The Nomadic Life

[PaMtbRider]

I would expect about a 30-40% efficiency hit pulling this trailer, depending on speed, elevation change and ambient conditions.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a 50% hit or higher. I have watched several Youtube videos of towing tests with Ford Lightning and Rivian and range was decreased dramatically. This test with a Ford Lightning the range was 1/3 of not towing.



The issue than becomes finding a charger you can access with trailer attached or dropping the trailer while the car is being charged. I don't really know much about the model Y but I would guess it's range is greatly enhanced by it's aerodynamics. Put a parachute behind it, even a small teardrop shaped one, and it is going to hurt.

[Saab2000]

I wouldn't be surprised to see a 50% hit or higher. I have watched several Youtube videos of towing tests with Ford Lightning and Rivian and range was decreased dramatically. This test with a Ford Lightning the range was 1/3 of not towing.



The issue than becomes finding a charger you can access with trailer attached or dropping the trailer while the car is being charged. I don't really know much about the model Y but I would guess it's range is greatly enhanced by it's aerodynamics. Put a parachute behind it, even a small teardrop shaped one, and it is going to hurt.

I’ve seen those videos as well. Those trailer are monsters. I emailed Vistabule about this exact thing and they sent me a newsletter that gets pushed out to the community. One owner drove their trailer behind a Model S and experienced anywhere from a 20% to 50% penalty, depending mostly on speed. I’m not a hyper miler when I drive so I’d expect a solid penalty but I don’t think it would be as bad as the TFL folks experienced with their testing. BTW, I love their channel and all the sub channels they have.

[Too Tall]

Well JIm, after you get that rascal and start wandering please come on down to Virginia and I'll set you up as a guest at our campground.

[bigbill]

We have a 33' trailer because it is our summer home. I am 6'1" and my wife is 6'3". We like the room. That said, yesterday was a good reminder of the hassle of a large trailer. Yesterday, I pulled it from Worland, Wyoming, to Grand Junction, Colorado. I'm at a KOA because they had pull-through spots long enough for the trailer and my four-door F-250. Yesterday was a good day with terrific weather that was cool enough to make the truck run well at 12 mpg. Just under 10K pounds, I'm good with that. Today, I will get home after nine hours on the road, but I get an hour back when I leave the Navajo Reservation. Monument Valley always impresses me.

[bigbill]

Got home yesterday in the late afternoon. I'm happy to say I backed the trailer into the sideyard in one try. I drove ten hours and 600 miles with two fuel stops. Monument Valley was rainy, with several construction sections with one lane and a pilot truck. Forrest Gump Point was packed with tourists standing on the centerline to take selfies. The truck did great with a 12 mpg for the trip. I paid $4.40 to $5.19 for diesel. I have a list of things to fix on the trailer, but it will wait a few weeks until the weather cools down.