Towing Airstream for Mother’s Day - Speed is Key

[Texarado]

For Mother’s Day weekend, we took the truck and Airstream to a local Airstream RV resort—The Range Vintage Trailer Resort. From where I store our camper, it was an exact 100 miles round trip. I have an AWD CT and a 25’ Airstream that weighs 7300lb fully loaded. Trip was a 100-150’ drop in elevation getting to the campsite (and so a 100-150’ climb on the way back). I have a towing trip from Texas to Colorado this summer, so I drove this test drive at a flat 55mph (other than maybe 6-8 total miles of backroads) because I know that is what it likely will take in stretches of that trip.

Out—50mi; 624wH/mi
Back—50mi; 704wH/mi

Based on these numbers, averaged range if it were any kind of rolling elevation changes yields a 185-186 mile range. I’m super happy with the experience. Is this the vehicle for a full-timer RV life? Probably not because of the speed and charges. For a few trips a year? Absolutely. I now have no concerns about being able to pull something a reasonably long distance a couple times a year.

The exponential nature of aero drag is wild. A prior test drive driving 60-65mph had an average close to 800wH/mi. When I had some downtime at the campsite, I created a spreadsheet that will take inputs (mileage to next charger, top charge level, lower buffer desired, battery degradation) and calculate the efficiency needed to reach the destination.

The coolest part of this was running both AC’s (and for a brief moment, a big air pump too). So, on a long road trip, as long as I stop in the parking lot where a super charger is, I can run both ACs through the night and then just top off in the morning and be on my way. In the winter it was never a problem because I only needed heat (which didn’t require a 240V).

The not coolest part was discovering a nail in rear, driver side tire. Thankfully perfect nail placement, so easily patchable.

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[JDTaylor]

Thank you for sharing!

 

[Mdub]

Thanks for sharing. This is great information and helps list what this truck can do when I get mine. Happy trials!

 

[rizvend]

For Mother’s Day weekend, we took the truck and Airstream to a local Airstream RV resort—The Range Vintage Trailer Resort. From where I store our camper, it was an exact 100 miles round trip. I have an AWD CT and a 25’ Airstream that weighs 7300lb fully loaded. Trip was a 100-150’ drop in elevation getting to the campsite (and so a 100-150’ climb on the way back). I have a towing trip from Texas to Colorado this summer, so I drove this test drive at a flat 55mph (other than maybe 6-8 total miles of backroads) because I know that is what it likely will take in stretches of that trip.

Out—50mi; 624wH/mi
Back—50mi; 704wH/mi

Based on these numbers, averaged range if it were any kind of rolling elevation changes yields a 185-186 mile range. I’m super happy with the experience. Is this the vehicle for a full-timer RV life? Probably not because of the speed and charges. For a few trips a year? Absolutely. I now have no concerns about being able to pull something a reasonably long distance a couple times a year.

The exponential nature of aero drag is wild. A prior test drive driving 60-65mph had an average close to 800wH/mi. When I had some downtime at the campsite, I created a spreadsheet that will take inputs (mileage to next charger, top charge level, lower buffer desired, battery degradation) and calculate the efficiency needed to reach the destination.

The coolest part of this was running both AC’s (and for a brief moment, a big air pump too). So, on a long road trip, as long as I stop in the parking lot where a super charger is, I can run both ACs through the night and then just top off in the morning and be on my way. In the winter it was never a problem because I only needed heat (which didn’t require a 240V).

The not coolest part was discovering a nail in rear, driver side tire. Thankfully perfect nail placement, so easily patchable.

This is sounding very promising doe those of us with towing in mind. Thanks for posting. ?

 

[CyberGus]

The coolest part of this was running both AC’s

I see what you did there

 

[Manodamountain]

For Mother’s Day weekend, we took the truck and Airstream to a local Airstream RV resort—The Range Vintage Trailer Resort. From where I store our camper, it was an exact 100 miles round trip. I have an AWD CT and a 25’ Airstream that weighs 7300lb fully loaded. Trip was a 100-150’ drop in elevation getting to the campsite (and so a 100-150’ climb on the way back). I have a towing trip from Texas to Colorado this summer, so I drove this test drive at a flat 55mph (other than maybe 6-8 total miles of backroads) because I know that is what it likely will take in stretches of that trip.

Out—50mi; 624wH/mi
Back—50mi; 704wH/mi

Based on these numbers, averaged range if it were any kind of rolling elevation changes yields a 185-186 mile range. I’m super happy with the experience. Is this the vehicle for a full-timer RV life? Probably not because of the speed and charges. For a few trips a year? Absolutely. I now have no concerns about being able to pull something a reasonably long distance a couple times a year.

The exponential nature of aero drag is wild. A prior test drive driving 60-65mph had an average close to 800wH/mi. When I had some downtime at the campsite, I created a spreadsheet that will take inputs (mileage to next charger, top charge level, lower buffer desired, battery degradation) and calculate the efficiency needed to reach the destination.

