> I’m particularly concerned about how different crossbars might impact the vehicle's range and wind noise... I usually haul a heavy rooftop tent.

Similar situation here - I went through this exact stress last year when setting up my overland rig. Honestly, safety is highkey my biggest worry when you’re talking about 160lb+ tents on an EV. I actually compared the Front Runner Slimline II Roof Rack against a more low-profile setup like the Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar to see what worked best.

Basically, the Front Runner Slimline II is a total beast for dynamic weight capacity and structural reliability, but the wind noise was definitely noticeable. On the flip side, the Rhino-Rack Vortex was way quieter and better for range, but it felt a bit *flexy* under a heavy load. If the R2 ends up having fixed points, I’d probably lean toward a platform style for the extra peace of mind... even if it costs a bit more. Safety first! 👍

Yo! Stumbled upon this discussion and I'm seriously HYPED for the R2! Since youre worried about dynamic weight for a heavy RTT, there's a great resource at 'Rivian Forums' or 'R2Owners.com' where people track range loss and drag coefficient data. Check it out!

- Aerodynamics: The Yakima JetStream Black Crossbars are lowkey vital for EV range. Their airfoil shape reduces wind resistance, which basically stops that annoying whistling at 70mph tho.
- Load Capacity: While the Rivian Cargo Crossbars mentioned earlier are slick, the Thule Evo Fixpoint system is usually a more cost-effective way to get that high dynamic capacity for ur tent.
- Stability: Honestly, fixed-points are better for heavy loads cuz they handle the sheer force and torque better than some quick-release setups... it's much safer for heavy static loads too.

Anyway, cant wait to see the final mounting specs!! gl! 👍

Quick question - how heavy is ur RTT? Basically, I once bent a rack mount... so dynamic weight capacity is sooo important before recommending Rivian Cargo Crossbars! Idk yet but R2 looks amazing!!

Sooo from my experience with the current Rivian system, they'll likely keep those slick quick-release ports cuz the ecosystem works so well. I'm pretty satisfied with how they handle heavy static loads... perfect for a RTT. Honestly, id bet Thule or Yakima will have kits ready at launch. Based on the aero data i've seen, staying OEM usually gives the best balance for range and wind noise, but definitely check the dynamic weight capacity specs first. cheers!

^ This. Also, just catching up on the thread and I'm so stoked for the R2! Honestly, the best way to handle the rack situation is probably just wait for the specs and then hit up a local shop for some custom parts. I did that for my old SUV and it was way cheaper than buying a name brand setup. Plus, it felt amazing to build something that worked!

• Raw aluminum bars are the way to go
• Super easy to customize the height
• Way less wind noise if you tuck them low Tbh it reminds me of this camping trip I took last summer where I forgot my entire kitchen kit. I ended up having to cook eggs on a flat rock I found near the creek. It actually worked surprisingly well until a squirrel decided to start throwing acorns at me from the tree above. Those things have better aim than youd think! Anyway lol sorry kinda went off on a tangent there.

Adding my two cents as someone who prefers to wrench on my own gear. Tbh, if youre worried about range and weight, you should look into a custom T-slot setup once the R2 mounting specs are confirmed. Comparison:
- 80/20 Aluminum T-Slot Extrusions: The ultimate DIY play. Pros: You can position them perfectly to minimize wind noise. Way cheaper too. Cons: Might need to fab custom brackets if the R2 uses a proprietary port, which is a bit of a hassle.
- Prinsu Rack: Total beast for heavy tents. Pros: Super low profile. Great for highway range. Cons: Its a more involved project to install yourself, you know? Check out [[WEBSITE:eTrailer]] or [[WEBSITE:RackAttack]] for their fitment guides. They usually post detailed breakdown videos that are a lifesaver for DIYers trying to see how the hardware actually seats without paying for a professional install. TL;DR: DIY T-slot bars offer the best aero customization. A Prinsu-style platform is the way to go for max structural reliability with a heavy tent.