Seconding the recommendation above regarding those Yakima towers! Honestly, in my experience over the years of rigging up various EVs for the trail, the T-slot versatility is a total game changer compared to the factory bars.

I remember my first big trip in the R1T—I was so worried about the budget that I tried to cheap out on some generic baskets, and man, the whistling sound was maddening. Never again. Since you mentioned being cost-conscious but needing space, I actually suggest looking at the Kuat IBEX Truck Bed Rack if you ever want to move gear off the roof, but for the roof specifically, I've had great luck with the Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform 52100. It's a bit of an investment upfront, but it's way more aerodynamic than a bulky box.

If you're dead set on a box but want to save cash and range, check out the Inno Wedge 660 Cargo Box. It’s got a super slim profile that helps keep that range hit closer to 8% rather than the 12% others are seeing. FWIW, I always tell people to check local marketplaces first—you can often snag Yakima RoundBars or older Thule setups for a steal and just buy the specific Rivian fit kit.

Wait, getting sidetracked here... the point is: aerodynamics matter way more than weight for your range. Keep it low, keep it sleek, and you'll be golden. Good luck with the build!

Hi there! For your situation, I would suggest looking into the Yakima JetStream Crossbars 60 inch paired with the Yakima Skyline Towers.

I believe the T-slot versatility is way better than the standard Rivian bars! I've seen about a 10-12% range hit at highway speeds, so maybe try the Thule Motion XT XXL Cargo Box for its aero shape? It's amazing how much gear it holds! TBH, it's a fantastic setup if you're seriously into camping. Good luck!

So basically the consensus is that while the factory bars are okay for light use, the aftermarket options really shine when it comes to T-slot versatility and long-term durability. To sum up what's been said: range is definitely going to take a hit—anywhere from 10% to 20% depending on how bulky your gear is—so you really have to weigh that convenience against your charging stops.

From a safety-first perspective, I'm a big believer in over-engineering your mounting points. I’ve seen some setups fail on washboard roads, which is why I’m a huge fan of the Rhino-Rack Vortex Bar 65 inch Black paired with the Rhino-Rack SX Series Leg Kit. It’s an incredibly solid setup that meets high industry safety standards for dynamic loads. Honestly, I'm super satisfied with how it handles high-speed vibrations without loosening up.

If you're worried about that range hit, my quick tip is to look at a lower profile box. I've had great luck with the Thule Pulse Alpine Cargo Box. It's much slimmer than the standard boxes, which helps keep the center of gravity low and cuts through the wind a bit better. Just remember to always double-check your torque settings on those mounting brackets after the first 50 miles! It’s a small step that prevents a massive headache. Hope this helps you narrow it down! 🚙💨

Adding my two cents here... I've spent a ton of time testing different setups on my R1T and honestly, the brand loyalty thing is real. I started with Yakima but found the Thule stuff just feels a bit more pro on the Rivian. I eventually swapped to the Thule WingBar Edge bars because they have a much sleeker, integrated look than the factory bars which stick out like sore thumbs. For storage, I'm currently running the Thule Vector M Cargo Box. Its pricey but the aero design is top-notch. I only saw about a 9% range hit on my last 300-mile leg, which is way better than the 15% I was getting with my old box. Quick tips:

• Use a bit of silicone lubricant on the T-slots to make sliding mounts way easier.
• Always double check the torque on your Thule Evo Fixpoint kit after the first few miles of highway driving tho.

Hi there, I honestly wish I had better news, but I've been pretty disappointed with my setup. For your situation, I would suggest being really careful about range.

- **Warning:** Avoid the Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite Cargo Box if you're worried about efficiency; it's a total range killer on the R1T. I saw a 15-20% drop instantly.
- The Rivian Cargo Crossbars are easy to install, but unfortunately, they sit so high that the wind noise is just unbearable at highway speeds.
- I tried the Thule WingBar Evo 135 with some adapters, and it was a bit better, but still not as good as I expected for the price.

Anyway, back to your question—if you don't mind the hit to your battery, the official bars are the most 'plug and play' option. Are you planning on keeping the rack on year-round or just for trips? Hope this helps!