Rivian R1S Pop-up Camper Roof: Exploring a Unique Conversion

Rivian Blue · 2025-04-01T08:59:34+00:00

Ever since I got my R1S, I've noticed that the battery range estimation hasn't been the best. Driving a Tesla for the last 3 years, it never had this kind of issue. During my last trip, the driver display shows 255mi remaining. My total trip (including 2 destinations) is 160mi so I believed I should be able to make it easily with a nice cushion. But the center display showed that I would arrive at first destination with 4mi remaining, and run out before the second destination! I knew this was false so I made the drive anyway, and arrived at second destination with 50mi remaining. If I understand correctly, the driver display range is simply the total rated range multiplied by SOC. That makes sense here, since my vehicle is rated for 370mi, 255mi is 68.9%. Coming from Tesla, I expect the number shown in the center display should account for factors like elevation, wind, traffic speed, etc. It's sad that my own mental estimation is better than Rivian's.

Rivian Blue

Member

Monday at 8:44 AM

I have a surf trip planned for this summer so I’ve been thinking about getting a roof top camper for my R1S. I’m intrigued to see if anyone has gone for a full pop up camper roof instead of installing a rack and rooftop tent. I’ve seen Honda Elements and Land Rover Defenders with this type of setup installed and originally Rivian did flirt with the idea of a removable roof so seems like it could be a good fit.

The photo below was an idea someone came up with and I couldn’t find anyone who has done this yet. Seems like removing the panoramic roof would allow for a *relatively easy conversion and pop up roof kits can be found pretty easily.

Has anyone explored/done this conversion?

Advantages would be:

1. Aerodynamics vs rooftop rack tent

2. Increases interior space when car camping

3. Allows for easy access between the cab and the tent area without needing to climb down a ladder or exit the vehicle

4. (Not that it’s a huge risk) eliminates chances of the rooftop glass cracking/shattering

I'm open to any ideas anyone might have with regards to this. Thanks

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