Quick setup priorities
- Set up the Rivian app, keys, profiles, home location, service/roadside info, and charging notifications.
- Add Rivian Adventure Network and common public charging options to your road-trip routine.
- Learn drive modes, ride height, conserve/all-purpose tradeoffs, and how those settings affect range and tire wear.
- Check cold pressures from the placard and learn your spare/tire-repair setup before leaving pavement.
- Delay adventure accessories until you know your actual camping, towing, pet, kid, or work pattern.
Charging port and adapter notes
R1T and R1S use AC/DC charging through the driver-front side charge port in the current U.S. fleet. Rivian supports CCS public charging and has rolled out Tesla Supercharger access with Rivian-approved NACS adapters for eligible vehicles; future vehicles are moving toward native NACS.
- Use the Rivian app/in-vehicle planner to confirm compatible stations and adapter requirements.
- Do not use unknown high-power adapters; wait for Rivian-approved hardware and official account instructions.
- Practice cable reach because the driver-front port may need different stall positioning than rear-port vehicles.
- Keep a Level 2/J1772 plan for home, destination, and campground-style charging; do not assume every outdoor outlet is safe for EV charging.
App and first-week settings
The Rivian app covers phone key behavior, charging status, remote climate, location, service, and vehicle controls. In the vehicle, review charging targets, charging schedules, drive modes, ride height, kneel mode if used, Gear Guard, proximity lock behavior, outlets, camp mode, and pet/comfort features where available.
Cargo and storage quirks
R1T has the Gear Tunnel plus bed/frunk storage; R1S has SUV cargo packaging and a useful frunk. The extra spaces tempt over-organizing. Load your normal recovery gear, charging cable, pet/kid kit, groceries, and luggage first, then decide whether bins actually improve access.
Tire-size and pressure cautions
Rivian wheel/tire packages can vary dramatically: all-terrain tires, road tires, larger wheels, and off-road use change efficiency, noise, ride, rotation, and replacement cost. Use the placard and Rivian guidance, check pressure cold, and treat underinflation seriously because these are heavy vehicles. If you tow or drive off pavement, inspect tires more often.
Accessories to skip early
Skip novelty camping gadgets, unapproved adapters, heavy roof gear before measuring range impact, complex drawer systems before using the cargo area, and cosmetic wheel/tire changes that hurt efficiency. Buy recovery and safety gear only for the terrain you actually drive.
Source notes consulted
Rivian R1T/R1S official vehicle/spec pages, Rivian owner/support resources, Rivian app/support content, Rivian Adventure Network and Tesla Supercharger adapter communications were used for charging, app, cargo, drive-mode, and tire cautions.