August 31, 2022 | By Heather Lea
Over-the-air updates are adding cool features to new vehicles regularly, but this might be the most exciting one yet. Rivian introduces Camp Mode.
In a Twitter post made on Aug.27, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said he can’t wait for you to try the truck’s recently introduced Camp Mode. Overlanders, this one’s for you — an electric vehicle with a 300-mile range, deep sleep functionality to save battery life, and — perhaps the best feature in any vehicle ever — auto-leveling.
I live with a man who has a leveling app on his phone. When we car camp, he has to find the flattest spot, even if it takes all night. There’s a lot of getting out of the truck, using the app, getting back in, making a few tire positioning adjustments, etc. So I’d buy a Rivian for this smart new feature alone.
Had help beta testing Camp Mode. Can’t wait for you to try it! Rolling out very soon in next OTA update… pic.twitter.com/JNoOAjWupr
Using the truck’s air suspension height adjustment — with 6.5 inches of vertical range on all wheels — the chassis will sit level on even the most undulated terrain. The standalone app accesses built-in hardware, intending to make glamping even more enjoyable.
If you’re fond of stealthy car camping, you’ll appreciate that the internal displays can be turned off, so as not to draw attention when parked at night. Sensitive to light? It can all be turned off.
We’ve all shown up late in camp or have experienced the intrusion. Rivian’s Camp Mode has a noise level adjustment and a “courtesy” mode, which turns off exterior lights and automatic sounds like proximity locking. This setting also runs climate control quietly.
Two energy settings allow for more versatility around camp while keeping battery power in mind. “Stay off” cuts all outlets and anything else drawing power. “Stay on” is the setting for functions like lighting, climate control, and Gear Guard video.
The Rivian R1S model (the SUV) already comes with flat-folding seats for an air mat and sleeping bag. And the R1T (the truck), in conjunction with the leveling function, is ideal for rooftop tents and other mounted toppers. In addition, the truck can be optioned with an all-electric kitchen.
Rivian vehicles also come set up for camping already, with features like a detachable speaker that doubles as a flashlight or lantern, and, apparently, side mirrors that can be turned into floodlights to illuminate your surroundings.
Camp Mode is still in beta testing, but Rivian intends to release the new feature in its next over-the-air update — TBD on the timing of that update.
With more of us heading out onto backroads with our off-highway rigs, Rivian has certainly made its trucks a home on wheels with the feature-rich Camp Mode updates.
Sadly, as noted in a Rivian Tweet, Rivian falls short in the making of hot chocolate.
Heather Lea is an Assitant Editor at GearJunkie. She has traveled to over 60 countries—40 of which were on a BMW F 800 GS during a two-year round-the-world motorcycle adventure with now-husband, Dave Sears (Trip blog: ridingfullcircle.com). She is currently writing a book about this adventure of a lifetime and may win an award for taking so long (six years and counting...). Heather has been a freelance writer for over 25 years and a book and magazine editor for more than 15. Aside from GearJunkie, her stories can be found in Overland Journal, Expedition Portal, Canadian Geographic, Kootenay Mountain Culture, and Canadian Alpine Journal. She loves doing anything in the backcountry, including backpacking, four-wheel-driving, ski touring, and climbing. Heather is a Canadian now living in Bellingham, WA, with Dave, and their dog, Daisy, Expert Mouse-killer.
A hunting knife has a single purpose: processing meat after a kill. We did the research to help you find the best hunting knife for your needs and budget.
© Copyright 2022 GearJunkie, All Rights Reserved