How Much Can a Rivian R1T Tow? | In Depth

[@bster88]

His smile through the drive says it all

[@michaelcain21]

I've been waiting a long time for a video like this. I would love to see some more testing done in cold weather with 5-10 trips over multiple miles and elevations while maxed out. This would give consumers a great idea of worst case scenario range so they can make an informed decision if they can make the switch.

[@arsonkrystal]

2500 was gross weight which is with the not standard equipment and passenger (seeing as he didn't have the standard) The rivian so far as I know doesn't state gross just curb so they need to get that number. Overall it's the same things the numbers are misrepresented when used together for comparison. Gross should be used more so since that's real world application

[@YKSGuy]

From other EV testing I have read the WEIGHT isn't as big of a factor as the drag and elevation.. IE if you are on mostly level ground at lower speeds the decrease in range will not be that significant. Also if you travel in one direction MOSTLY down hill it can be positive. However if the trailer has bad rolling resistance and the load on the trailer is causing lots of wind drag that will hurt on level ground and higher speeds. Could be fun to take a trip up a mountain road then back down to see what the range estimate is in both directions.. Probably warn you you have no range all the way up then on the way back start recovering as you come down the mountain.

[@wolfgangpreier9160]

Yes, weight itself is not a factor.

[@mikebalentine]

Speed is a energy squared situation and angle of road are the two most important with wind resistance a close third.

[@joaquinmartin2622]

amazing ..I drive for a living for ups with double trailer..and honestly from the beginning I was so nervous for The R1T. but wow awesome amazing..so glad you guys did this..and I'm from ma. go celtics..KYN😊

[@naterobinson5141]

One of the things that impressed me was the quiet hum of the Rivivian.

[@craigcampbell1843]

It’s amazing that they could make a truck like this on their first try that wasn’t designed for this but can do it anyway and with ease.

[@HeyThatWeirdGuy]

The vehicles specs fell within there towing needs. So technically there shouldn't be any amazement. Also the modern EV design has been around for a far amount of time. So you have that foundation and they had may prototypes before this

[@daemenoth]

there are also companies starting to make trailers with solar panels and battery storage in them which can also charge from the grid or superchargers and can also be used to charge the truck off the trailer during a journey and also run other power tools from.

[@MotionHueProductions]

Great review!! And good towing test. Pre-ordered and it’s great to see its capabilities. Thanks!

[@StalePhish]

Awesome to hear he had so many positive things to say! I loved that camera angle on the trailer facing the truck

[@47solar43]

Good stuff! Would love to see a towing range test with a ~5k lb Airstream. Something like a 16’-22’ model.

[@boebrow]

Awesome video, and also a great guest! Be sure to visit him once you get other EV pickups, especially the CT!

[@Capt_Billy]

On a wet road too! The Ford Pro extended range is about the same price as that Chevy. In fact I bet that Chevy is worth MORE than 60k used now. I wish you guys could have done a full range test. See how far you can tow that load from 90 or 100% charge. Maybe in a future video with a load about half that size for safety reasons lol? I understand why you would not want to do it with that much of a load.

[@ariip]

Sorry but the curb weight of the 2500 is between 6 and 7k. Just looked up the specs. No more than the rivain. Most likely less.

[@bogdanshulga2465]

People confusing between GVW and curb weight

[@bogdanshulga2465]

10k it prabobly GVW. Not curb weight

[@robertcarbery5513]

Towing is also not 26000 that would be gcvwr

[@mnotlyon]

It appears that your brake lights come on during regen, even if you're not using your brakes. Is the truck appling the trailer brakes during regen?

[@craigcampbell1843]

Fun seeing a guy that’s used to huge loud diesel trucks and heavy construction equipment being this excited about electric trucks. It was refreshing seeing someone with such an open mind. I share his excitement but I’m a disc golf playing camper road tripper so I don’t think people would be as surprised to see that I’m open to EVs. Haha

[@waltercheney9643]

The R1T doesn't need to be heavier to tow 11K. at 7100 ish, its more than heavy enough. As far as braking and possibly "Jack knifing".... He needs to use the trailer brakes as intended. Put his Silverado on a scale. I bet its under 8000. :)

[@MrCPPG]

Great video. You towed the top end of the range which is typical of most truck tow videos. I would like to see you tow a 3,000lb trailer or boat on an actual trip over 100 miles where you are forced to charge with the trailer attached.

