UPDATE! I ran an additional test with the tent facing the other direction (tall end towards the rear) and surprisingly ended up with the exact same result as when it faced the opposite direction(2.14mi/kWh) My uneducated guess would be the air from the spoiler was probably meeting a smoother edge but the tent ends up angled upward which is worse for aero and possibly negated any benefits this setup might’ve had. Numbers for RTT Test Opposite Direction Efficiency 2.14mi/kWh Energy 9.7kWh Distance 20.8mi Avg Speed 48mph *Disclaimer* I’m not claiming to be an aerodynamics expert but do have some experience with automotive design and aerodynamic testing. These tests are as controlled as possible but really just give a rough idea of efficiency on the highway with the different setups shown. Thanks for watching!
I’m not saying it’s the de facto way to install the tent, but in terms of camping definitions, there is street-side and camp-side. Having your tent in that current configuration, you are opening your tent to the side where traffic could be depending on where you’re camping. I’m interested in seeing your results for turning your tent around as well. We also have a iKamper SkyCamp Mini 3.0 on our R1T flipped with the tent opening to the passenger side and haven’t seen a range hit as drastic as the one you’ve shown us. Thanks for the content!
Any update/link to the 3D printed modified spoiler? Any new efficiency numbers with the modified spoiler and did you try again in both directions? I am about to to buy the exact set up and appreciate any updates... thanks again!
Dude, this is another awesome video. You are making the best Rivian content out there right now. Excellent cinematography, graphics, audio mix, and tasteful music. Your videos are also always incredibly informative and purposeful, as well. Please keep up the great work! And keep us posted on that 3D-printed spoiler part. It’s a really clever idea.
Wow, that is incredibly impressive about the aerodynamic test at the end! Nice video, and good job keeping things as constant as possible. So many people don't think about this when running tests and it drives me crazy... Of course there are some things you can't change like weather, or even knowledge about the battery temps before a test which can change the outcome as well. But great work!
Sounds like there's room here for some aftermarket plugs for the spoiler's to go along with roof tents. As a pilot one of the first things I thought about with a roof top tent over the bed like that was the way the spoilers were set up the airflow would be funneled into the camper and disrupted causing loss of efficiency. Given how much aero play's a roll with trailering, I'm totally not surprised with the outcome of the tape test. Glad to see someone else had the same thought. Nice test and video!
Thanks! Simple solution could just be to cover the top of the spoiler with a vinyl wrap - Still need to do some work on how I could create a plug that wouldn’t damage the paint/spoiler!
I agree wit the other comments - try the test again with the RTT turned around with the small end towards the cab - and then update us with the results. That said, if you get that 3D part developed, please do let us know!
That’s a great review. And the tape over the rear cab spoiler was an interesting find! Maybe some vinyl wrap? I like your idea of 3D print that’s removable but worry about damaging the spoiler with rough plastic part. Vinyl sheet would be cheaper and much less damaging. Keep us posted??
@@ChargeOverland Yea. A common overlanding setup would be a RTT above the bed and an awning above the roof. But I haven't seen anyone doing a range test with stuff mounted on R1T's roof yet.
Great test! I have the same tent with the gloss shell and also noticed a drop in range, but i thought it was more related to the side mounted awning and max track boards on the rooftop rail. Depending on the esthetics of the spoiler covers you come up with, I’d be interested in purchasing a pair.
Before you consider modifying the spoiler with 3d printed stuff have you thought about mounting the tent facing forward? Curious if the roof spoiler gaps cause the flow to hit the tall “back” side of the rtt, creating turbulence/ dirty air/ more drag as opposed to the tent being mounted “front”/ skinny edge forward which could theoretically help keep the air flowing and have less drag introduced at the point between spoiler and rtt
Follow up question a few months later, did you ever 3D print some inserts? I'm curious if vortex generators to create a layer of turbulent flow over the RTT would help or hurt efficiency.
Hey there! Trying to figure out a good solution still - 3d printed parts are a bit too rough and would likely scratch the spoiler but a foam insert is an interesting idea 🤔
3D printed part sprayed with a rubberized coating on the areas of contact would probably be the ticket. Also making the contact points just that: points. As in tabs, rather than full contact. Maybe a top and bottom component that could pull tight together with a big thumb screw? Something you could bare-hand. If you have access to a scanner and can get a clean scan of the spoilers, I’d be happy to CAD something out and share it. IM me if interested.
@@jasonappler Oh I ended up cutting up some yoga blocks and they did the trick. What you're describing is much better for a legit commercial product though.
Great content and watched most of your videos. I'm curios what is the PSI you lower your tires to for off roading? I'm also in Irvine and getting iKamper 3 for our SUV.
I always love your videos since I am also in SoCal. However, I am 12 days away from our R1S delivery after waiting 3 years. Whew! Question: I can't find any info on the Ikamper 2.0 series with an R1S. In your opinion, what do you think will be the range impact for an R1S? Thanks
The part is designed and I have a prototype on my truck but working through getting a consistent/reliable 3d printed part. Hope to have something soon here!
Thanks! The tent is pretty light at around 120lbs but could be a small factor for sure. After the holidays I might try to arrange a meet in the Irvine area 😁
I’m a side sleeper actually and the mattress it comes with is too firm for my liking but I’ve been using their upgraded comfort mattress and I’m pretty happy with it👍🏻
Driving 65! This is the issue. Rivian boasts 0-60 in whatever time but it does not really matter because you cannot drive over the speed limit without losing a hella lot of battery. Who drives the speed limit on I-95 on a 600 mile or more roadtrip? IDK, your video is honest with great information but driving 65 mph in a rocket ship, which is what the Rivian feels like, really SUCKS!
Turn your tent around. It should make the air from the roof hit on the tent top and the higher part in the back should give you a spoiler effect on the back. ???????
