Are you considering adding more carrying capacity and cargo versatility to your new Rivian electric vehicle? Investing in a sturdy, high-quality roof rack could be an intelligent choice.
A roof rack allows you to securely haul gear, equipment, and other cargo on the roof of your Rivian instead of in the interior or truck bed. While roof racks require an upfront financial commitment, they provide multiple benefits that enhance the functionality of your vehicle.
Continue reading this article to explore seven key advantages of investing in a durable roof rack system tailored for your Rivian.
1. Expanded Carrying Capacity
One of the primary benefits of a roof rack is simply maximized cargo capacity. By transporting items atop your Rivian rather than inside or in the bed, you free up valuable interior and bed space. This expanded carrying ability is beneficial for hauling larger gear and bulky equipment that may not fit inside the vehicle.
Whether you need to transport sporting goods like kayaks, skis, or surfboards or larger household items like furniture or building supplies, Rivian roof rack opens up a wealth of hauling possibilities.
Also, family road trips benefit from strapping a rooftop cargo box carrying extra luggage or camping gear. In all these scenarios, a quality roof rack multiplies your Rivian’s carrying capacity compared to the interior and bed alone. This expanded versatility enhances functionality for work and recreation activities alike.
2. Secure Cargo Transport
Investing in a well-engineered roof rack system provides peace of mind through secure cargo transport. Leading roof rack manufacturers design their products with sturdy mounting assemblies, corrosion-resistant materials, and suitability tested for highway speeds.
The secure fixture of a roof rack protects both cargo and follow vehicles from potentially hazardous situations.
For instance, contractors know drywall or lumber strapped to the roof will not go flying if they hit the brakes suddenly. Skiers ensuring their boards stay tight at high speeds on the highway have one less distraction to worry about. Cargo like a rooftop box is also less accessible to thieves than items left uncovered in a bed.
Overall, reliable transport security makes a quality roof rack a safer choice than partly utilizing a vehicle’s open areas. The peace of mind delivers value, especially for expensive or delicate equipment.
3. Reduced Interior Cabin Noise
Another frequently overlooked benefit of an installed roof rack is decreased interior cabin noise levels during transport. While hard-shell rooftop cargo containers offer the most noise reduction, even open roof rack systems help muffle ambient sounds somewhat compared to carrying the same cargo inside.
Wind resistance increases proportionally with vehicle speed, so roof-mounted items are subject to less aerodynamic drag noise intrusion into the passenger area.
Consider a Rivian owner hauling a load of gravel in the open bed. Not only is their rearward visibility hampered, but road noise and material shifting/bouncing are amplified inside the cabin.
By contrast, securing the same gravel bags to a roof rack redirects airflow over rather than into the vehicle. Passengers gain a quieter, more relaxing travel experience as a result. Noise level control represents a subtle advantage.
However, the cumulative effect of reduced fatigue on longer trips should not be discounted. Overall, a quality roof rack assists in keeping interior noise under control during cargo hauls.
4. Enhanced Fuel Efficiency
On a related note, mounting external cargo atop rather than inside an electric vehicle can also slightly enhance its fuel efficiency or driving range.
Like reducing noise, transporting weight higher on a roof rack lessens drag forces, slowing the car compared to carrying interior or bed weight. Aerodynamics plays a significant role in electric vehicle efficiency as internal combustion engine vehicles, affecting battery drain and drive unit usage.
For example, loaded roof boxes can increase fuel economy compared to the same load inside an SUV interior unconstrained by a roof rack. While range gains from a roof rack alone are modest, every added mile is valuable for electric vehicles.
5. Safer Lane Changes and Merging
Particularly for hauling oversized items, a roof rack better facilitates safer vehicle maneuvers than obstructed rear visibility with interior or bed cargo. Seeing out rear windows clearly is crucial when changing lanes, merging, or backed up traffic situations.
Loading long boards or lumber inside a pickup bed can severely block the rearview, creating risky blind spots.
6. Easy Loading/Unloading
Compared to jamming awkwardly sized items into a vehicle interior or open bed area, roof racks simplify and streamline the loading/unloading process. Items are more easily lifted, carried and positioned directly atop roof mounts versus wrestling with obstructions inside constrained spaces.
This improves efficiency when repeatedly loading and unloading at job sites. It also lessens the risk of injury from heavy lifting inside tight confines or over extended bed edges.
7. Rugged Stylish Appearance
Finally, depending on the selected model, investing in an attractive, durable roof rack can complement and strengthen a vehicle’s rugged, sporty appearance. Quality racks are engineered to withstand elements and hold their good looks for years of reliable service.
The bolstered vehicle stance projects a lifestyle image for outdoor adventurers and tradespeople.
Final Thoughts
While roof racks require an upfront financial commitment, their long-term benefits make them worth consideration for Rivian owners seeking to maximize cargo capacity, safely transport bulky gear, enhance driving efficiency, and project adventure-ready style.
Selecting a well-engineered roof rack system compatible with your specific Rivian model delivers multiple functionalities, conveniences, and safety advantages. Roof racks are versatile accessories that enhance cargo practicality, especially for hauling large or uniquely sized items.
The ability to securely transport more freight volume externally also liberates interior and bed space. Overall, quality roof racks empower electric vehicles like the Rivian with amplified versatility for work and recreation pursuits.