Rivian Towing Guide: The Electric Adventure Vehicle

Know Your Model: R1T vs. R1S

While they share the same "skateboard" chassis, their towing capabilities are different.

• Rivian R1T (The Powerhouse):

  • Max Towing: Up to 11,000 lbs.

  • Payload: ~1,700 lbs (varies by battery pack).

  • The Capability: With 11,000 lbs of capacity, the R1T rivals gas-powered 1/2-ton trucks. It can easily tow a 25-foot Airstream or a heavy boat.

• Rivian R1S (The Family Hauler):

  • Max Towing: Up to 7,700 lbs.

  • Payload: ~1,700 lbs.

  • The Capability: While lower than the truck, 7,700 lbs is still impressive for an SUV, beating the Tesla Model X (5,000 lbs) and matching luxury gas SUVs. It is perfect for couples' coaches or overland trailers.

The Range Reality: The "50% Rule"

Physics applies to everyone, even Rivian.

• The Math: Towing a boxy travel trailer at highway speeds creates massive wind resistance. You should expect to lose ~50% of your rated range while towing.

• Battery Matters:

  • Standard Pack: Not recommended for serious towing.

  • Large / Max Pack: Highly recommended. The "Max Pack" (400+ miles rated) gives you a comfortable 200-mile towing range, which lines up perfectly with a 3-hour driving stint.

• Tow Mode: The Rivian's software learns your trailer's weight and drag, providing surprisingly accurate range estimates after the first few miles of driving.

The "Pull-Through" Advantage

Rivian has solved the #1 frustration of EV towing.

• Rivian Adventure Network (RAN): Unlike most charging networks that put chargers in tight parking spots, many RAN sites feature Pull-Through Charging Lanes. You can charge your truck without unhitching your trailer.

• Tesla Superchargers: Newer Rivians (and older ones with an adapter) can use the Tesla Supercharger network. However, be warned: you will likely have to unhitch to fit into these spots.

Unique Tech: Camp Mode & Leveling

This is the "Killer App" for Rivian owners.

• Auto-Leveling: Arrive at a bumpy campsite? Activate Camp Mode, and the air suspension will independently adjust each corner to make the vehicle perfectly flat.

  • Why it matters: If you sleep in the vehicle or use a Rooftop Tent (RTT) on the bed racks, you never have to sleep on a slope again.

• Gear Guard: The cameras watch your campsite and your trailer while you sleep, recording any motion. The "Gear Guard Gary" character on the screen warns potential thieves they are being watched.

What Can I Tow With a Rivian?

• Aerodynamic Trailers: To maximize range, you want to slice through the wind.

• Overland Rigs: The Rivian is an off-road beast. Pair it with a No Boundaries (NoBo) 10-Series or Forest River Ibex. These rugged trailers have the ground clearance to follow your Rivian down the trail.

• Lightweight Bunkhouses: For the R1S family buyer, look at the Winnebago Micro Minnie 2100BH. It is narrow (7 feet wide), keeping it tucked behind the SUV to reduce drag.

Ready for the Silent Outdoors?

• Shop Aero-Campers: Filter our inventory for Pop-Ups and Teardrops to get the most miles out of every kilowatt.

• Check Your Payload: Do you have the heavy "Max Pack" battery and off-road armor? This reduces your payload. Check the door sticker before loading up the bed.

• Get Equipped: Rivian uses a standard 2-inch receiver. Need a drop hitch or a sway control bar? Our Parts Department has you covered.