[@TerjeL]

Totally awesome video 👍

[@PaulVanchugov]

Seatbelt?

[@gregmidtbo4527]

There is a Rivian video on the testing they did, up hill and down in 100 degree heat. I meet one of the guys who did that testing and he said they overloaded the trailer to something >12,000 lbs for the test. I’ve only towed small trailers with mine and you can’t tell there is anything attached to the truck.

[@dbwelder9159]

Great video, I tow with my MY and love the acceleration especially on mountain roads.

[@davidhuber6251]

Very good review. pretty much exactly how I would have wanted to test it if I had the resources. The main thing I worry about when towing is the brakes, and the regen seemed to take most of the stress off the brakes so they can be used harder in unexpected situations. Not overheating the brakes and getting bonus regen on a long downgrade is incredibly important. Hopefully Rivian is working on the software that balances regen-trailer-truck brakes balance. The potential for software recognizing jack-knife and oscillations and applying corrections is huge. Especially oscillations.

[@somishows2020]

Tom is gonna love driving the Cybertruck. Can't wait to hear his comparison. :)

[@kinositajona]

That was a great video! I'm not a big truck guy, but I almost want to get a Rivian just to try it out... if only I had money...

[@gordonlowe5405]

This is an awesome video! Well done!

[@jkcurti]

It was apparent that Tom was impressed with the Torque of the Rivian R1t

[@williambasinger5859]

Tom’s smile says it all!

[@ariip]

Of course regen can do all kinds of braking. Because whatever power and acceleration the ev can have when accelerating, it can have the same with regen. It is doing the same thing just in reverse.

[@victorc7998]

You've stated the gross weight of the Chevy vs. the curb weight. The Chevy is actually a couple hundred pounds lighter at 6968lbs vs 7148lbs curb weight for the Rivian.

[@ItsMacMike]

Always enjoy the content

[@demoticshadow2494]

Favorite part....the iced coffee ☕️

[@rbhebron]

..ok you have tested the RIVIAN R1T... but have you tested the battery degradation if the RIVIAN is exposed to extreme cold TEMPS..? accordingly, lithium ion batteries have demonstrated that it just stops delivery of ions or power if subjected to below freezing temps.. perhaps that would be a great test of battery capability of an all around pickup truck....

[@BrianRox]

adding more batteries/batterie jumper packs plus tools might be worth a look

[@lesstevens2370]

Doesn't rivian have suspension firmness adjustment maybe putting that to the max would get rid of that water bed feeling

[@kelindrawn]

Yeah, I believe that's what the Rivian did on Munro live latest video.

[@lesstevens2370]

@@kelindrawn yeah sandy really is beating the shit out of it like the log test and cinderblock test

[@kingofthegoats245]

The curb weight of the 2500 is NOT 10,900lbs. That is the GVWR, meaning how much total weight INCLUDING the maximum payload capacity. The truck actually weighs around 7,300 lbs. This guy accidentally got his facts mixed up!!

[@gregcollins3404]

So now we need to see how well a R1T will do in a tractor pull.

[@waltercheney9643]

I'm just waiting for my R1T to arrive........ :)

[@tony_25or6to4]

In tow mode, the computer could be conservative with range estimate.

[@theoneatyourdoor87]

15:58 are they brothers? Tom and the guy sitting behind him on the driver's side.

[@glass1258]

Massachusetts baby !!!! What town is that ?? I can tell it’s mass but not which town . I’m in Sharon Massachusetts

[@GhostCod]

To the best of my knowledge, that Chevy doesn’t weigh 10,900. My father has a 3500 Diesel with a crew cab (full four doors) and that weighs in at 8118 lbs. These trucks are relatively close in weight to the Rivian, slightly heavier.

[@airheart1]

yeah.. looking it up, that's like gross vehicle weight rating of the 2500 Duramax. Unless he has that Chevy constantly at full load for the purpose of making it more stable to tow that heavy trailer.. ??.. that truck should weigh closer to 7k lbs normally.

