If you’ve ever tried to access your Rivian R1T’s gear tunnel or frunk at night or in a dark garage, you know the struggle, fumbling around with a flashlight or relying on weak built-in lighting. For a vehicle as advanced as the R1T, poor visibility in key storage areas feels like a major oversight.
While the factory lighting in the gear tunnel and frunk is functional, many owners find it underwhelming. Whether you’re reaching for tools, grabbing your camping gear, or organizing groceries after sunset, poor visibility can turn a great design into a clumsy experience.
Fortunately, there's a simple upgrade that dramatically improves your visibility and overall user experience: the EVBASE Ultra-Bright LED Light Kit for the Rivian R1T's gear tunnel and frunk.
Why Lighting Matters More Than You Think
The gear tunnel and front trunk are among the R1T’s most unique and useful storage areas. The gear tunnel, running laterally through the midsection of the vehicle, is ideal for stashing recovery equipment, foldable chairs, fishing rods, and other long or oddly shaped items. The frunk, a staple of EV design, adds critical cargo space up front.
However, both areas suffer from dim OEM lighting, which is especially noticeable in low-light situations. In fact, many Rivian forums and owner groups have threads dedicated to this very complaint. The consensus? The innovative compartments deserve better lighting.
Installation: 5 Minutes, No Tools Needed
One of the major benefits of this kit is the ease of installation. Whether you’re a DIY novice or a seasoned modder, you can complete the install in under 5 minutes.
Installation steps:
- Open the gear tunnel doors.
- Locate the OEM light module.
- Carefully unplug and remove the factory unit.
- Insert the EVBASE LED module into the same socket.
- Snap it into place and test.

Real Using Experience Where the Ultra-Bright LED Lighting
- Late-night camping setup: Whether you're unpacking gear at dusk or searching for adventure gear, better lighting helps you move faster and safer.
- Garage organization: Many garages don’t have optimal lighting. The LED light strip ensures you can still see clearly while organizing gear or charging your R1T.
- Grocery runs after dark: No more digging through bags in the frunk by feel. With the upgraded lighting, everything is clearly visible.
- Emergency roadside access: If you're accessing recovery tools or jumper cables at night, bright lighting isn’t just helpful. It’s essential.
You no longer need to use your phone flashlight to find gear in the tunnel or hunt around blindly in the frunk.

An Easy Fix for a Daily Frustration
While the Rivian R1T is packed with thoughtful design features, lighting in the gear tunnel and frunk is one area where there’s clear room for improvement. With brighter, cooler lighting and a quick plug-and-play install, the upgrade improves safety, usability, and overall satisfaction, especially if you frequently use your vehicle after dark.
Shop Now at EVBASE, let us help you turn your Rivian into your next adventure.
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