The Rivian R1S was engineered for the ultimate group road trip. The 3-row, 7-passenger SUV offers 17.7 cubic feet of storage space with all the seats upright, and up to 104.7 cubic feet of storage when you fold down the second- and third-row seats.
Besides, the R1S’s front trunk space measures 11.1 cubic feet. This provides additional space for transporting lockable items.
But what if you’re planning an all-family getaway and require more space than available in your Rivian R1S?
Well, there’s no need to fret. You can always mount a roof rack and extend the vehicle’s storage to incredible levels.
We’ve rounded up the top reasons why installing a roof rack on your Rivian R1S can impact your road adventures. The post will also offer invaluable insights on how to pick the right rack for your SUV.
Why Install A Roof Rack On Your Rivian?
1. Enhances Storage Space
Roof racks are designed primarily to extend a vehicle’s storage space. Investing in a Rivian R1S roof rack enables you to clear the cabin and trunk of travel luggage, creating extra legroom for your passengers.
Although the Rivian R1S is remarkably spacious, there will be occasions when you have more items to bring on a road trip than you can carry in the SUV’s cabin.
A roof rack lets you transport all your travel gear without having to sacrifice essential items. That makes them exceptionally ideal when planning all-family road trips with diverse itineraries.
2. Provides Space for Bulky Items
The Rivian R1S may feature a spacious cabin. However, when traveling with bulkier items, you need dedicated storage space.
That’s another valid reason to invest in a roof rack.
With a roof rack on your R1S, there’s no limit to the nature of travel essentials you can carry. From camping tents to fuel jerry cans, kayak carriers, fishing rods, etc., the platform will accommodate it all.
3. Improves Your Vehicle’s Safety
Safety is a key concern when planning a road trip, particularly if your itinerary includes excursions through crime hotspots or tribal militia strongholds.
Besides implementing conventional travel safety precautions, you can also enjoy an adventurous trip by mounting a roof rack on your Rivian R1S.
A roof rack enables you to stash your valuables away from opportunistic thieves. Some racks come with lockable mechanisms, which further bolster the safety of your travel gear.
4. Prevents Vehicle Damage
Certain road trip items aren’t just inconvenient to transport in the cabin or trunk. Having them inside your Rivian R1S also presents high risks of vehicle damage.
Take angling gear, for instance. As you cruise through rough terrain, the rocking motion can cause the spiky ends of your fishing rods to rip into the vehicle’s seats or smash through the rear windshield. This could ruin an otherwise excellent road trip.
Installing a Rivian R1S roof rack minimizes such accidents, preventing costly vehicle repairs after each road trip.
5. Boosts Your R1S’s Appearance
While the Rivian R1S sports an athletic appearance, mounting a roof rack on the SUV can enhance its iconic look even further.
A roof rack adds a sporty and sophisticated touch to your R1S. It’s an ingenious way to make your SUV the highlight of the freeway.
Besides, you could rely on a roof rack to make your R1S easily discoverable in crowded parking lots.
6. Serves As an Observatory Point
A roof rack’s high elevation can offer a vantage point from which to safely observe the rolling landscapes.
The platform provides a panoramic view of nature’s splendor, minimizing the need for driving through dense thickets to get much closer to the action.
Due to its elevated height, your R1S’s roof rack may also offer an excellent platform for travel photography.
How to Choose a Rivian R1S Roof Rack
1. Style
Roof racks come in different styles. Popular Rivian R1S roof rack styles include roof rails, raised rails, and fixed-point roofs.
To maximize your road adventure, insist on a style that’s matched your R1S.
2. Construction Material
Most roof racks feature steel or aluminum construction. While steel provides a more stable platform, steel roof racks can reduce your R1S fuel economy due to their bulkiness.
Consider aluminum if you’re trying to balance between lightweight and durability. The material is around 30% lighter than steel but no less durable.
3. Profile
A roof rack’s profile is significantly impacted by its height. Choose a lower-profile roof rack for your Rivian R1S.
Although such platforms may be unideal for transporting taller travel items, they offer seamless passage through roadside barriers like low-hanging twigs.
4. Aerodynamic Drag
Installing a roof rack on your Rivian R1S automatically impacts the vehicle’s aerodynamic drag.
High aerodynamic drag can reduce your R1S’s stability, maneuverability, and fuel economy. It also increases noise levels, which could impact your comfort while road tripping.
To avoid these inconveniences, choose a streamlined, low-profile roof rack designed with wind deflectors.
Wrap Up
A roof rack can stretch out your Rivian R1S’s roof rack, helping you bring more items to a road trip than you usually would. The platform may also enhance your safety on the roads and boost your R1S’s athletic appearance.
Depending on your itinerary, you could also rely on your R1S’s roof rack as an observatory point.
But to enjoy the benefits of a Rivian R1S roof rack, choose a rack that’s customized for your SUV’s roof. It’s also prudent to get the platform installed by a professional and follow safe loading tips.