Ford charging adapter success!

[22legit2quit]

Recently got the Tesla to ford charging adapter and used it on a trip. Worked well, started at 35 and was at 80 percent in the amount of time indicated by the ford app(30 min). Charged anywhere from about 120-170kw, drop off happened at 60 percent and again as I was disconnecting at 80. Charging was fairly painless as the payment stuff is saved in the ford app.

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[johnnyonetime]

The Tesla superchargers are a game changer for road tripping, especially when pulling a travel trailer. Virtually no waiting, app is flawless with adequate cell service and less expensive than the competition when you buy the monthly non-Tesla membership.

 

[Robert1380]

The Tesla superchargers are a game changer for road tripping, especially when pulling a travel trailer. Virtually no waiting, app is flawless with adequate cell service and less expensive than the competition when you buy the monthly non-Tesla membership.

Johnny, I’m just curious about the trailer towing with the Lightning. I get that the Tesla chargers are a game changer but how the heck do you tow a large trailer and hook up to a charger as they don’t have pull thru lanes? Do you have to unhook and drop the trailer to get into a stall?

 

[RickLightning]

Johnny, I’m just curious about the trailer towing with the Lightning. I get that the Tesla chargers are a game changer but how the heck do you tow a large trailer and hook up to a charger as they don’t have pull thru lanes? Do you have to unhook and drop the trailer to get into a stall?

They do have some pull-through lanes, just like other companies. And, otherwise, people often simply pull in at an angle. Or, disconnect.

 

[Robert1380]

They do have some pull-through lanes, just like other companies. And, otherwise, people often simply pull in at an angle. Or, disconnect.

Aww ok. I always wondered about that cuz I’m sure if you had a 25’ trailer hanging out, blocking traffic, it would cause some problems. I’m sure there are pull-thru facilities but honestly I don’t think I’ve ever seen one in my area. Maybe I wasn’t really looking but I’d think a trailer would add to your travel anxiety and be a bit more complicated in regard to planning.

 

[RickLightning]

Aww ok. I always wondered about that cuz I’m sure if you had a 25’ trailer hanging out, blocking traffic, it would cause some problems. I’m sure there are pull-thru facilities but honestly I don’t think I’ve ever seen one in my area. Maybe I wasn’t really looking but I’d think a trailer would add to your travel anxiety and be a bit more complicated in regard to planning.

People who tow plan. Planners know they're stopping every 100 - 120 miles to charge, and look for charging that accommodates that as much as possible. There are options to select on many of the planning tools, and pictures people take on apps like PlugShare. Sometimes you can pull on the backside and charge from there.

 

[Robert1380]

Good to know. Appreciate ya!

 

[MidAtlanticLightningClub]

Johnny, I’m just curious about the trailer towing with the Lightning. I get that the Tesla chargers are a game changer but how the heck do you tow a large trailer and hook up to a charger as they don’t have pull thru lanes? Do you have to unhook and drop the trailer to get into a stall?

We've towed across country and back, from MD to Texas and back, and all around the Southeast. We've only had to drop the trailer a handful of time. Creative parking is usually sufficient.

 

[Robert1380]

That’s cool. Glad you got it worked out. Dropping the trailer and hooking back up would be a pain, especially with sway control systems.

 

[Lytning]

An orange traffic cone or two behind the trailer might catch a distracted driver's eye, and earn some good Karma points.

 

[johnnyonetime]

They do have some pull-through lanes, just like other companies. And, otherwise, people often simply pull in at an angle. Or, disconnect.

What he said
Probably disconnect 3 out of 4 stops, only takes a couple of minutes to do so if necessary. Never in a hurry anyway and try to get 500 miles/day.
Have overnighted in Cracker Barrel parking lots and had decent breakfast but have heard corporate policy now prohibits this practice.
Last year we did 2 trips from home in Central Florida to San Antonio, Tex and back. Total 5000 miles without any significant issues. Planning and flexibility are keys to success.

 

[B177y]

If the @A2ZEV DCFC extension cable ever happens, it would make "creative parking" and towing much easier to deal with at charging stops.

 

[Robert1380]

What he said
Probably disconnect 3 out of 4 stops, only takes a couple of minutes to do so if necessary. Never in a hurry anyway and try to get 500 miles/day.
Have overnighted in Cracker Barrel parking lots and had decent breakfast but have heard corporate policy now prohibits this practice.
Last year we did 2 trips from home in Central Florida to San Antonio, Tex and back. Total 5000 miles without any significant issues. Planning and flexibility are keys to success.

I think you hit the key point. Taking your time and not being in a hurry. If you’re retired it’s much easier to relax and take longer to enjoy the trip and not just the destination.

 

[johnnyonetime]

That’s cool. Glad you got it worked out. Dropping the trailer and hooking back up would be a pain, especially with sway control systems.

I pull an Ember 221 MSL, 26’ long and don’t use any weight distribution or sway control. Very simple to disconnect and reconnect with back up camera on the Lightning

 

[MidAtlanticLightningClub]

Have overnighted in Cracker Barrel parking lots and had decent breakfast but have heard corporate policy now prohibits this practice.

So have we. I've found no evidence in a change in corporate policy on this. Some Cracker Barrel restaurants allow it and some don't.

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