VA to AR and back towing big trailer

[Sleipnir 1]

Friends were apprehensive when we left Virginia, headed for Arkansas pulling this big trailer. Comments ranged from mild concerns to suggestions that we would run out of charge and be stranded along the interstate. In reality, it was mostly very easy, though with an occasional aggravation when I had to disconnect the trailer to maneuver into position at a cramped charging station. It was easy to find motels that offered overnight charging so we started every day with a 100% charge. With the drag from the trailer, that would take us about 200 miles, but by then we needed a pit stop and a bite to eat as much as the CT needed a charge!

The CT turned out to be a fabulous tow vehicle. The adaptive cruise control worked well with the trailer, but I sure wish Tesla would find a way to get FSD working while pulling a trailer!

Sponsored

 

[sourdoughbaker]

That’s awesome. What exactly is in the trailer??

 

[Homero]

Sailplane. I believe

 

[BrockN]

That’s awesome. What exactly is in the trailer??

Looks like a glider, based on the models on their website... https://www.pipistrel-aircraft.com/

 

[mongo]

That’s awesome. What exactly is in the trailer??

Self launching glider, 35 kW.
https://www.pipistrel-aircraft.com/products/taurus-electro/

 

[Sleipnir 1]

That’s awesome. What exactly is in the trailer??

I was hauling my gas engine-powered self-launching Pipistrel Taurus motor glider. The trailer belongs to my buddy, who has the same glider with electric power.

The trailer is 30 ft long, 5 ft 3 in wide, and 6 ft 6 in tall. Estimated weight is almost 4000 lb fully loaded.

 

[mongo]

I was hauling my gas engine-powered self-launching Pipistrel Taurus motor glider. The trailer belongs to my buddy, who has the same glider with electric power.

The trailer is 30 ft long, 5 ft 3 in long, and 6 ft 6 in tall. Estimated weight is almost 4000 lb fully loaded.

And the trailer has solar on top with a ~3kWh battery?

 

[btcrealm]

Friends were apprehensive when we left Virginia, headed for Arkansas pulling this big trailer. Comments ranged from mild concerns to suggestions that we would run out of charge and be stranded along the interstate. In reality, it was mostly very easy, though with an occasional aggravation when I had to disconnect the trailer to maneuver into position at a cramped charging station. It was easy to find motels that offered overnight charging so we started every day with a 100% charge. With the drag from the trailer, that would take us about 200 miles, but by then we needed a pit stop and a bite to eat as much as the CT needed a charge!

The CT turned out to be a fabulous tow vehicle. The adaptive cruise control worked well with the trailer, but I sure wish Tesla would find a way to get FSD working while pulling a trailer!

Nice to see you guys on the cybertruck train. Saw you guys a couple years ago in Virginia.

 

[Beetlebug62]

That's awesome. And as aero as you're going to get for a trailer. Low profile, tapered front. The greenhouse in the back of the image makes it look like you have a foil on top! Kind of appropriate, actually.

 

[65SoYoLO]

did you notice the WH/M?

 

[Btuel]

Awesome...what do you or do you have a rear camera setup for the trailer?

 

[AC5]

I had a great experience towing my travel trailer. Cut the range in half, but towing was amazing. The best part is that I didn't have to use my weight distribution hitch.

Regarding the range cut, the worst part was having to unhitch the trailer every time I had to charge. Most superchargers do not have a trailer stall and they do not have a good place to leave a trailer nearby.

 

[Sleipnir 1]

I had a great experience towing my travel trailer. Cut the range in half, but towing was amazing. The best part is that I didn't have to use my weight distribution hitch.

Regarding the range cut, the worst part was having to unhitch the trailer every time I had to charge. Most superchargers do not have a trailer stall and they do not have a good place to leave a trailer nearby.

On the unhitch to charge issue, I get it! On my round trip to Arkansas with a big trailer, I was fortunate enough to be able to charge without unhitching at almost half of my Supercharger stops. In addition there were many times where a 15 ft "Supercharger extension cord" would have been a huge help. If Tesla or an aftermarket supplier offered that, I would buy it.

Sponsored