Rivian R1S Owner Finds It Tows 200% Better Than Silverado 1500, But Old BMW X5 Diesel Remains More Stable

A Rivian R1S owner who switched from a 2012 BMW X5 diesel says his new SUV tows far better than his Chevy Silverado 1500, with plenty of power, weight, and range for his 20-foot enclosed trailer. However, he notes that his 14-year-old BMW is still more stable with a trailer behind it. Another owner with over 60,000 towing miles explains that the reason for this difference lies in the distance from the hitch ball to the rear axle. The Rivian R1S has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds with a weight-distributing hitch, but its stability depends heavily on the hitch setup. The owner’s experience highlights the importance of considering the hitch-to-axle distance and using a weight-distributing hitch with sway control to achieve stable towing. The article also discusses the Rivian R1S’s towing specs, including its maximum towing capacity, payload, and range loss when towing a travel trailer. Additionally, it provides tips for making the R1S tow more steadily, such as using a projected-pivot hitch and loading heavy cargo over the trailer axles. The owner’s experience also highlights the benefits of the R1S’s lower operating costs compared to his diesel X5. Overall, the article concludes that the Rivian R1S is a strong tow vehicle, but its stability depends on the hitch setup and other factors.