I Haven't Seen Anyone Talk About This as My Rivian R1S Gen2’s Tires Lost Some Air and I Was Trying to Clear the Alert and Refill Them

The Rivian R1S Gen 2 is a remarkable electric SUV, offering a cutting-edge driving experience with unmatched off-road capabilities, sleek design, and high-tech features. However, as with many modern vehicles, there are a few surprises, both good and bad, that come along with the ownership experience. One such surprise? The travel air compressor that comes with the vehicle, which seems like a helpful accessory, yet could leave owners scratching their heads about its actual usefulness.

Recently, a post in the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” caught the attention of many Rivian enthusiasts. Erik Hunter Czaja, a proud owner of a Rivian R1S Gen 2, shared a rather confusing experience with the included travel air compressor.

Erik writes, “I haven’t seen anyone talk about this, so I called and chatted with Rivian today. My tires lost some air, and I was trying to clear the alert and refill them. I went to use the 'travel' air compressor that comes with the Gen2 R1S, but there are no 12V plugs (the compressor has a square plug, while the socket is circular) except in the back of the SUV, and those plugs don’t look the same. No one at Rivian could confirm whether it would work, and I don’t think I want to be the first to find out. Has anyone else encountered this issue or found a portable air compressor they like/recommend? The included travel compressor is pretty useless when it comes to instructions, and the vehicle manual doesn’t provide any information on it either. Thanks in advance!”

The issue Erik encountered raises several important questions: What’s the purpose of a travel air compressor if it’s not usable with the vehicle’s outlets? Is it just a gimmick, or does it serve a vital function that simply isn’t well communicated? And, perhaps most crucially, what can owners do when they face unexpected challenges with their new, high-tech electric vehicles? Let’s dive into this issue and explore the possibilities, including what the Rivian community has been saying.

The Confusion Over the Travel Air Compressor

At first glance, the inclusion of a travel air compressor with your Rivian R1S Gen 2 sounds like a convenient addition. After all, it’s always a good idea to have a compressor on hand to maintain tire pressure, especially on long road trips or off-road excursions. However, as Erik pointed out, the compressor that comes with the vehicle isn’t quite as convenient as it seems.

The main issue lies in the compatibility, or rather, the lack of compatibility, between the air compressor’s plug and the available outlets in the R1S Gen 2. As Erik explains, the compressor’s square plug doesn’t match the circular socket in the vehicle, and the only other sockets are located at the back of the SUV. Rivian’s customer support wasn’t able to confirm whether the compressor would work in these outlets, leaving Erik (and likely other owners) in the dark about how to use it properly.

This lack of clarity is compounded by the fact that the Rivian manual offers no guidance on how to use the air compressor. So, while the idea of having a travel compressor sounds appealing, its actual usability in real-world situations remains uncertain for many owners.

Rivian Owners Weigh In: What Do Other Drivers Think?

As with any vehicle issue, the Rivian community has been vocal in offering feedback and suggestions. Some comments under Erik’s post shed light on different perspectives and experiences. Andrei Hlushko, another Rivian owner, offered his take on the situation. He pointed out that the tire kit that comes with the R1S isn’t designed to be used as a simple air compressor for topping off tires, it contains a sealant for fixing flats. He advises, “Be careful not to fill your tires with sealant accidentally, it’s not the first time someone has done it (myself included).” While the sealant is a useful tool for emergencies, it may not be the best solution if you simply want to inflate your tires.

Andrei also recommended a solution for those who want a reliable air compressor. He mentioned that he bought a Fanttik portable compressor at Costco, and according to him, “it seems to do the job just fine.” This suggests that while the included travel air compressor might not be practical, there are other portable compressors on the market that Rivian owners can rely on.

Another commenter, Eric Lee, seemed to believe that Erik’s air compressor might not be the standard issue for the R1S. He wrote, “Sounds like the OP has an aftermarket kit. Not the standard built-in compressor.” This raises an important point, there could be some confusion regarding whether the travel compressor is an optional accessory or a standard part of the vehicle package. Rivian owners need to be clear about what they’re getting with their purchase.

What Can Rivian Owners Do?

If you find yourself in a situation similar to Erik’s, where you’re unsure whether the travel compressor will work or if it’s just plain confusing to use, there are a few steps you can take.

1. Confirm Your Accessories: Double-check your vehicle’s accessory list to confirm whether the travel air compressor is included in your package. This will help you determine if you have the standard compressor or an aftermarket version.
2. Consider an Alternative Compressor: If the travel compressor isn’t working or doesn’t meet your needs, you might want to consider purchasing an external portable air compressor, such as the Fanttik model mentioned by Andrei. These compressors are widely available at retailers like Costco and are designed to be easy to use and reliable in various situations.
3. Check the Rivian Owner's Manual: If you’re still unsure about how to use the air compressor or need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to Rivian’s customer support team again. While it might not always yield quick answers, they may eventually provide additional guidance or clarify any questions about compatibility.
4. Engage with the Rivian Community: As Erik did, reach out to the Rivian community for insights. Forums like the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” are great places to connect with other owners who might have experienced the same issues. You can also check out user reviews or other discussions about the compressor’s usability.

A Related Issue: Rivian's Charging Infrastructure

While the travel air compressor situation might seem like a small issue in the grand scheme of things, it speaks to a larger theme that Rivian owners may encounter: the challenge of navigating the vehicle’s tech and infrastructure. From charging mishaps to understanding how different accessories work, owners need to be proactive in gathering information and finding solutions.

For example, a recent Torque News article on how Rivian owners can avoid the "cool factor" of their trucks being ruined discussed some of the design and tech issues that could detract from the vehicle’s overall appeal. Additionally, another Torque News piece recounts an epic 2,929-mile road trip in the Rivian R1S where users detailed their experiences with the car’s long rides and charging, illustrating both the vehicle’s strengths and some areas for improvement.

If you're still wondering whether the Rivian R1S is the right vehicle for you, you might also want to read about the pros and cons of the premium sound system upgrade in the R1S Gen 2. This is a crucial consideration for those wanting the best in-car audio experience. Meanwhile, if you’re interested in hearing about how charging mishaps have led to unexpected malfunctions, our article on a nightmare charging experience provides further insights into potential pitfalls for new Rivian owners.

The Moral Lesson

In any situation, whether it’s dealing with an air compressor that doesn’t fit or navigating any aspect of owning an electric vehicle, the key is to stay informed, be proactive, and not be afraid to ask for help. Technology is advancing quickly, and sometimes there can be a gap between expectation and reality. Don’t let small issues derail your experience; instead, turn to the community, research your options, and keep your vehicle well-maintained. This way, you can enjoy the ride without unnecessary stress or surprises.

Questions for the Readers

1. Have you encountered any issues with the Rivian R1S Gen 2 accessories, such as the travel air compressor? How did you handle it?
2. What portable air compressors would you recommend for other Rivian owners looking for a reliable solution? 

I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below!

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.