[@victorc7998]

Rivian curb weight: 7148 lbs Rivian gross weight: 8532 lbs 2500HD Regular Cab 2WD diesel curb weight: 6968 lbs 2500HD Regular Cab 2WD diesel gross weight: 10550 lbs

[@HeyThatWeirdGuy]

In regards to the fluctuation on the estimated mileage. The control module (computer) has to calibrate it's self. As all EV's must do and even most ultra modern combustion vehicles. There next towing experience should have a much more stable estimated range.

[@mousetreat]

This guy sure is good at ignoring those "wear your seatbelt" sounds. Not a single scene where I see him use it.

[@JustinPEstrada]

Can't wait to see the towing capabilities of the future Electric trucks from Ford and Chevy... And Tesla!

[@craigcampbell1843]

The POWER is YOURS!! -Captain Panet

[@jasons7044]

That damm Seat Belt Warning was going crazy

[@klantic2]

Great review

[@Anonymousg64]

Would of been nice to have done a trip cost comparison

[@ReloadingRADIO]

Some ways I’m surprised and in other it’s pretty much what I would have expected. I was not expecting Regen braking to work that good.

[@Cozmicsaber]

Definitely bring this guy back for cybertruck video

[@mikenimocks1298]

When is the F-150 Lightning Towing Test video?

[@briansilver3412]

Best content on the internet today. Keep up the Rivian reviews. I have a compact backhoe I currently haul with an F150 and have a Cyber Truck on order. I have no doubt it will do the job. Electric trucks are most definitely the future.

[@mrnobody.4069]

When electric cars make sounds it just sounds really cool! Listen to that Rivian R1T!

[@ariip]

How does that chevy truck weight 10,000 lbs. Are you sure that is not the gvw, the max weight of the truck loaded??? My 1998 gmc g3500 g van with 6.2 diesel that had a 14ft box on it, weighed 4600 lbs without the box. So that truck with the weight of the bed added but a shorter frame and single rear wheels does not weight 10k. Not to mention that my new c4500 holding the same box without the box weighs 8,200 pounds and again is a dually. NO WAY that is the weight of that 2500. The 4500 kodiak I have now is a medium duty which is far beyond in weight class and has 19.5 wheels which was sold with a gvw of 17,500 and 21,500 lbs as the lowest denominator as I specd it. The weight of the rivian I believe because of the batteries.

[@nipheleim871]

@ 11:25, nice edit xD

[@mindseye4914]

I would love to see a Rivian tow a 29 foot or 30 foot RV/Travel Trailer with a weight distribution hitch. I think it would do quite well. The biggest dings against Rivian here from a towing POV is that I wish it had a longer wheelbase and a wider footprint. The damn thing is too narrow and I wish they had at least competed with the F150 segment. Right now they're in the Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado realm, which is not great for a serious worker or tower.

[@moabman6803]

We have indurial diesel and electric vehicles at work. The electric is very nice. Overall construction is much less robust than diesel as the EV construction strives to reduce weight everywhere. So they break a lot. Overall they take less maintenance in some ways, but use far more exotic materials compared to the diesel vehicles. It takes 2 EV vehicles to meet the demands of 1 diesel every day. You have to stop half way through the day, and swap it out with another fully charged EV. Also each EV we have costs twice that of a diesel not including the expensive chargers. One diesel costs us 500k. One EV costs us 1million, since you need 2 that's then 2million. Chargers cost about 20k a piece.

[@allmybasketsinoneegg]

Sounds like Rivian could make a slightly bigger version with 2000 pounds of additional batteries (maybe extra cooling as well) in it.

[@waltercheney9643]

Rivian offers a max battery option that will be heavier, But honestly, the R1T doesn't need to be heavier to tow this weight.

[@Se7enChk]

You estimated the range, but I think we know that estimates for EVs sre greatly inflated. other ev pickups have struggled to make 100mi range with only 3k lbs

[@marcdenlinger5282]

"Feels strong", and there's no diesel growling at you as it's tugging along.

[@whitetrashtesla9769]

I am sorry to burst your bubble buddy but that Chevy does not weigh 10,900. That is the gross weight if it was totally loaded

[@shortcircuit2011]

Yeah. My spider senses went off the scale when I heard that. Every once in a while these guys miss a good fact check. I don't feel like this gus was a character of authority, but probably a good representation of typical user.

