Best Rivian R1S Upgrades for Off-Road Camping
The Rivian R1S is an absolute powerhouse, but taking a $90,000 EV into the backcountry requires more than just “Off-Road Mode.” The challenge lies in balancing the vehicle’s heavy curb weight with gear that doesn’t tank your range. After testing various overlanding setups, I’ve found that the right kit transforms this SUV from a luxury commuter into a basecamp beast. My top pick, the iKamper Skycamp 3.0, offers the perfect blend of aerodynamics and comfort for the R1S’s unique roofline.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Upgrades for Off-Road Camping: Detailed Reviews
iKamper Skycamp 3.0 View on Amazon
The iKamper Skycamp 3.0 is the gold standard for R1S owners who refuse to sacrifice sleep quality. Much like a high-end full-frame camera body, the build quality here is exceptional, utilizing a double-layered fiber-reinforced plastic shell that minimizes wind drag—a crucial factor for maintaining EV range. I find the king-size mattress comfortably fits two adults and two children, making it the ultimate family basecamp. The R1S has a high dynamic roof load, and the Skycamp utilizes that footprint perfectly without overhanging the sides. The canvas is thick and blackout-capable, ensuring you aren’t woken up by the first light of dawn. The only drawback is the weight; at 165 lbs, you’ll definitely want a friend to help with the initial install on your crossbars. However, the one-minute setup time at camp is worth every penny when you arrive at a dark trailhead.
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Dometic CFX3 45 View on Amazon
If you’re still using a traditional cooler, you’re living in the analog age. The Dometic CFX3 45 is the “mirrorless transition” of camping gear. It plugs directly into the R1S’s 12V outlets in the trunk or frunk. Because the Rivian is essentially a massive rolling battery, you can run this fridge for weeks without significantly impacting your driving range. The 46-liter capacity is the “sweet spot” for the R1S cargo area, leaving enough room for your recovery gear. I’ve found the mobile app incredibly useful for monitoring temperatures from the driver’s seat. It’s ruggedly built with fender frames to protect against trail rattles. While it’s an investment, the savings on spoiled food and the convenience of never buying ice again provide a value proposition that’s hard to beat. It operates quietly, so if you’re “camp mode” sleeping inside the car, it won’t disturb your peace.
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Viair 400P-Automatic View on Amazon
Wait, doesn’t the R1S have a built-in compressor? Yes, it does, but seasoned off-roaders know that redundancy is key. The built-in Rivian compressor can be slow and prone to overheating when filling four massive 34-inch tires from 15 PSI back to 48 PSI. The Viair 400P is my “emergency prime lens”—reliable, fast, and always works. It connects directly to the 12V battery (found under the frunk plastic) and delivers a much higher CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) than the onboard unit. You’ll notice that airing up takes half the time, which is a blessing when you’re trying to beat the sunset after a long day on the trails. It comes in a durable carry bag and includes a high-quality pressure gauge. It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that you won’t be stranded with a thermal-shutoff onboard compressor in the middle of nowhere.
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RealWheels EV Rock Sliders View on Amazon
If you’re planning on taking your R1S through rock gardens, this isn’t just an upgrade—it’s insurance. The Rivian’s battery pack is its most vulnerable and expensive component. These rock sliders from RealWheels EV are the “armored housing” your vehicle needs. Unlike the factory side steps, these are frame-mounted and designed to take the full weight of the vehicle dropping onto a boulder. I’m impressed by the precision of the laser-cut steel; they follow the R1S’s lines so cleanly you’d swear they were OEM. They also serve as an excellent step for reaching your roof-top tent. Be warned: installation is an involved process that requires trimming some of the plastic underbody panels, so you might want a professional shop to handle it. However, once they’re on, you can wheel with the confidence that a stray rock won’t result in a $30,000 battery replacement bill.
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Starlink Mini View on Amazon
For those who need to stay connected for work while deep in the National Forest, the Starlink Mini is a game-changer. It’s small enough to fit in the R1S’s center console and consumes very little power. I love that you can power it directly via USB-C PD, which the R1S has plenty of in the second and third rows. This allows you to maintain a “mobile office” without needing a separate power station. The speeds are consistently high enough for video calls and heavy data transfers, essentially turning your R1S into a high-speed satellite hub. The only limitation is the requirement for a clear view of the sky—if you’re camping in dense redwood forests, you’ll need to move the dish to a clearing. For overlanders who want to extend their trips indefinitely by working from the trail, this is the most important piece of tech you can carry.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose R1S Off-Road Gear
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| iKamper Skycamp 3.0 | Family Basecamp | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Dometic CFX3 45 | Food Storage | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Viair 400P-Automatic | Tire Maintenance | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| RealWheels Rock Sliders | Battery Protection | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Starlink Mini | Remote Connectivity | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a roof-top tent affect the R1S range?
On average, expect a 10% to 15% decrease in highway range when mounting a hardshell tent like the iKamper Skycamp. At speeds over 70 mph, the aerodynamic drag becomes more significant. To mitigate this, many owners choose lower-profile crossbars or limit their highway speeds to 65 mph. Soft-shell tents typically cause a larger hit due to their less aerodynamic “brick” shape compared to hardshell models.
Can the R1S power a camping fridge overnight?
Absolutely. The R1S is equipped with a massive battery pack (105kWh to 135kWh+). A fridge like the Dometic CFX3 45 draws very little power—usually less than 1% of the total vehicle battery per day. By enabling “Camp Mode,” the vehicle keeps the 12V outlets active, allowing your fridge to run indefinitely without the risk of being stranded, provided you have at least 15-20% SoC.
Are rock sliders necessary for light off-roading?
For gravel roads and light fire trails, you can get by with the factory plastic rockers. However, the R1S has a long wheelbase (121 inches), which makes its “breakover angle” a weak point. This means you’re more likely to “high center” on a mound or rock. Rock sliders act as a literal shield for the battery. If you plan on doing anything beyond basic dirt roads, they are a vital investment.
Does the R1S have enough payload for all this gear?
The R1S has a payload capacity of around 1,300 to 1,500 lbs depending on the configuration. While that sounds like a lot, four adults (800 lbs), a tent (165 lbs), a fridge (40 lbs), and recovery gear (50 lbs) add up quickly. Always be mindful of your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) to ensure you aren’t putting undue stress on the air suspension and braking systems.
Is Starlink Mini better than a cell booster?
In the backcountry, Starlink Mini is far superior because it doesn’t rely on distant cell towers. A cell booster (like WeBoost) can only amplify an existing, weak signal. If there is zero signal, a booster is useless. Starlink provides high-speed internet anywhere with a clear sky view, making it the preferred choice for truly remote camping where safety and communication are top priorities.
Final Verdict
For the ultimate R1S camping experience, I recommend starting with the **iKamper Skycamp 3.0** if you have a family, as it maximizes the R1S’s roof capacity. If you’re a solo adventurer or a couple, prioritize the **Dometic CFX3 45** to leverage the Rivian’s massive battery for fresh food. For those tackling technical trails, do not skip the **RealWheels Rock Sliders**—they are the best insurance policy you can buy for your EV’s expensive underbelly.