TFL tests CT towing

[Texarado]

Honestly, if you need to tow any significant weight, the GM trucks seem to be better options (Silverado EV, Sierra EV). You'd lose out on some great features IMO but you'll gain quite a bit of towing range. See silverado EV videos.

For me, towing is not in the plans so I'd rather get a CT: great software, OTA updates with significant additions for years to come, autopilot/FSD, SS exterior, steer-by-wire.

Oh for sure regarding Tesla. I have an M3 and have configured my FS. Just trying to prep. For me, the inconvenience of slower speeds is worth the hassle because it’s only a couple times a year. Just trying to figure out how much of an inconvenience it’s going to be and how slow I’ll have to take it.

Good news is I have an Airstream which should have much frontal drag compared to all of these tests so far.

 

[scottf200]

video showed " chill " on display

Thanks. I updated my table and the post image.

 

[OIIIIIIIO]

It was actually like 138. Andre goofed the math

ah yes he divided backwards

 

[Woodrick]

Some of the earlier tests at 60, 65 and 70 showed similar range. Trying to figure out what’s causing the inconsistencies.

50 mile supercharging isn’t the case in a lot of places. Driving Dallas to Colorado has many stretches much more than that. Almost triple that.

Aerodynamics will be the BIGGEST differentiator. Something as simple as the distance between the front of the trailer to the back of the Cybertruck is going to make a difference. Is the trailer a smooth side or shingled? How many air conditioners? Single or tandem? Or the LP tanks enclosed or open. Spare tire on back?

Before you poopoo any of these, think of just how hard that Tesla goes to decrease the drag coefficient. Who would have thought that door handles added so much drag? Wheel covers? Tires? Front air dams?

People also tend to forget that hauling big trailers kill the gas mileage of the tow vehicles. Trailers of this size are common to result in single digit MPGs.

 

[Woodrick]

video showed " chill " on display

What do you think that Chill does? Probably not what it really does. And that's nothing at speed.

 

[Texarado]

Aerodynamics will be the BIGGEST differentiator. Something as simple as the distance between the front of the trailer to the back of the Cybertruck is going to make a difference. Is the trailer a smooth side or shingled? How many air conditioners? Single or tandem? Or the LP tanks enclosed or open. Spare tire on back?

Before you poopoo any of these, think of just how hard that Tesla goes to decrease the drag coefficient. Who would have thought that door handles added so much drag? Wheel covers? Tires? Front air dams?

People also tend to forget that hauling big trailers kill the gas mileage of the tow vehicles. Trailers of this size are common to result in single digit MPGs.

This is why I’m eager to get my hands on my truck. Pulling an Airstream *should* be a good bit more aerodynamic—covered LP, dual AC. Some reports show 20% more aerodynamic.

I do wonder if removal of mirrors and presence of aero covers will have any meaningful impact because of how large the drag is with the trailer.

 

[Cyber Man]

Just discussing the facts. Thats the whole point of a forum.

Fair enough. Here are the facts -

No EV truck on the market today is good for long distance towing. In fact, CT is better positioned compared to Ford or Rivian because of strong charging network. Ford/Rivian might give 10-30 miles extra miles while towing, but good luck scrambling with your phone while towing 1 ton+ trailer in a freeway and getting white knuckles. To really have a good success with EV towing, two things need to happen -

1. Charging time should be as low as possible.
2. Pull-through charging stations should be as accessible as possible.

Tesla is well positioned to tackle these two problems compared to Ford/Rivian. I wouldn't bet too much on Range extender, though it's an option to add more miles for long distance towing.

I have been towing Airstream trailer for few years. I have done all day towing, boon docking, remote camping, etc. I can tell you from experience, even if you are an expert driver, you would appreciate a good 15-20 mins break from towing every 2-3 hours, unless you are running late for a wedding or something, and No you won't be towing at 75 mph all the time. It's in fact illegal to tow at 75 mph. When you pass through heavy winds or long trucks, you have to slow down, even with a state of the art hitch system like Hensley or ProPride. I have Hensley hitch that enables me to drive safe without sway, but I wouldn't be ripping around in 75 mph while towing 23+ trailer.

Keep in mind that RV industry is also keen to embrace EV technology. Some companies are already working on adding self-propelling drivetrain. Range will no longer be an issue with these type of trailers. Check out - https://pebblelife.com/. So future of RV towing will not be the same as we see now.

Bottom line - CT is well positioned in the EV truck space to do some decent towing right now. When (not IF) Tesla nails down #1 and #2 above, range will no longer be a problem while towing. I think Tesla will make an informed decision based on data. If they see lot of CT customers towing around, they might invest more on pull through superchargers. I don't think they expect customers to hitch/unhitch every time we charge.

 

[Texarado]

Fair enough. Here are the facts -

No EV truck on the market today is good for long distance towing. In fact, CT is better positioned compared to Ford or Rivian because of strong charging network. Ford/Rivian might give 10-30 miles extra miles while towing, but good luck scrambling with your phone while towing 1 ton+ trailer in a freeway and getting white knuckles. To really have a good success with EV towing, two things need to happen -

1. Charging time should be as low as possible.
2. Pull-through charging stations should be as accessible as possible.

Tesla is well positioned to tackle these two problems compared to Ford/Rivian. I wouldn't bet too much on Range extender, though it's an option to add more miles for long distance towing.

