My latest Rivian R1T off-road adventure just proved electric trucks are tougher than skeptics think.
As an EV owner since 2019, I’ve watched the electric truck space evolve from concept renders to real machines tackling serious terrain. When I joined the San Diego Rivian Club for a backcountry expedition through Anza-Borrego, I knew this would be the perfect test of what the Rivian R1T off-road capabilities actually look like in practice.
Tesla Supercharger Access Changes Everything for Rivian R1T Off-Road Trips
The charging logistics for this trip highlighted exactly why Tesla’s Supercharger network access is game-changing for Rivian owners. We started at the Santa Isabel Tesla Supercharger with about a dozen Rivians – completely taking over the 8-stall station.
Here’s what the charging numbers looked like for my Rivian R1T off-road prep:
- Arrived with 62% state of charge after 105.4 miles
- Efficiency: 2.26 miles per kWh
- Used 47 kWh of energy
- Charged to 80% (287 miles range) at 120 kW
- Cost: $0.58/kWh without Tesla subscription
The irony? Tesla’s non-member rates were actually cheaper than Rivian’s own charging network at $0.68/kWh. That’s a problem Rivian needs to address.
Real Rivian R1T Off-Road Performance in Soft Sand and Rocky Terrain
The actual off-roading revealed why the R1T’s multiple drive modes matter. We aired down to 30 PSI at Valisito Creek before hitting mixed terrain – rocks with soft sand sections that would challenge any vehicle.
Drive modes we tested:
- All-Terrain Mode: Best for mixed rock/sand terrain
- Soft Sand Mode: Designed for 10 PSI conditions
- Rally Mode: Extended air suspension (turned PSI indicators orange)
The Pirelli all-season tires on 21-inch wheels handled everything we threw at them. Even the notorious “Diablo Drop Off” – a steep, blind descent requiring a spotter – was manageable with the front camera view helping navigate what you can’t see over the hood.
Rivian R1T Off-Road Equipment Setup That Actually Works
Watching other owners’ setups showed what’s possible beyond the stock configuration. One R1S had a roof rack with spare tire, shovel, and recovery gear – exactly how these trucks should be equipped for serious adventures.
My own setup included:
- Starlink mounted securely for connectivity in remote areas
- Anchor Solix battery pack (to avoid draining truck battery)
- DJI Action Cam 4 with suction mount
- First real-world use of the truck’s integrated flashlight
The flashlight proved invaluable exploring the mud caves – a few hundred feet of total darkness that stayed remarkably cool compared to outside temperatures.
When Rivian R1T Off-Road Adventures Go Wrong
Not everything went perfectly. One truck experienced a loose bolt issue that caused scraping – likely related to a known campaign affecting multiple Rivians. The breakdown required a tow, with Rivian threatening to charge $1,500 if the technician deemed it non-warrantable.
This highlights the reality of adventure driving: even the most capable vehicles can have issues. Having a group and recovery equipment becomes essential for remote area exploration.
The San Diego Rivian Club experience proved these electric trucks are genuinely capable off-road machines. Yes, you need to plan charging stops and understand the different drive modes, but the Rivian R1T off-road performance rivals traditional trucks while offering the silence and instant torque that makes electric powertrains perfect for technical terrain.
Ready to take your EV adventures seriously? Start with understanding your vehicle’s capabilities, invest in proper equipment, and always travel with experienced groups when exploring new terrain.
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