- Justin Phelps embraced electric vehicles after buying his 2022 Rivian R1T.
- Justin’s vehicle modifications, like the rooftop tent and camp kitchen, were driven to create great camping experiences for his kids.
- His modified Rivian R1T won the Best Outdoor Rec award at the Electrify Showoff Denver, CO 2024.
In Lafayette, Colorado, Justin Phelps found his passion for electric vehicles. His journey with the 2022 Rivian R1T is a testament to how technology and innovation can transform ordinary experiences into extraordinary adventures. Justin wasn’t always a car enthusiast, but once he discovered EVs, he was hooked.
Justin’s journey into the EVscene began with the purchase of his Kia Soul EV in September 2017. This initial step triggered a passion for EVs, leading him to own several more, including a Chevy Bolt and his current Tesla Model Y.
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However, it was the Rivian R1T, purchased in April 2023, that truly transformed his lifestyle. “I purchased my truck in April and took delivery later in May. I joined the local Rocky Mountain Rivian Club and started doing some off-roading for the first time,” Justin shared. The Rivian R1T, an electric pickup truck with 835 horsepower, became the key of his outdoor adventures, combining performance with sustainability.
The decision to modify his 2022 Rivian R1T was driven by practicality and passion. Among the standout additions were the Air Cruiser roof top tent, Thunderbolt camp kitchen, and Megawatt Rock Sliders.
Justin recounted, “My first modification was the rock sliders. I purchased them and was hoping to get them installed before King of the Hammers to protect the truck a bit. They finished building them, but they wouldn’t ship in time. Another member of the Arizona Rivian Club offered to bring them to Hammers for me. There were people from the company that makes the sliders that were also at Hammers, and they helped me install them that night!”
Justin’s commitment to creating memorable camping experiences for his children also played a significant role in his vehicle modifications. “I try hard to share the same camping experience I had as a kid with my kids, so a lot of my decisions are about making camping good for my kids.
The rooftop tent, the camp kitchen, and the trailer are all to make camping a great experience,” he explained. The Air Cruiser roof top tent provided the perfect setup for quick and comfortable camping, while the Thunderbolt camp kitchen ensured that meal preparations in the wilderness were as easy as possible.
In addition to the 2022 Rivian R1T, Justin invested in a 2022 High Altitude Trailers XT50c. This trailer, with its custom Compass Yellow paint and upgraded off-road package, complements his truck perfectly. The setup is about functionality and improving the overall camping experience.
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Justin noted, “The Compass Yellow color match from the trailer to the truck wasn’t on purpose when the trailer was built. The original owner just loved the Compass Yellow color so much, he had the trailer company build it custom with that color two years ago. When I was shopping online for a travel trailer and I saw it, I was like, ‘Well… yeah…, I’m going to get that one.’”
Despite facing challenges like a tight timeline and the difficulties of towing a travel trailer for the first time, Justin’s perseverance paid off. “This is the first time I’ve towed a travel trailer, so backing into places has been a challenge. It’s going to take practice,” he shared. “I returned from a business trip on the Thursday before Electrify Expo and picked up the trailer from the seller that same day.” Justin only had Friday morning to load the trailer and get it ready for the show.
Justin’s story is about community, innovation, and creating lasting memories with his family. His involvement with the Rocky Mountain Rivian Club, along with the support from fellow enthusiasts, highlights the strong sense of community within the EV world.
His dedication and passion were recognized when he won the Best Outdoor Rec award, presented by Falken Tires, at Electrify Showoff. This award highlights the impressive build of his Rivian R1T and also his significant contribution to the EV community.
Through Justin’s journey, we see how electric vehicles can change the way we connect with nature and adventure. The 2022 Rivian R1T, with its powerful features and unique modifications, is a key to amazing experiences in an electric vehicle.
For more information on Electrify Showoff Driven by Yokohama Tire, visit www.electrifyexpo.com/showoff and follow on social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube.
2024 Electrify Expo Schedule
| Date | Location |
| March 16-17 | Orlando, FL (new location for 2024) |
| May 4-5 | Phoenix, AZ (new location for 2024) |
| May 31-June 2 | Long Beach, CA |
| July 13-14 | Denver, CO (new location for 2024) |
| August 24-25 | San Francisco, CA |
| September 14-15 | Seattle, WA |
| October 12-13 | Long Island, NY |
| November 8-10 | Austin, TX |
OWNER/VEHICLE DETAILS
Owner: Justin Phelps
Location: Lafayette, CO USA
Vehicle: 2022 Rivian R1T with 2022 High Altitude Trailers XT50c
Horsepower: 835 horsepower (623 kilowatts)
Club: Rocky Mountain Rivian Club
Facebook: linuturk
Twitter: linuturk
Instagram: linuturk
YouTube: @Linuturk
ELECTRIFY SHOWOFF AWARDS
| Show | Category |
| Electrify Showoff Denver, CO 2024 | Best Outdoor Rec presented by Falken Tires |
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS
| Vehicle | Category | Description |
| 2022 Rivian R1T | Exterior | Air Cruiser roof top tent Thunderbolt camp kitchen Megawatt Rock Sliders |
| 2022 High Altitude Trailers XT50c | Wheels & Tires | Larger wheels and tires |
| Chassis & Suspension | Upgraded off road package | |
| Exterior | Custom shortened chassis from manufacturer Compass Yellow paint 23 Zero awning | |
| Interior | Kid bunk bed |
2022 Rivian R1T with 2022 High Altitude Trailers XT50c Photo Gallery
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IMAGES: ELECTRIFY EXPO, JUSTIN PHELPS
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One Response
Congratulations to Justin!!! Thank you for being a vital member of our Rocky Mountain Rivian club family! So proud of you and your story!