The Rivian R1S is an extraterrestrial electric SUV that embodies power, performance, and utility in one, ready to take on any adventure. Whether off-road camping for the weekend or embarking on a voyage across the country, it’s designed to handle it all easily. Kit out your R1S with a roof rack and accessories to help you unlock the full potential of your vehicle efficiently and safely, transporting everything from bikes and kayaks to camping gear and luggage.
First, too many roof racks and accessory options could already cause decision fatigue. Second, the list of considerations is very long, starting with how much weight it will be able to carry to its car compatibility and ease of putting it on backward.
This article will outline key considerations when choosing roof rack accessories for your Rivian R1S.
1. Determine Your Specific Needs
First, consider what you want to do with the system, keeping in mind the weight and equipment involved: is this for kayaks, bikes, luggage, or cargo boxes? Consider approximately how much and how large your carriage load will be. A kayak, canoe, or even lumber needs a carrier system designed differently in size or weight compared to bikes, bags, or boxes. Knowing what you’ll regularly carry above will help narrow down which rack system and its accessories best suit your needs. If it’s just weekend sports gear, a bare roof rack is often enough.
But if you ever move larger sailboards, timber, and bulky loads, you will require a much heavier-duty platform. Consider adjusting feet and strap positions to ease loading and lashing items in. You may even opt for unique mounts, trays, saddles, or carriers mainly designed for specific items. In that respect, a Rivian R1S roof rack can serve flexibility and strength in hauling more severe duties. The result is your gear can travel safely, regardless of size.
2. Check Compatibility with Rivian R1S Roof Rack System
The R1S features a sliding, fully integrated roof rack system purpose-built for the vehicle’s unique shape. Compatibility is key when choosing add-ons for it. Only select accessories officially verified by Rivian to integrate seamlessly with the R1S’s roof rails and geometry. Universal racks or third-party items may not bolt on safely or function as intended, risking damage to your belongings and vehicle.
Furthermore, Rivian’s branded roof accessories are engineered to mate precisely with the mounting points on your R1S. They’ll be easy to install without fuss, holding loads securely via attachment points in the exact spots needed.
3. Consider the Weight Capacity of The Roof and Rack
All roof racks have a maximum recommended weight loading. Exceeding this jeopardizes both performance and safety. The Rivian R1S’s roof has a weight rating of around 165 pounds when static or 130 pounds at highway speeds due to increased aerodynamic forces. Meanwhile, its roof rack capacity is also around 165 pounds when static.
It’s crucial to remain within these limits, accounting for not just the rack and accessories themselves but everything loaded upon them, too. Regularly hauling near or beyond capacity strains the rack and vehicle over time, increasing fatigue and the risk of failure. Proper weight distribution is also essential—balance loads evenly from side to side. Furthermore, lightweight aluminum accessories help maximize usable capacity versus heavier steel options.
4. Evaluate Aerodynamics and Fuel Efficiency Impact
For an EV like the R1S aimed at maximizing range, aerodynamics must be addressed when outfitting a roof setup. Boxy cargo containers create less disruption versus long bars sticking up high. Sleek bike racks lay cycles lower than upright-mounted saddles. Ski or board holders tucked in tight-cut wind noise.
Closed containers also help deflect road debris flying upwards and better protect carried items from abrasion, salt, and sun damage than exposed lashings. The tradeoff is less capacity versus an open platform. Aerodynamic deflectors for bars themselves streamline airflow and boost efficiency versus uncovered racks.
5. Look For Weather-Resistant and Durable Materials
When fully loaded and perched atop the vehicle, the roof rack gear takes the full brunt of the elements mile after mile. That means components must be constructed to be ruggedly corrosion-resistant to handle rain, snow, sun, and road hazards without complaint mile after mile.
While anodized aluminum holds up quite well, bare steel will rust. Racks with a rubber or plastic protective coating on feet and contact points avoid surface damage from road debris. Weatherproof attachment mechanisms-stainless bolts-are secure and thus prevent early loosening.
6. Assess Ease of Installation and Removal
No roof rack is useful if owners cannot easily assemble, secure, or remove it independently. Simple, tool-free installation inspires confidence in regularly swapping accessories according to changing needs. Twist-lock feet that deploy with a handle versus tiny Allen bolts speed deployment.
Additionally, modular crossbar and add-on designs snap or ratchet together for DIY installation anywhere without extra hands needed. Strap anchors and attachment points positioned within easy reach mean one person can safely load without stretching precariously. Nothing requires specialty tools or forces owners to struggle with finicky parts alone.
In Conclusion
Fitting the right roof rack accessories comes down to carefully considering your vehicle, intended uses, and long-term goals. By taking inventory of regular loads, ensuring compatibility, respecting weight limits, evaluating aerodynamic profile and material durability, and focusing on ease of use, you’ll confidently outfit your R1S roof to support all your adventures for years.
Hence, sticking to components rigorously tested for the R1S helps keep installation simple while maximizing functionality, safety, and sustainability as you optimize every last mile afforded by its battery pack.