Rivian R1T parked, editorial photograph
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Rivian R1T Owner's Guide

Accessories, owner reviews and fit — everything for your Rivian R1T, in one place.

The R1T is the original adventure EV truck, and it accessorizes like nothing else: a lockable Gear Tunnel behind the cab, a 4.5-foot powered bed with 110V outlets, a drainable frunk, height-adjustable air suspension, and serious off-road hardware. It's the most accessory-hungry EV Rivian makes — and its owners spend to match. Here's the gear that actually matters for an R1T, each with a full buyer's guide, plus the truck-specific pieces worth buying by name.

Accessories that matter for the Rivian R1T

Model-specific gear worth buying

Rivian R1T Gear Tunnel Mat (OEM-fit)

A fitted mat protects the Gear Tunnel floor from scuffs and mud and quiets rattles from gear — the tunnel is the R1T's signature storage.

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Roll-Up Tonneau Cover (R1T 4.5 ft bed)

Weatherproofs and secures the bed and slightly improves aero/range; the best designs roll up and stow in the Gear Tunnel.

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R1T Bed Mat (rubber, no-slip)

A rubber-backed mat cut to the R1T bed protects the floor and stops cargo sliding on the trail.

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BestEvMod Frunk Mat, Upper + Lower (R1T)

Two-piece TPE liner for the drainable dual-layer frunk, with raised lips and a drain hole for easy rinse-out.

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What owners actually say

Our editorial summary of what real Rivian R1T owners report — sentiment as of July 2026.

R1T owners rave about the driving experience and the truck's clever design, and they're among the most satisfied owners in the industry — while openly acknowledging first-generation reliability variance and heavy reliance on over-the-air fixes.

Owners consistently praise

  • Drive and capability — strong acceleration, real off-road prowess, and a quiet, easy-to-live-with cabin.
  • The Gear Tunnel and utility — clever storage with a built-in step/seat, an onboard air compressor, and mobile-power-station outlets.
  • Always improving — owners like that near-monthly OTA updates keep adding features, and satisfaction scores are among the highest anywhere.

Common gripes

  • Reliability ranking — Consumer Reports has placed Rivian near the bottom for brand reliability; experiences range from near-flawless to many service visits.
  • Software and build — update failures that disable displays, nav or HVAC, plus early 2022–2023 panel gaps, trim rattles and seal alignment.
  • Hardware niggles — repeat 12V battery failures and front half-shaft noise or replacements.
Reliability & recalls (the facts): Multiple 2024–2025 recalls, many resolved over the air: Hands-Free Highway Assist software (~24,214 R1S/R1T), cold-weather headlight failure (~17,260 units), a High-Voltage Distribution Box grounding issue (loss of drive power), a turn-signal fault, and a service-related toe-link reassembly. Rivian pushes OTA updates on a near-monthly cadence and offers mobile-ranger service, though long lead times or repeat visits come up.

Bottom line: Uniquely capable and genuinely beloved by its owners — the trade-off is first-gen reliability variance and reliance on OTA fixes, so confirm recalls are current and budget some patience for service.

How we built this: an original summary of public owner discussion (Reddit, owner forums, and the consumer-review sections of Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book) plus factual recall and reliability data from NHTSA and Consumer Reports. We don't quote or republish anyone's reviews — we summarize the recurring themes in our own words. Sentiment reflects July 2026 and can shift as models age and updates roll out.

R1T fit notes

The Gear Tunnel is the party trick. A lockable pass-through behind the cab, big enough for gear, a slide-out camp kitchen, or a stowed tonneau — a fitted mat and organizers keep it clean and quiet. The 4.5-ft bed wants a mat and a tonneau (many roll up and stow in the tunnel), and it has 110V outlets for tools or a tailgate. Charging: CCS natively, with Rivian's NACS adapter for Tesla Superchargers, and a fast 48A Level 2 charger at home for the big battery. Off-road airdown: carry a portable compressor. Fixed glass roof — a sunshade is worth it. Towing or a loaded bed/roof cuts range significantly, so plan charging stops.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the Gear Tunnel, and how do I protect it?
A: It's a lockable storage pass-through behind the cab, unique to the R1T — used for gear, a camp kitchen, or a stowed tonneau. A fitted Gear Tunnel mat protects the floor and cuts rattles.

Q: Bed mat or tonneau first?
A: A bed mat protects the floor and stops cargo sliding; a tonneau weatherproofs and secures the bed and helps range a little. Many owners run both — and the roll-up tonneaus stow in the Gear Tunnel.

Q: Can the R1T charge at Tesla Superchargers?
A: Yes, with Rivian's NACS adapter (the truck's native port is CCS). At home, a fast 48A Level 2 charger keeps up with the big battery.

Q: What's the best first upgrade?
A: All-weather floor mats plus frunk and Gear Tunnel liners — the areas an adventure truck dirties fastest, and the cheapest to protect.

Specs current as of July 2026