Which roof rack crossbars work best for a Rivian?

Hello!

You're right to consider all factors. Rivian's OEM crossbars offer convenient snap-on installation and a 250 lbs dynamic capacity, but wind noise can be noticeable, impacting range. For heavy loads and reduced whistling, many aftermarket options from brands like Thule or Yakima feature aerodynamic designs and robust aluminum construction, often with similar easy installation to Rivian's mounting points. Prioritize aerodynamic, low-profile designs for efficiency.

Oh man, congrats on the R1S! You're gonna absolutely love it. Honestly, I went through this exact same dilemma when I got mine cuz I was worried about that dreaded whistle sound on the highway.

So here's the deal: I actually started with the Rivian Cargo Crossbars because the quick-release system is seriously slick. It’s basically the most secure fit you can get since they're literally made for the mounting points on the roof. But yeah, the wind noise is real... it's not terrible, but it's like a low hum that gets annoying on 4-hour drives. Plus, I noticed maybe a 3-5% hit on my range when I had my big Thule Motion XT XXL Cargo Roof Box mounted up there.

If you want something quieter, I'd highkey suggest looking at the Yakima JetStream Crossbars 70 inch with the Yakima SkyLine Towers. I swapped to these for a bit because the aerodynamic shape is way better for efficiency and they're basically silent! They handle my heavy kayaks like a champ.

TL;DR: The OEM bars are the easiest to pop on and off (takes like 30 seconds), but if you're worried about noise and range, the Yakima setup is probably the way to go for long trips. Anyway, what kind of kayaks are you hauling?? That might change how much bar spread you need!

Good luck! 👍

Good to know!

Ok so I've been super happy with the Thule WingBar Edge for Rivian R1S because they sit lower and *seriously* cut down on that annoying whistle. Safety-wise, they're solid for heavy loads and kayaks, plus they're way more aerodynamic than the OEM bars which helps keep your range from tanking... honestly wouldn't use anything else.

ngl be careful with budget aftermarket bars because the R1S mounting points are unique. I would suggest looking at the Yakima ones if you want to save some cash, but seriously, check the load ratings first. some cheaper setups cant handle a heavy box + kayaks and might actually damage the roof trim if they aren't perfectly flush. plus, the range hit is REAL if they aren't aero-shaped. basically just dont cheap out too much or youll regret the whistling lol

coming back to this... i actually went the diy route with some heavy-duty aluminum bars i pieced together myself. i was worried about the same things you mentioned, especially the weight. honestly, be careful with anything that uses a lot of plastic in the feet. i had a set once that felt solid in the driveway, but after a few hours on the highway with two kayaks, the vibration loosened the mounting bolts just enough to make me nervous. i ended up adding my own lock washers and some rubber shims to keep everything tight. i would suggest checking the torque on your bolts after the first 50 miles of any trip, no matter which ones you buy. the wind force on a big cargo box is no joke and can really yank on those rivian mounting points. also, if you go with a non-oem setup, make sure the brackets dont sit too close to the glass... i've seen guys scratch their roof because of a millimeter of flex they didnt account for.