The Rivian R1T Has the Storage for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Hannah DeWitt
· 4 min read
Electric vehicles are on the rise, and Rivian is a new brand that has been making big impressions.
Rivian was the first to design an electric
pickup truck
, beating out auto giants like Ford, Chevy, and Ram. It seems they may still be pulling ahead of the legacy manufacturers, as the R1T has some surprising—and substantial—storage options that wowed Motor Trend
.The R1T was designed with adventurers in mind and is meant to be the ultimate electric outdoor vehicle. It seems like Rivian has consumers covered with four innovative storage compartments.
Rivian gave their truck a 4.5-foot truck bed, an in-bed trunk, a frunk, and a slot behind the rear seats that they’ve named the "gear tunnel."
Why does the Rivian R1T have a frunk?
Since the R1T is fully electric, the space under the hood is taken up by the truck’s front trunk, or frunk. The frunk has 11 cubic feet of storage and is perfect for storing camping and hiking gear you don’t want exposed to the elements.
Other electric trucks have slightly bigger frunks, but for the R1T’s size, the frunk has ample space. The frunk can be opened remotely using the truck’s infotainment system or by pressing a button on the front of the truck. This lifts the lid and makes space for any backpacks, snack bags, or gear bags, according to
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How useful is the new gear tunnel?
MORE: 5 Best Road Trips in Arizona for Outdoor Adventure
The gear tunnel is one of the most interesting storage features on the R1T. Located between the rear wheel and the backseats, you’ll find a long, roomy compartment perfect for any of your tall or clunky outdoor equipment. The space measures a total of 11.6 cubic feet, which means it’s even bigger than the frunk.
The tunnel is great for any kind of luggage. You can access the compartment through a small rectangular opening in the rear seats, and store supplies you might need to grab like purses and backpacks.
The main access points for the gear tunnel are on the sides of the truck, where there are small drop-down doors that allow you to slide your gear straight in. To open them, similar to the frunk, you can press a button on the side of the truck bed or use the infotainment system.
What other benefits come with the R1T?
MORE: Rivian's New Vehicle Incentives Are Helping It Stand Out
No part of this truck goes to waste. The gear tunnel is equipped with two outlets on either side of it, 110 volts on one end and 12 volts on the other. There are no outlets in the R1T concept vehicles, but Rivian plans to add them once the truck goes into full-scale production.
The drop-down doors for the gear tunnel can hold up to 300 pounds, so they double as seats, steps, or platforms for heavy equipment. These are also meant to support Rivian’s camp kitchen attachment, something buyers can add to their purchase. This addition comes with a countertop, two-burner electric stove, four-gallon water basin sink, and a 30-piece dishware set.
Finally, the gear tunnel is fitted with a slide-out "shuttle," which is essentially a narrow table with a leg to keep it upright. This is a useful flat surface for tailgate parties and camping.
The R1T shows a bright future for Rivian
The impressive storage coupled with numerous available add-ons makes the Rivian R1T a competitive option for truck owners looking to switch to electric. Its smaller size makes the R1T easier to maneuver without sacrificing storage space compared to larger options with gas engines.
The R1T release has been delayed, but Rivian promises the trucks will be available by the end of the year. With all of its quirks and features, the truck is a highly anticipated release that adventurers will love.
You’ll want to make sure you get the best car insurance policy to go with your next pickup truck.
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