Rivian R1S (Towing Test!) 

0:04 "This is the RS1" I call it that by accident too sometimes lol

I’ve been towing an 17 ft camper trailer (Safari Condo Alto F1743) for about 20,000 miles over the past 6 years with a Tesla Model X. It increases my cars energy usage by 50 to 100% depending on my speed and the conditions (weather, elevation change, etc). At 55mph on a level, dry road with no headwind the Tesla uses about 320Wh/mi and when towing it is about 485-520Wh/mi. But it works out fine, I just charge more often and there are so many Tesla Superchargers it’s usually pretty easy. The dramatic decrease in the Rivian R1S towing range described in this video is almost entirely due to the very poor aerodynamics of towing that large boat. The shape of the boat creates a massive amount of aerodynamic drag. The weight of the boat and the additional friction of the trailer tires has very little impact except at speeds below about 35mph. Note: the data shown in the video would have been more useful if Jake had done the towing test at 55mph so one could better compare the energy usage towing vs not towing at the same speed. I do not understand why his average speed during towing was only 40mph; you can’t safely go that speed on a freeway. At that speed when towing I am very surprised that the R1S energy usage was so high.

Exactly the test I was looking for! Thanks

This review couldn’t be more spot on! My boat is 5000 pounds and I live in the same area as the test route. But having to stop to recharge to get to Lake Folsom or Don Pedro or Berryessa is a turn off.

For ICE people... fuel efficiency on average drops about the same on your gas cars when towing the same payload. 40-50%

Awesome video, exactly what I was looking for. I have a Nautique very similar to this Malibu and a R1S on order. The only thing missing would be a pull from a steep ramp but I'm guessing this would be a non-issue. Nice job.

I know I called it a RS1 and it is really called R1S like my titles. I had a head cold making the voice over and wasn't thinking straight :)

Regarding the ride getting rougher, I would assume it’s in part from increased pressure in the airbags of the suspension. I would be curious to know the PSI or the front and rear with and without the trailer.

Cool video idea, I've been wanting to do a similar thing. Did you get a new boat?? I thought you had an older Malibu?

Does anyone know if the Rivian parking brake locks both front and back wheels versus back wheels only similar to a traditional parking brake. If not, can you exit the vehicle keeping the brakes locked (front and rear) using a mechanics helper (basically a pole that is wedged between the seat the brake pedal keeping the brake depressed without having to stay in the vehicle). My concern with using a Rivian as a tow vehicle for my bass boat is the short distance from hitch to the rear wheels which would place the rear wheels into the water when laughing/loading. This is a concern as you may loose the entire vehicle sliding down the ramp if the ramp is slick with moss, or if the trailer is disrupted when loading/unloading from rough water or driving the boat onto the trailer. It would be critical for me to have the front wheels on dry ground locked when unloading/loading the boat as I am often fishing by myself.

The Forest Green looks particularly dark in this video at the start, is that real or just an artifact of the video color settings. Very interesting and well produced video.

The ride quality sucks because the air bags are full, and your tire pressure is high at 48 psi. Most SUVs are sitting in the 35 psi range. But yeah, your ride quality always sucks when towing.

5:13 262 wh/km vs 690 wh/km.

ouch that's not good. I would want to drive 75-80 mph but my boat is smaller and better aerodynamics as it is a bass boat. I wouldn't expect much more than 100 miles if that.

Cross your chains.