Just picked up an R1T and want to hit the trails near Moab next month. I saw some folks online pushing the heavy steel rock sliders, but honestly, they seem like overkill for the light trails I do. Plus, my budget is tight after buying the truck. Are they actually necessary or just for show?
To add to the point above: be careful with that underbelly. I would suggest picking up a Rivian Underbody Shield to avoid expensive repairs if you accidentally clip a hidden rock.
To add to the point above: sliders might be overkill, but dont ignore your tires! Moab trails have sharp rocks that eat stock rubber for breakfast. I highly recommend picking up a set of BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 275/65R20 tires. They provide way better puncture resistance than the standard highway tires. Also, grab a sturdy ARB ARB4407A E-Z Deflator to manage your pressure easily. It makes a massive difference in traction without needing expensive armor!
Just catching up on this thread. Honestly, sliders are a huge chunk of change if you are just doing fire roads. I wouldnt sweat the steel armor for light trails, but you absolutely need to manage your tire pressure properly for those Moab surfaces. If you want a reliable way to air down and back up, pick up a Morrflate Quad Plus 4 Tire Inflation Deflation System. Being able to adjust all four corners at once saves a ton of time and keeps your footprint stable on loose terrain. Also, carry a solid kinetic rope like the Viking Offroad Kinetic Recovery Rope 7/8 inch x 30 feet. Even on easy trails, a simple slip into a soft patch or a misjudged line can leave you stuck. Stay safe out there, dont push it, and always scout your line first.
Congrats on the new truck! Honestly, sliders are a massive expense and weight penalty if you arent planning on doing serious rock crawling. Since you mentioned Moab, just stick to the lighter stuff and you'll be totally fine without them. The R1T has great ground clearance, just keep an eye on your lines.