroader I've ever owned. I'm not sure your friend with the Defender knows what they're talking about, or knows how to properly use their vehicle. Maybe they've got the 4d and it's somehow vastly different offroad than the 2d I had (Other than breakover it shouldn't really be that different). ?

You spend a lot of time on here posting fairly negative things, curious why you're in line at all at this point. You seem to be constantly looking for ways to talk yourself into some ICE instead of an R1. At this point, go get the ICE and quit complaining about things that aren't going to change

Wow. Well my friend and her husband have had 2 Defenders and 2 Bronco's. She said she loves the styling of the Defender and that it's hands down the better vehicle between the 2, however, she can't stand the ride off-road. She said it's so rough at high clearance settings that it feels like a solid axle truck and throws your head around because there's not articulation. This all her opinion, I've never ridden in the damn thing, but it makes sense.

Nothing I have said is negative and I'm not complaining about anything. I'm just asking if anyone is like me and would like a coil sprung Rivian over the air suspension as an option, even if it's years from now. Rivian's are extremely expensive vehicles unless you happen to place your reservation early to get pre-pandemic pricing. I don't mind spending the money, and really want to transition to EV, but I'm not going to make compromises when it comes to something so expensive. It appears I'm in the minority with this, fine. Mods feel free to close this thread.

 

[Dark-Fx]

She said it's so rough at high clearance settings that it feels like a solid axle truck and throws your head around because there's not articulation.

Don't they use anti-roll bars on the Defenders? You're really making an apples to oranges comparison here.

 

[Goose]

Don't they use anti-roll bars on the Defenders? You're really making an apples to oranges comparison here.

I have no idea. I'm comparing air suspension in a high setting to an air suspension in a high setting. She said it feels like the Defender is on its tip toes when in it's high setting and there's no articulation because the suspension can't compress at all.

 

[Dark-Fx]

I have no idea. I'm comparing air suspension in a high setting to an air suspension in a high setting. She said it feels like the Defender is on its tip toes when in it's high setting and there's no articulation because the suspension can't compress at all.

That sounds like an anti-roll bar problem. The Rivian has cross linked hydraulic dampers, It's like having an anti-roll bar when you want one and no bar when you don't. A lot of offroaders will disconnect their anti-roll bars to increase the amount of articulation they get- not necessary on the Rivian since that's done with software.

 

[crashmtb]

Wow. Well my friend and her husband have had 2 Defenders and 2 Bronco's. She said she loves the styling of the Defender and that it's hands down the better vehicle between the 2, however, she can't stand the ride off-road. She said it's so rough at high clearance settings that it feels like a solid axle truck and throws your head around because there's not articulation. This all her opinion, I've never ridden in the damn thing, but it makes sense.

Nothing I have said is negative and I'm not complaining about anything. I'm just asking if anyone is like me and would like a coil sprung Rivian over the air suspension as an option, even if it's years from now. Rivian's are extremely expensive vehicles unless you happen to place your reservation early to get pre-pandemic pricing. I don't mind spending the money, and really want to transition to EV, but I'm not going to make compromises when it comes to something so expensive. It appears I'm in the minority with this, fine. Mods feel free to close this thread.

The defender better be the better vehicle of the two. it’s nearly twice as expensive.

Speaking of Land Rover, remember that rivian is targeting Range Rover, which is at a similar price and features bracket. But less versatile! you can‘t even get a Range Rover with wheels smaller than 22”, never mind off road or all terrain tires.

 

[Goose]

That sounds like an anti-roll bar problem. The Rivian has cross linked hydraulic dampers, It's like having an anti-roll bar when you want one and no bar when you don't. A lot of offroaders will disconnect their anti-roll bars to increase the amount of articulation they get- not necessary on the Rivian since that's done with software.

I can almost guarantee that R1S is not in the high suspension setting.

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