Lifting a Rivian R1T or R1S is different from lifting a conventional truck. Rivian uses designated lifting points in the chassis, and accessing them correctly is important whether you're rotating tires, changing a flat, performing maintenance, or lifting your Rivian on the road. In this guide, we'll show you where the Rivian jack points are, how jack pucks work, how to position them correctly, and what you should know before putting your R1T or R1S in the air.
Where Are the Jack Points on a Rivian R1T and R1S?
The Rivian R1T and R1S have four designated lifting points located underneath the vehicle near each wheel. These points provide access to the structural areas designed to support the vehicle during lifting. Rivian uses removable access panels in the underbody to reach these lifting points.
Why Do Rivian R1T and R1S Owners Use Jack Pucks?
A jack puck provides the interface between the vehicle's designated lifting point and the jack or lift. It extends below the underbody so the lifting equipment can engage the vehicle at the correct location without placing the jack directly against surrounding underbody panels.
Jack pucks are especially useful for tire rotations, wheel and tire changes, roadside repairs, and routine service. They can be used with compatible floor jacks, bottle jacks, and professional vehicle lifts.
Magnetic vs. Non-Magnetic Rivian Jack Pucks
Traditional jack pucks must be held in position until the jack or lift makes contact. A magnetic jack puck uses high-strength magnets to attach securely to the Rivian chassis at the lifting point before the lifting equipment is positioned underneath it.
This seemingly simple difference makes lifting easier. Once installed, the puck stays in place while you position a floor jack, bottle jack, or lift arm. This is particularly helpful when working alone, performing a roadside tire change, or positioning multiple pucks for a tire rotation or professional service.
JackPucks pioneered the magnetic jack puck system for Rivian vehicles, combining magnetic retention with a purpose-built design for the R1T and R1S. The concept has since become widely used by Rivian owners, tire shops, service facilities, and other automotive professionals.
How to Install a Magnetic Jack Puck on a Rivian R1T or R1S
Before lifting the vehicle, park on a firm, level surface and follow Rivian's current instructions for preparing the vehicle for lifting. Locate the appropriate jack-point access panel underneath the vehicle and remove the panel to expose the lifting point.
- Locate the lifting point. Remove the access cover for the jack point you intend to use.
- Insert the magnetic jack puck. Position the puck in the opening and align the centering pin with the hole at the jack puck location. Allow the magnets to secure it to the chassis.
- Check the puck. Make sure it is seated correctly and securely retained before positioning the lifting equipment.
- Position the floor jack or lift. Center the jack saddle or lift pad directly underneath the jack puck.
- Lift carefully. Raise the vehicle according to Rivian's recommended lifting procedure and the instructions for your lifting equipment.
Important: Always follow Rivian's current service and owner's documentation and the instructions supplied with your jack or lift.
Why Can the Rear of a Rivian Require More Lift Height?
The rear suspension of the Rivian R1T and R1S can extend significantly as the vehicle is raised. This means the jack may need considerably more vertical travel before the rear tire actually clears the ground. A floor jack that works easily at the front of the vehicle may run out of lifting range at the rear.
This is one reason jack height and lifting range matter when choosing equipment for a Rivian. The goal is not simply to reach the jack puck—the lifting equipment must also have enough usable travel to raise the vehicle until the tire clears the ground.
The Double-Pump Method
When lifting the rear of a Rivian R1T or R1S, you may notice the jack begin to tilt as the vehicle rises. The rear suspension has significant droop, and as it extends, the jack point moves with the suspension geometry. This can cause the jack to lean as the rear wheel approaches the point where it leaves the ground.
The Double-Pump Method keeps the jack properly aligned as the suspension extends.
How the Double-Pump Method Works
- Begin lifting normally until you notice the jack starting to tilt.
- Stop and lower the vehicle slightly to release pressure from the jack.
- Reposition the jack so it is centered and properly aligned beneath the jack puck again.
- Raise the vehicle again and continue lifting.
- Repeat if necessary. The rear suspension may continue to move as it extends, so the lower-reposition-lift sequence may be needed more than once before the tire clears the ground.
This movement is a result of the Rivian's rear suspension travel. The objective of the Double-Pump Method is simple: keep the lifting equipment centered and properly aligned beneath the jack puck as the suspension extends.
Choosing a Floor Jack or Bottle Jack for Your Rivian
For most garage lifting, we recommend a 3-ton or greater floor jack with at least 19 inches of maximum lift height. Quality high-lift jacks are available from Harbor Freight and other major manufacturers.
Using a Floor Jack
A quality floor jack is an excellent choice for tire rotations and service work on a firm, level surface. Make sure the jack has sufficient rated capacity and enough lifting range to accommodate the Rivian's suspension travel, particularly when lifting at the rear.