[@lesstevens2370]

A friend of mine bought a brand new dodge 3500 dually Laramie fully loaded for his mini hoe and its empty weight was 8200 it had air ride suspension all the bells and whistles cost him 120,000 but it could tow a max of 36,000 this was last year so a max pack rivian would probably be around the same weight it would be great for around town work as he said but the aero drag at hiway speeds would diminish most of the range and ea chargers dont like to give rivian there max charge speed for some reason as I saw on out of spec motors

[@tony_25or6to4]

I'd like to see trailers with re-gen braking.

[@plasticjock1090]

What a brute of a trailer.. How fricking heavy was it...

[@6681096]

Seems the average speed was about 35 mph. I wonder how much freeway speeds would reduce range

[@TheGodSchema]

Range is only one factor, the other is charge time.

[@zagabog]

But would an electric F150 do as well? Guess we need to wait and see.

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

I just wish the Rivian had more towing distance between charges. I know I will have range anxiety when towing with the Rivian.

[@wolfgangpreier9160]

Wait for the add on market, soon you will get a extra battery for the frunk. 😊

[@timberthewolf733]

A rule of thumb is: 50% of range when towing with an EV.

[@carolinebray82]

I love his comment, bring in the future 👋🏻🚗🔌

[@jampskan5690]

Has the repairability of electric vehicles gotten any better? What is ordering parts like form Tesla and Rivian? What have you noticed wearing out besides tires, body panel stuff, and the batteries of certain lesser EV's (cough cough bolt, cough cough early Nissan Leaf)? Also, I enjoyed this vid. I wonder what Semi-Truck Drivers will think of the regen braking? Quite intriguing indeed!

[@moabman6803]

My concern is how much electronics a EV has. It's basically a giant smart phone with electric motors. The thing is with that, is how much is a cell phone worth after 5 or 10 years, the battery is old, and all the electronics and software are outdated?

[@suslamunte]

Seat belt!? :)

[@ajaychawla7735]

I like this video for sure. Sometimes I can feel the tesla fan boy bias but real life testing is an awesome way to demo the product. Cant wait to see you guys do the cyber truck when it comes out.

[@koitorob]

Well, they 'real life tested' two of them by driving from the bottom to the top of South America supporting two muppets on electric Harley Davidsons...

[@motofunk1]

EV Towing will evolve. I believe the solution is trailers with batteries and propulsion. Airstream has a prototype out that has a zf drivetrain and a battery. That type of solution will solve the range issues while also adding even more control of the load. When full self driving is solved trailers will be redesigned to be more like cars and will deliver the load to the destination.

[@ariip]

THAT CHEVY 2500 DOES NOT ACTUALLY WEIGH 10K POUNDS AS IT STANDS. READ BELOW. THAT IS CLEARLY THE GVW. MAX WEIGHT LOAD.

[@riaansaayman9221]

Not trying to troll but can he be fined for not using his seatbelt in this video? :P

[@MjmanDK]

Where are the tweets of the weeeeek :)

[@markumbers5362]

interested in an estimated cost comparison over 5 years.

[@rogerheuckeroth7456]

Nice test. Glad you got Tom to do the test as he has experience using a HD Pickup. Not giving up my Duramax or Cummins yet, but definitely will when they come up with an HD Electric Pickup. Maybe a single axle Tesla Semi...

[@soucyno1]

Okay…. How many miles did you actually drive? How many miles were left? Could you go from charger to charger with this load? How much did the regen braking actually help regen the truck? Do you think a 200kWh battery (heavier) would be that much better for towing those heavier loads?

[@crafty_geek]

Lol at all those seatbelt alert dings

[@jf6882]

Jessie was praying for him to say something bad.

[@paulfortenberry3201]

The question is how far can it tow & lol not far & not even there for comparison. Maybe one day..

[@topherdean1024]

Wow, that bodes well for the Cybertruck, a much more heavy duty truck.

[@jeremyprior1186]

Every time I watch these guys test the truck it pisses me off. The right thumb wheel is the trailer manual brake.

[@FreedomFinanceFun]

What's his fuel costs?

[@GhostCod]

A diesel like this gets 17ish City / 24ish on the highway, not towing of course! Towing probably 10 city / 12 highway

[@airheart1]

THAT should have been discussed.. because that will offset the cost difference in those vehicles pretty quick if he's towing often.

