2025 Rivian EDV 700 Commercial EV Flatbed Tow from Eloy to Tucson, AZ Case Study

Before loading began, the vehicle’s condition and towing requirements had to be confirmed. The Rivian was out of charge, could not be placed in neutral, and its rear parking brakes could not be disengaged.

The EDV was listed at approximately 6,000 pounds curb weight with a 9,500-pound GVWR, and the service instructions required a flatbed at least 21 feet long.

Steve responded with the 2023 International flatbed and the equipment specified for the disabled Rivian. Because the rear parking brakes remained engaged, the loading setup needed to account for wheels that could not roll normally.

The towing instructions called for a flatbed at least 21 feet long, nylon straps, an 8-point tie-down system, and skates or dollies for repositioning the vehicle.

The Rivian could not be placed in neutral, and the rear parking brakes remained engaged. That meant the EDV could not simply be rolled or pulled normally onto the flatbed.

Skates or dollies were used at the rear as part of the loading setup, allowing the disabled vehicle to be repositioned onto the flatbed while accounting for the locked rear wheels.

The Rivian’s towing instructions also specified how the vehicle could be attached during loading. Nylon V-bridles or endless loops were to be routed through the front lower control-arm areas rather than using conventional J-hooks.

J-hooks were not to be used on the front or rear control arms, and the EDV was not to be loaded backward because of the risk of damage. Once the vehicle was positioned on the flatbed, it was secured using the required 8-point tie-down setup before transport.

Following the vehicle-specific attachment instructions was an important part of the tow. The loading method had to account for both the Rivian’s disabled condition and the restrictions on where towing equipment could be attached.

Once the Rivian was fully positioned and secured on the flatbed, Steve transported the commercial EV from the Eloy area to its destination in Tucson.

The delivery instructions called for the disabled EDV to be left at an available charger. After arriving in Tucson, the vehicle was positioned in the designated charging area so it was left where the receiving location had requested.