Two Lightnings meet on a ferry while towing...

[B177y]

Last weekend I towed my 24 foot travel trailer with my 2024 Pro ER Max-Tow to camp at a youth soccer tournament in Burlington, WA. The route was from Sequim, WA to the Port Townsend - Coupeville ferry, then to Burlington.

Since Western Washington has lots of peninsulas, islands, and other water/landscape features that make travel slightly difficult, I opted to use the ferry system to save time and miles. Taking the ferry eliminates having to make a charging stop somewhere in the Seattle metro area, which would be a nightmare while towing. For this case, the approximately $130 ferry crossing due to the size and weight of the truck and trailer is money well spent. Driving to Port Townsend and Coupeville to Burlington involves lots of great scenery and easy highway driving as well.

Charged to 100% at home and arrived at the soccer field with approximately 45%. I towed with all tanks empty and filled the water tank when we arrived at the field at a designated spigot. After filling and setting up the trailer, we drove to get some groceries for the weekend and charged at a local Tesla charger to 80% (trouble free charging experience as is usual for Tesla). On returning to the field/camp site, I used the 240 volt 30 amp twist plug of pro-power and through a couple of converters and cords, used pro-power to supply the trailer's 120 volt 30 amp system for 3 days using only one "side" of the 240 volt supply. I have a 120 volt refrigerator in the trailer as well as a microwave oven. We also used the power for the hot water heater to supply the sinks and shower. It also ran the trailer's 12 volt converter and charger for three days which runs the lights, water pump, awning, and slide-out. Of course, phones were charged using 120 and 12 volt usb chargers too.

Here's the view after setting up my trailer. The empty spot to the rear filled with a motor home so I ran the power cord along the white line to the left. After everyone arrived, all of these spots were filled two or three deep with trailers, campers, motorhomes, pop-up canopies, etc... Soccer family mayhem but it's loads of fun.

Pro power ran Thursday afternoon - Saturday night uninterrupted. I drove back to the Tesla charger a few miles away in Burlington again on Saturday night in preparation to tow back home on Sunday afternoon. That charge went from 59% - 92%, since I wanted at least 90% for the Sunday drive home. Roughly 80% down to 60% while running the Pro Power for 48 hours which allowed "camping" to basically be like living at home. I originally planned to use the air conditioning as the weather at this tournament is usually hot and sunny, but this year it was cool to cold and rain on and off for all 4 days. I actually ran the propane heater one morning for about 10 minutes to drive out the morning cold.

Saturday afternoon had a nice sunny weather window and my son's team joined us at the campsite for a team BBQ of burgers, hot dogs, and plenty of Gatorade and water to rehydrate after a tough game (1-1 draw).

Son's team made a good showing in a tight bracket but did not make the top two to advance to the final's match. My daughter's team went undefeated and won their finals game, so she got the medal and podium.

After breaking down the campsite on Sunday after the final game, we dumped the trailer tanks at a nearby RV dump station provided by the Lions Club charities (thank you Lions!) and made our way back to the Coupeville ferry for the ride back to Port Townsend. Low and behold, there's another Lightning pulling a horse trailer heading home from a weekend trip with his family. We both got loaded first in the front of the ferry. We rolled our windows down and gave the thumbs up to each other. The other driver greeted me with a jovial "These trucks can't do anything!" We chatted a little, but I needed a restroom and food break and by the time I got back, the other driver and his family had dispersed in the ferry as well. They also worked to keep their unhappy horse calm during the ferry ride, so there wasn't much time to actually chat. We both snapped quick pics of our rigs on the ferry though. Here's my picture... I had to use the wide mode to actually capture both of the trucks and trailers so it's a little distorted.

Overall, great weekend at a great tournament! Having Pro-Power available to power the trailer has totally spoiled me and the family. Instead of needing a generator to power up during the day, I can silently stay powered 24/7 as long as a DCFC is reasonably accessible nearby. Pro-Power used about 10% per day. I originally planned to power my trailer and a friend's trailer, but by the time they arrived, the spots next to me had been filled so I couldn't make it happen. Even if I had needed to run the trailer air conditioning during the day, there was more than enough capacity in the battery to easily power for the 3-day tournament.

I haven't yet taken a trip with the Lightning and trailer where I needed to DCFC while towing, I keep wanting to and have planned some trips, but ultimately due to a lack of available time I have either stayed in hotels or "campground cabins". The charging network, especially here in WA is getting to the point that even if towing, DCFC are spaced appropriately to get to some great rural spots.

Sponsored

 

[Lytning]

From the title, I thought this was going to be "a priest and a rabbi walk into a bar" joke.

Will the new baby Ford EV truck (Coming Soon!) next year be the offspring of this chance encounter?