[@FreedomFinanceFun]

36 Gallons

[@airheart1]

@@GhostCod quick estimate would say he's burning about $500 a month of fuel then. 10 mgp.. 50 miles per day.. 5 days per week = 25 gallons per week. 100 gallons per month. $5 per gallon. So spending $6k a year in diesel.. ish. take about 1/3 of that for equivalent electrical use.. so he'd save about $4k a year just in fuel. Add in saved maintenance.. bet it's closer to $6k a year he'd save.

[@wolfgangpreier9160]

@@airheart1 Yes, i even save more in electricity cost with my PV but your numbers are sound.

[@danam2584]

To bad he wasn't towing an electric Bobcat. 😏 I agree about the weight of the Chevrolet.

[@koitorob]

Wrong question. What's it like in deep mud and what's it's maximum wading depth?

[@wolfgangpreier9160]

Wrong question, How much does it take with closed bed on the Autobahn @ 130 km/h? We have streets in our country we are using daily. We do not need to drive through dirt.

[@PhthaloBlue42]

Yes, but is the Rivian in the same class as the Duramax?

[@lighthousesaunders7242]

Why not ask the same questions four times?

[@dbwelder9159]

The teleprompter got stuck in a loop? 😜

[@bobriemersma]

Why is it that NOBODY spends more than a second (when they do at all) on EV/PHEV/HEV models' spare tires or doofy tire repair kits? If you've been driving more than 2 years and don't live within an urban anthill you know how important this can be. Yeah, I'm old and crusty here but I'd still prefer a full-size spare. Sadly that seems to be a pipedream now, like good schools and good neighbors. But EVERY vehicle review or overview should cover this important vehicle amenity. What is standard, and what might be a purchase upgrade option?

[@goldviper5280]

Great review. Unrealistic, BUT capable.

[@waltercheney9643]

Why is it unrealistic?

[@HeyThatWeirdGuy]

I don't see how you can call this an in-depth review

[@georgecass8529]

He actually over

[@calglider13]

I would think twice about buying a Rivian. I ordered a prelaunch edition Rivian RT1 5 years ago. I ordered a fully loaded pickup for$ 73000.00, the truck they wanted me to buy for the same price was a stripped, basic truck. No tent, no roll out kitchen. so I canceled my order. I guess I will buy one of those ugly Tesla trucks... I still have not received my 1000.00 refund! I am not a happy camper!

[@techguy3507]

6:07 12:00 and 3:00? Ok 🤷‍♂️

[@mnml2006]

All you guys ever did was drive before. Now You Tow

[@odyshopody9387]

Do a crash test next!

[@ourstate100]

That 2500 Duramax absolutely does not weigh 10,800lbs... its 6800lbs with a quick google search... it has a gross weight of almost that but that includes a max payload.

[@Rx100Vx]

11,000lbs is the tow capacity ,not weight of the truck. Weight of the R1T is 7200lbs

[@ourstate100]

@@Rx100Vx I am talking about the curb weight. they said in the beggining the Duramax weighs 10,800LBS which it does not. they were claiming curb weight for Rivian while listing gross weight for the Duramax. the Rivian weighs more than the Duramax.

[@Rx100Vx]

@@ourstate100 cool

[@glass1258]

Wesley why so sensitive?

[@rickhulbert5175]

It’s Tandem axle trailer. I could tow it with my Subaru. Don’t see any inclines, pretty flat ground.

[@lesstevens2370]

@@JT_771right lol ha ha so funny 😆 😄 🤣 first the tires would pop axles would snap rear struts would go through the roof it would tow great 👍

[@wolfgangpreier9160]

Yes America is mostly flat. They have some mountains somewhere in the middle east but mostly its flat.

[@OweEyeSea]

"How's this pull up the hill?" I guess "hill" is a subjective term. Maybe it's hard to tell on camera, but this terrain looks flatter than just about anyplace I've lived. A towing assessment should probably include something a little steeper. Maybe take a known load on a known elevation gain over a known distance, and identify the range impact going uphill and the impact going downhill. Pulling 11,000 lbs on fairly level terrain is less meaningful for most potential Rivian customers than pulling 4,000 lbs up a grade. A lot of hunting, fishing, boating, camping, and atv activities are in "the mountains".

[@HoosierInUtah]

🤩🥰😃🏆👍

[@JeffDavis_is_JeffDavis]

I didn't know that Rivians came without seatbelts....very old school meets new school...