The coolest part of this was running both AC’s (and for a brief moment, a big air pump too). So, on a long road trip, as long as I stop in the parking lot where a super charger is, I can run both ACs through the night and then just top off in the morning and be on my way. In the winter it was never a problem because I only needed heat (which didn’t require a 240V).

The not coolest part was discovering a nail in rear, driver side tire. Thankfully perfect nail placement, so easily patchable.

As cool as the cybertruck is, sounds like it could use some diesel hybrid tech.

 

[Pops]

My hope is someone figures out how to do some live charging. Meaning figuring out a way to pass current to the vehicle while it's in motion. It should be possible using the same connection the range extender uses. You could add a generator in the bed or have a few kilowatts of solar on your trailer feeding directly in to the Cybertruck.

Elon talked about adding a solar option at some point.

Unlikely to happen I know, that a man can dream can't he?

 

[MeadowShade]

It is REALLY good to see your numbers. I thought it would be worse than that. TFL did a NON Airstream and used 1500 Watts per mile. BUT, they probably ONLY went up hill, into the wind and had a big BOX RV.
We are picking up an Alta Safari Condo A2124 in July. It seems the AERO it has only reduces range by about 20% or less.

Check it out! 22 feet and only 2,600 pounds dry.

 

[CyberGus]

RV makers expend little effort on aero, since traditionally it was a low priority. With more EVs becoming tow vehicles, I expect to see advancement in this regard.

Airstream has touted their aero research, with published science:

https://www.airstream.com/blog/airstream-aerodynamics-put-to-the-test/

Bowlus claims to have the "most aerodynamic RV" but don't produce any figures:

https://bowlus.com/blog/tips/why-bo...er-than-sprinter-conversion-van-or-motorhome/

 

[RoboTaxi]

I still think the setup could be great for people that use full hook up camp grounds. One thing fuel consuming tow rig can’t do is refuel at a full hook up campground.

I’m thinking of getting a Escape, casita or Aliner pop-up.

 

[Texarado]

As cool as the cybertruck is, sounds like it could use some diesel hybrid tech.

I’ve always said, EVs aren’t for everyone and I’m good with that. I really think there’s a fundamental flaw in your statement. For you, it might be the case. But not everyone.

 

[TexasRaider]

For Mother’s Day weekend, we took the truck and Airstream to a local Airstream RV resort—The Range Vintage Trailer Resort. From where I store our camper, it was an exact 100 miles round trip. I have an AWD CT and a 25’ Airstream that weighs 7300lb fully loaded. Trip was a 100-150’ drop in elevation getting to the campsite (and so a 100-150’ climb on the way back). I have a towing trip from Texas to Colorado this summer, so I drove this test drive at a flat 55mph (other than maybe 6-8 total miles of backroads) because I know that is what it likely will take in stretches of that trip.

Out—50mi; 624wH/mi
Back—50mi; 704wH/mi

Based on these numbers, averaged range if it were any kind of rolling elevation changes yields a 185-186 mile range. I’m super happy with the experience. Is this the vehicle for a full-timer RV life? Probably not because of the speed and charges. For a few trips a year? Absolutely. I now have no concerns about being able to pull something a reasonably long distance a couple times a year.

The exponential nature of aero drag is wild. A prior test drive driving 60-65mph had an average close to 800wH/mi. When I had some downtime at the campsite, I created a spreadsheet that will take inputs (mileage to next charger, top charge level, lower buffer desired, battery degradation) and calculate the efficiency needed to reach the destination.

The coolest part of this was running both AC’s (and for a brief moment, a big air pump too). So, on a long road trip, as long as I stop in the parking lot where a super charger is, I can run both ACs through the night and then just top off in the morning and be on my way. In the winter it was never a problem because I only needed heat (which didn’t require a 240V).

The not coolest part was discovering a nail in rear, driver side tire. Thankfully perfect nail placement, so easily patchable.

How is the phantom braking while towing?

 

[Texarado]

It is REALLY good to see your numbers. I thought it would be worse than that. TFL did a NON Airstream and used 1500 Watts per mile. BUT, they probably ONLY went up hill, into the wind and had a big BOX RV.
We are picking up an Alta Safari Condo A2124 in July. It seems the AERO it has only reduces range by about 20% or less.

Check it out! 22 feet and only 2,600 pounds dry.

My guess is it was more about their speed (and maybe inclination to some degree) than anything about the trailer. I think the Airstream helps, but make no mistake, if you try to drive 75 down the freeway, your efficiency is going to get hit some.

 

[MeadowShade]

This is the one we chose. Heck, the landing page has a Model X pulling it!

https://www.safaricondo.com/en/travel-trailers/alto/model/serie-a-a2124

 

[Texarado]

How is the phantom braking while towing?

I’m not sure I understand what you’re asking about. Do you mean while on cruise control and phantom braking? Or something else?

One thing I failed to mention in the initial post is that the one pedal driving is absolutely incredible. As is the trailer brake (Though it was never used). The ability to take your foot off the accelerator and bring this combined 13-14k lb beast to a complete stop without using a brake is just incredible. The driving experience was just so easy.

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