The Rivian R1S was introduced into Rivian’s lineup as an all-electric full-size SUV in 2022 and remains available through today. The R1S is known for its unique styling and for having the features consumers expect from SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Rivian R1S?
The Rivian R1S has a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds depending on the type of hitch being used.
There’s a bit more to know about Rivian R1S towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2024 Rivian R1S Towing Capacity
The 2024 Rivian R1S can tow between 5,000 lbs and 7,700 lbs depending on what type of tow hitch is used.
A 2024 Rivian R1S with a standard tow hitch can pull 5,000 pounds.
A 2024 Rivian R1S with a weight distributing hitch can pull 7,700 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2024 Rivian R1S can tow.
| 2024 Rivian R1S Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Hitch Type |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg | Standard Receiver Hitch |
| All | 7,700 lbs / 3,492 kg | Weight Distributing Hitch |
2023 Rivian R1S Towing Capacity
The 2023 Rivian R1S can tow between 5,000 lbs and 7,700 lbs depending on what type of tow hitch is used.
A 2023 Rivian R1S with a standard tow hitch can pull 5,000 pounds.
A 2023 Rivian R1S with a weight distributing hitch can pull 7,700 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2023 Rivian R1S can tow.
| Rivian R1S Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Hitch Type |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg | Standard Receiver Hitch |
| All | 7,700 lbs / 3,492 kg | Weight Distributing Hitch |
2022 Rivian R1S Towing Capacity
The 2022 Rivian R1S can tow between 5,000 lbs and 7,700 lbs depending on what type of tow hitch is used.
A 2022 Rivian R1S with a standard tow hitch can pull 5,000 pounds.
A 2022 Rivian R1S with a weight distributing hitch can pull 7,700 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2022 Rivian R1S can tow.
| Rivian R1S Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Hitch Type |
| All | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg | Standard Receiver Hitch |
| All | 7,700 lbs / 3,492 kg | Weight Distributing Hitch |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Here’s a video showing the Rivian R1S in a real-world towing test:
Rivian R1S Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Rivian R1S Braked Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs.
Rivian R1S Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Rivian R1S Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Rivian R1S tow capacity.
Towing Equipment Installed
You can only get the max 7,700 pound tow capacity from your R1S by having a weight distributing hitch installed. Without it, you’re limited to either 5,000 pounds of towing power.
Number of Passengers
A big factor in calculating your vehicle’s towing capacity is how many passengers you’re carrying, which directly calculates into the vehicle’s GCWR.
This is true of all vehicles, not just the Rivian R1S, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.
Rivian R1S Tow Package Info
Does The Rivian R1S Have A Tow Package?
Rivian offers a R1S towing package which includes the following:
- 2” Class V Receiver Hitch
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Rivian R1S?
If you plan on towing anything with your Rivian R1S, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Rivian R1S Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Rivian R1S uses a Class 5 hitch.
Rivian R1S Trailer Hitch Installation
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Rivian R1S Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your R1S, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With a Rivian R1S?
The Rivian R1S stock bumper is not rated for bumper towing, so you’ll need to install a frame-mounted hitch like the one we listed earlier in this guide or an aftermarket bumper with a hitch ball on it.
Does My Rivian R1S Have A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your R1S to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your R1S.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official Rivian R1S Owner’s Manuals on Rivian’s website and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.
Having said that, we still recommend you refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual yourself before towing with your Rivian R1S.
