Trailer Advice Airstream for 2023 ER Max Tow

[MountainAlive]

I’m also a towing newbie with a lariat max tow. So I’ll be bookmarking this thread. Great info from @SpaceEVDriver thanks.

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[Joneii]

We tow a 2002 25’ Airstream Classic (dual axle). It is 6300 lbs dry and we usually roll fully loaded to maximize boondocking, so probably around 7500lbs. The truck tows better than the Ram 2500 diesel that it replaced. Range is a concern and trips require careful planning. We usually plan legs 130 miles or less (ideally the truck can go about 150, but real world is rarely ideal) and my wife has a 130 mile bladder, so it works for us. The charging site amenities don’t matter when you are towing your bathroom and kitchen with you, so we prioritize sites where we may be able to get in and out without dropping the camper. We went from PA to Idaho and back and only needed to unhook twice. We mostly used Tesla superchargers, but will take whatever site gives us the best chance at staying connected. Overall we love this truck and towing with it is also great as long as you don’t mind adding time to your transit. We look at the route as part of the journey and take our time and enjoy it. There is no such thing as fast long distance towing with the Lightning.

 

[krusherVA]

If range is your BIGGEST concern go with the single axle. But understand it is a more difficult trailer to tow. As said, it will be less stable and have other concerns. Properly loaded (correct weight distribution) , a WDH, and an anti sway system will make a big difference. People can and do pull single axle setups all the time and they are hardly unstable if setup properly, just not as stable as two axles.

As for range, I pulled an empty dual axle flatbed Uhaul car hauler and was surprised by the low 1.4 mi/kwh efficiency especially considering much of the drive was 55mph. I was more surprised by the newrly identical 1.3 mi/kwh efficiency on the way back with 5,000 lbs of vintage Buick on the trailer. Rolling resistance makes a big difference.

Well, count me in the camp if “holy smokes i can not get nearly as far as i thought” camp!! Had towed a 660 pound aluminum trailer for short distances and the mileage really was descent. Thought i would dodge the low mileage enclosed 16’ cargo trailer and stick with an open aluminum model for utility and pulling a 2500 side by side at times.

After pulling it empty home from Pennsylvania back to Virginia, i dont know if i will ever make it to a trail once the machine is loaded!

Empty dual axle aluminum 7 x 16 flatbead weighing 1430 pounds in 43 degress got me 1.1 no matter if i went 61 or 71 . ( tested various speeds at 25 mile clips).

As I thought I could count on the ole half the normal range concept, i thought arriving at dealer with 254 miles would allow me to get the 109 miles home. Not even close, stopped 40 miles in as it was dropping fast.
I actually may face the reality of renting trucks when taking UTV to usual locations 3-400 miles away as i would need to charge 4-5 times loaded down and likely have to unhook, go charge and be on my way after hooking up again.

**Full disclosure, I have and do love this truck.

 

[Firn]

Well, count me in the camp if “holy smokes i can not get nearly as far as i thought” camp!! Had towed a 660 pound aluminum trailer for short distances and the mileage really was descent. Thought i would dodge the low mileage enclosed 16’ cargo trailer and stick with an open aluminum model for utility and pulling a 2500 side by side at times.

After pulling it empty home from Pennsylvania back to Virginia, i dont know if i will ever make it to a trail once the machine is loaded!

Empty dual axle aluminum 7 x 16 flatbead weighing 1430 pounds in 43 degress got me 1.1 no matter if i went 61 or 71 . ( tested various speeds at 25 mile clips).

As I thought I could count on the ole half the normal range concept, i thought arriving at dealer with 254 miles would allow me to get the 109 miles home. Not even close, stopped 40 miles in as it was dropping fast.
I actually may face the reality of renting trucks when taking UTV to usual locations 3-400 miles away as i would need to charge 4-5 times loaded down and likely have to unhook, go charge and be on my way after hooking up again.

**Full disclosure, I have and do love this truck.

1.1 for an empty flatbed is brutally bad, like not quite believable, bad. I can pull my ancient Dutchman RV at 70mph just under that.

Frankly, I would get the bearings repacked and if it has brakes get them checked.

If it's riding at an angle I would find a hitch that levels it.

If it's got the wind sail mesh ramp/back i would ditch that!

You should be way better than that, even with the UTV on it. Check the towing thread for ideas on efficiencies others are getting

 

[MidAtlanticLightningClub]

Well, count me in the camp if “holy smokes i can not get nearly as far as i thought” camp!! Had towed a 660 pound aluminum trailer for short distances and the mileage really was descent. Thought i would dodge the low mileage enclosed 16’ cargo trailer and stick with an open aluminum model for utility and pulling a 2500 side by side at times.

After pulling it empty home from Pennsylvania back to Virginia, i dont know if i will ever make it to a trail once the machine is loaded!

Empty dual axle aluminum 7 x 16 flatbead weighing 1430 pounds in 43 degress got me 1.1 no matter if i went 61 or 71 . ( tested various speeds at 25 mile clips).

As I thought I could count on the ole half the normal range concept, i thought arriving at dealer with 254 miles would allow me to get the 109 miles home. Not even close, stopped 40 miles in as it was dropping fast.
I actually may face the reality of renting trucks when taking UTV to usual locations 3-400 miles away as i would need to charge 4-5 times loaded down and likely have to unhook, go charge and be on my way after hooking up again.

**Full disclosure, I have and do love this truck.

We can keep close to the 1/2 range concept by keeping speed under control. Remember that higher speed cuts the range of the truck even when not towing.

 

[CD4TNF]

Aging Wheels did two really good EV truck towing videos. Very worth the watch and entertainment.


Truth about EV truck towing


Summary : Aerodynamics matter more than weight.


Can EV trucks tow long distance? His 2,000 mile trip in a Silverado EV



He goes into good detail that is useful for towing that distance. There's also a hypothetical numbers comparison between ICE and EV. The Lightning does get compared.

Summary: Successful trip. Kilograms is different than Kilometers. Funny dudes taking a road trip.

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