The Ultimate Summer Ride: Inside the Rivian R1T-Based Pool Truck

By Himanshu Kumar

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The Ultimate Summer Ride: Inside the Rivian R1T-Based Pool Truck

When you think of electric trucks, you probably imagine torque, tech, and trail-ready performance—not water. But Rivian, the electric automaker known for its adventure-ready R1T pickup, has inspired one of the most fun and creative EV customizations yet: the pool truck.

Yes, you read that right—a pool truck. Built on the all-electric R1T platform, this custom ride swaps payloads for pool floats, replacing the bed with a fully functional swimming pool. It’s not just an Instagram stunt; it’s a wild celebration of how versatile EV platforms can be, and it speaks volumes about the playful, imaginative energy behind the EV community.

Let’s take a closer look at this custom creation, why it’s making waves (literally), and what it says about the future of electric vehicle culture.


From Workhorse to Waterpark

The Rivian R1T is already one of the most innovative electric trucks on the market. With quad-motor all-wheel drive, a 0-60 time under 4 seconds, over 400 miles of range (depending on the configuration), and a minimalist, tech-laden interior, it’s built for both utility and adventure.

That’s how the R1T-based pool truck came to be. While Rivian hasn’t made this model themselves, the custom build—likely by a content creator or auto mod enthusiast—involves converting the truck’s bed into a watertight pool. The bed is sealed, lined with waterproof materials, and filled with water (often aided by a hose or portable water tank). Toss in a few pool noodles, inflatables, and friends, and you’ve got the most unique tailgate party on the planet.


The Engineering Behind the Splash

While it’s clearly a lighthearted concept, building a pool into the bed of a truck isn’t as simple as dumping in water and calling it a day.

Water is heavy—about 8.34 pounds per gallon—so filling even a small pool in the bed can add over 1,000 pounds of weight. Luckily, the Rivian R1T is rated for a payload capacity of up to 1,760 pounds, so it can technically handle it. However, suspension tuning, balance, and waterproofing are all important considerations.

Builders must also be careful to avoid damaging the electrical components, sensors, and the vehicle’s structure. R1T’s battery pack is sealed and mounted below the floor, so it’s protected from external water, but sloshing weight and water displacement could affect handling. Most of these pool trucks aren’t meant for driving with a full pool—they’re more of a static party piece.


The Viral Appeal

The R1T pool truck exploded on social media, with videos showing bikini-clad influencers, cannonballs into truck beds, and creative setups ranging from poolside barbecues to mobile DJ booths. It’s gone viral not just for the shock value, but for how it redefines what a truck can be.

Traditionally, trucks are symbols of work and toughness. The R1T already challenged that with its luxury interior, electric drivetrain, and off-road chops. The pool truck takes it a step further—turning the R1T into a mobile summer retreat, a joke, and a jaw-dropping spectacle all in one.

It taps into the culture of customization that’s always surrounded trucks but now blends it with the eco-conscious, tech-savvy world of EVs.


What It Means for EV Culture

The R1T pool truck isn’t just a novelty. It represents a shift in how we see EVs—not just as efficient and sustainable, but as blank canvases for creativity.

This kind of customization shows that EVs aren’t sterile or purely utilitarian. They can be fun, weird, expressive, and personal. As more automakers develop EV platforms that allow for flexible builds, we’re likely to see more wild concepts like this—whether it’s a pool truck, a mobile greenhouse, or a pizza oven in the frunk.

For Rivian, even if they didn’t build it themselves, it’s a win. It shows off the truck’s capability, taps into viral culture, and reinforces their brand as adventurous, outdoorsy, and fun.


Final Thoughts

The Rivian R1T-based pool truck is a brilliant example of how creativity meets capability in the EV era. It’s absurd, impractical, and undeniably awesome. It challenges our perceptions of what a truck should be and opens up exciting new conversations about the possibilities of vehicle design.

Whether you are an EV enthusiast, a weekend warrior, or someone who just loves a good backyard pool party, this build is bound to bring a smile to your face.

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