The jack saddle should remain centered beneath the jack puck throughout the lift. If the jack begins to move out of alignment as the suspension extends, stop and correct the alignment before continuing.
Using a Bottle Jack
JackPucks magnetic jack pucks for Rivian and GM EV trucks feature a 1.30-inch-diameter bottle jack port. A bottle jack with a top hat larger than approximately 1.275 inches will not fit inside the port.
One option we have found works well is the BIG RED by Torin 10-ton hydraulic bottle jack. It is affordable, appropriately sized for this application, and fits the JackPucks bottle jack port.
A bottle jack can be a compact option for roadside use, but available clearance and maximum extension are especially important. The jack must fit beneath the vehicle and jack puck at the starting ride height while still providing enough extension to raise the tire clear of the ground.
Always use lifting equipment that is appropriately rated for the vehicle and follow the jack manufacturer's instructions as well as Rivian's current lifting guidance.
Watch: How to Lift a Rivian R1T or R1S Safely
See the process in action. This Jack Pucks TV video demonstrates Rivian jack-point access, magnetic jack puck placement, and the lifting process on an actual Rivian.
Why We Designed the Original Magnetic Jack Pucks for Rivian
JackPucks was created by Rivian owners who encountered the same lifting challenges described in this guide. We wanted a jack puck that was simple to install, stayed securely in position while the jack or lift was being aligned, and worked equally well in the garage, on the road, or in a professional service environment.
That led us to develop the original magnetic jack puck system for the Rivian R1T and R1S. High-strength magnets hold each puck securely at the designated lifting point, while the centering pin helps position the puck correctly in the chassis.
Today, JackPucks magnetic jack pucks are used by Rivian owners, tire shops, automotive service facilities, and other professionals across the country.
One Puck or a Set of Four?
A single jack puck can be sufficient for an individual wheel change or roadside repair. A four-pack is particularly useful for tire rotations and professional service because all four lifting points can be prepared before the vehicle is raised.
For owners who rotate their own tires—or simply want a complete lifting kit ready in the vehicle or garage—a four-pack eliminates the need to move one puck from corner to corner.
Ready to equip your Rivian for tire changes, rotations, and service? Explore our Magnetic Jack Pucks for the Rivian R1T & R1S.
Rivian Jack Puck & Lifting FAQ
Does a Rivian R1T or R1S need jack pucks?
Rivian provides designated lifting points for the R1T and R1S. A compatible jack puck provides an interface between those lifting points and the floor jack, bottle jack, or vehicle lift being used. Jack pucks are particularly useful for owners who perform their own tire rotations or wheel changes, or who want to ensure the proper lifting interface is available when their Rivian is serviced by a tire shop.
Where are the jack points on a Rivian R1T and R1S?
One challenge is that the jack-point locations are not obvious when looking at the vehicle from the side. This can be especially important when your Rivian is being serviced by a tire shop, roadside technician, or another facility that may not work with Rivian vehicles every day.
Jack Point Identifier Emblems provide a simple visual reference on the vehicle to help identify the location of each lifting point before the vehicle is raised.
Make your Rivian's lifting points easy to identify. Explore our Jack Point Identifier Emblem Kit for the Rivian R1T & R1S.
Can I use a floor jack with Rivian jack pucks?
Yes. A properly rated floor jack can be used with compatible Rivian jack pucks. Center the jack saddle beneath the puck and make sure the jack remains properly aligned throughout the lift. Because Rivian vehicles have substantial suspension travel, maximum lifting height is also important—particularly at the rear.
Can I use a bottle jack with a Rivian R1T or R1S?
Yes, provided the bottle jack is appropriately rated and has the necessary minimum clearance and maximum extension for the lifting situation, as well as a top hat diameter under 1.30 inches. The BIG RED by Torin 10-ton hydraulic bottle jack is one example we have found fits the JackPucks bottle jack port well.
Why is the rear of my Rivian harder to lift?
The rear suspension can extend significantly as the vehicle is raised. As a result, the jack may need considerably more vertical travel before the rear tire clears the ground. This is why both jack lifting range and proper alignment are important when lifting the rear of an R1T or R1S.
Do tire shops need Rivian jack pucks?
Shops servicing a Rivian should use the vehicle's designated lifting points and appropriate lifting equipment. Having your own set of magnetic jack pucks can help ensure the correct lifting interface is available when you arrive for tire rotations, wheel changes, or other service.
Before You Lift Your Rivian
Every lifting situation is different. Vehicle configuration, suspension position, lifting equipment, surface conditions, and other factors can affect the procedure. Always work on a suitable surface, use appropriately rated equipment, and follow Rivian's current vehicle lifting instructions and the instructions provided by your lifting-equipment manufacturer.
With the correct lifting points, properly positioned jack pucks, and suitable equipment, routine tire and wheel service on an R1T or R1S can be straightforward and repeatable.