I have been towing Airstream trailer for few years. I have done all day towing, boon docking, remote camping, etc. I can tell you from experience, even if you are an expert driver, you would appreciate a good 15-20 mins break from towing every 2-3 hours, unless you are running late for a wedding or something, and No you won't be towing at 75 mph all the time. It's in fact illegal to tow at 75 mph. When you pass through heavy winds or long trucks, you have to slow down, even with a state of the art hitch system like Hensley or ProPride. I have Hensley hitch that enables me to drive safe without sway, but I wouldn't be ripping around in 75 mph while towing 23+ trailer.

Keep in mind that RV industry is also keen to embrace EV technology. Some companies are already working on adding self-propelling drivetrain. Range will no longer be an issue with these type of trailers. Check out - https://pebblelife.com/. So future of RV towing will not be the same as we see now.

Bottom line - CT is well positioned in the EV truck space to do some decent towing right now. When (not IF) Tesla nails down #1 and #2 above, range will no longer be a problem while towing. I think Tesla will make an informed decision based on data. If they see lot of CT customers towing around, they might invest more on pull through superchargers. I don't think they expect customers to hitch/unhitch every time we charge.

Well stated. Current TV for our 25’ airstream is a Navigator, which is serviceable, but always running too close (or slightly over) payload. CT will solve that problem. We use an Equalizer hitch. May upgrade at some point, but for now it’s been fine.

 

[OIIIIIIIO]

What do you think that Chill does? Probably not what it really does. And that's nothing at speed.

I just mentioned so he can add it to his chart. All chill mode does is limit acceleration.

 

[OIIIIIIIO]

Fair enough. Here are the facts -

No EV truck on the market today is good for long distance towing. In fact, CT is better positioned compared to Ford or Rivian because of strong charging network. Ford/Rivian might give 10-30 miles extra miles while towing, but good luck scrambling with your phone while towing 1 ton+ trailer in a freeway and getting white knuckles. To really have a good success with EV towing, two things need to happen -

1. Charging time should be as low as possible.
2. Pull-through charging stations should be as accessible as possible.

Tesla is well positioned to tackle these two problems compared to Ford/Rivian. I wouldn't bet too much on Range extender, though it's an option to add more miles for long distance towing.

I have been towing Airstream trailer for few years. I have done all day towing, boon docking, remote camping, etc. I can tell you from experience, even if you are an expert driver, you would appreciate a good 15-20 mins break from towing every 2-3 hours, unless you are running late for a wedding or something, and No you won't be towing at 75 mph all the time. It's in fact illegal to tow at 75 mph. When you pass through heavy winds or long trucks, you have to slow down, even with a state of the art hitch system like Hensley or ProPride. I have Hensley hitch that enables me to drive safe without sway, but I wouldn't be ripping around in 75 mph while towing 23+ trailer.

Keep in mind that RV industry is also keen to embrace EV technology. Some companies are already working on adding self-propelling drivetrain. Range will no longer be an issue with these type of trailers. Check out - https://pebblelife.com/. So future of RV towing will not be the same as we see now.

Bottom line - CT is well positioned in the EV truck space to do some decent towing right now. When (not IF) Tesla nails down #1 and #2 above, range will no longer be a problem while towing. I think Tesla will make an informed decision based on data. If they see lot of CT customers towing around, they might invest more on pull through superchargers. I don't think they expect customers to hitch/unhitch every time we charge.

I agree. EV trucks are not ready for long hauling. Battery tech and infrastructure is not quite there.

 

[Cyber Man]

Well stated. Current TV for our 25’ airstream is a Navigator, which is serviceable, but always running too close (or slightly over) payload. CT will solve that problem. We use an Equalizer hitch. May upgrade at some point, but for now it’s been fine.

Thanks! It's good to meet fellow Airstream owner in a different forum.

I need to find out whether WD hitch is needed for a CT. I have heard WD hitches are not needed for self-leveling TV. I need to do some research about it.

 

[Texarado]

Thanks! It's good to meet fellow Airstream owner in a different forum.

I need to find out whether WD hitch is needed for a CT. I have heard WD hitches are not needed for self-leveling TV. I need to do some research about it.

My understanding is it’s still recommended/needed. Self leveling will help literally level the truck, but it doesn’t do anything to help distribute weight (or help with sway). With a truck like CT (compared to our Navigator (F150 base)), distributing weight might not be quite as critical because of the weight of the truck itself and payload capacity. But I think ideally it should still be distributed. At a minimum, the tires will thank you.

 

[Cyber Man]

I agree. EV trucks are not ready for long hauling. Battery tech and infrastructure is not quite there.

But make no mistake, Tesla is very close with CT. For my use case, if I get 120 miles range with the rig I tow (80% charging), and if I have good pull through charging network, then CT wins. I'm hoping Tesla can make this happen in another 3-4 years in West coast.

 

[Woodrick]

I need to find out whether WD hitch is needed for a CT. I have heard WD hitches are not needed for self-leveling TV. I need to do some research about it.

It absolutely is still required. If not used, weight is removed from the front wheel and extra added on the rear axle. That creates a dangerous vehicle.

A flat truck is not the goal.

If you have ever pulled a long trailer and had a semi pass by you, you start to understand just how important how important weight on the front wheels is.

 

[Cyber Man]

My understanding is it’s still recommended/needed. Self leveling will help literally level the truck, but it doesn’t do anything to help distribute weight (or help with sway). With a truck like CT (compared to our Navigator (F150 base)), distributing weight might not be quite as critical because of the weight of the truck itself and payload capacity. But I think ideally it should still be distributed. At a minimum, the tires will thank you.

You are right about WD, but I have heard that WD hitches can confuse the self-leveling software. A buddy of mine drives Range Rover. The service guys told him to not use WD. I don't know if that's valid for CT.