 

[MaintGrl]

Last weekend I towed my 24 foot travel trailer with my 2024 Pro ER Max-Tow to camp at a youth soccer tournament in Burlington, WA. The route was from Sequim, WA to the Port Townsend - Coupeville ferry, then to Burlington.

Since Western Washington has lots of peninsulas, islands, and other water/landscape features that make travel slightly difficult, I opted to use the ferry system to save time and miles. Taking the ferry eliminates having to make a charging stop somewhere in the Seattle metro area, which would be a nightmare while towing. For this case, the approximately $130 ferry crossing due to the size and weight of the truck and trailer is money well spent. Driving to Port Townsend and Coupeville to Burlington involves lots of great scenery and easy highway driving as well.

Charged to 100% at home and arrived at the soccer field with approximately 45%. I towed with all tanks empty and filled the water tank when we arrived at the field at a designated spigot. After filling and setting up the trailer, we drove to get some groceries for the weekend and charged at a local Tesla charger to 80% (trouble free charging experience as is usual for Tesla). On returning to the field/camp site, I used the 240 volt 30 amp twist plug of pro-power and through a couple of converters and cords, used pro-power to supply the trailer's 120 volt 30 amp system for 3 days using only one "side" of the 240 volt supply. I have a 120 volt refrigerator in the trailer as well as a microwave oven. We also used the power for the hot water heater to supply the sinks and shower. It also ran the trailer's 12 volt converter and charger for three days which runs the lights, water pump, awning, and slide-out. Of course, phones were charged using 120 and 12 volt usb chargers too.

Here's the view after setting up my trailer. The empty spot to the rear filled with a motor home so I ran the power cord along the white line to the left. After everyone arrived, all of these spots were filled two or three deep with trailers, campers, motorhomes, pop-up canopies, etc... Soccer family mayhem but it's loads of fun.

Pro power ran Thursday afternoon - Saturday night uninterrupted. I drove back to the Tesla charger a few miles away in Burlington again on Saturday night in preparation to tow back home on Sunday afternoon. That charge went from 59% - 92%, since I wanted at least 90% for the Sunday drive home. Roughly 80% down to 60% while running the Pro Power for 48 hours which allowed "camping" to basically be like living at home. I originally planned to use the air conditioning as the weather at this tournament is usually hot and sunny, but this year it was cool to cold and rain on and off for all 4 days. I actually ran the propane heater one morning for about 10 minutes to drive out the morning cold.

Saturday afternoon had a nice sunny weather window and my son's team joined us at the campsite for a team BBQ of burgers, hot dogs, and plenty of Gatorade and water to rehydrate after a tough game (1-1 draw).

Son's team made a good showing in a tight bracket but did not make the top two to advance to the final's match. My daughter's team went undefeated and won their finals game, so she got the medal and podium.

After breaking down the campsite on Sunday after the final game, we dumped the trailer tanks at a nearby RV dump station provided by the Lions Club charities (thank you Lions!) and made our way back to the Coupeville ferry for the ride back to Port Townsend. Low and behold, there's another Lightning pulling a horse trailer heading home from a weekend trip with his family. We both got loaded first in the front of the ferry. We rolled our windows down and gave the thumbs up to each other. The other driver greeted me with a jovial "These trucks can't do anything!" We chatted a little, but I needed a restroom and food break and by the time I got back, the other driver and his family had dispersed in the ferry as well. They also worked to keep their unhappy horse calm during the ferry ride, so there wasn't much time to actually chat. We both snapped quick pics of our rigs on the ferry though. Here's my picture... I had to use the wide mode to actually capture both of the trucks and trailers so it's a little distorted.

Overall, great weekend at a great tournament! Having Pro-Power available to power the trailer has totally spoiled me and the family. Instead of needing a generator to power up during the day, I can silently stay powered 24/7 as long as a DCFC is reasonably accessible nearby. Pro-Power used about 10% per day. I originally planned to power my trailer and a friend's trailer, but by the time they arrived, the spots next to me had been filled so I couldn't make it happen. Even if I had needed to run the trailer air conditioning during the day, there was more than enough capacity in the battery to easily power for the 3-day tournament.

I haven't yet taken a trip with the Lightning and trailer where I needed to DCFC while towing, I keep wanting to and have planned some trips, but ultimately due to a lack of available time I have either stayed in hotels or "campground cabins". The charging network, especially here in WA is getting to the point that even if towing, DCFC are spaced appropriately to get to some great rural spots.

A couple of fine looking Machines . . . !

 

[EliPNW]

Hey, that is me in the other, Everyone is Towing.
And yeah, our horse was none to happy. He is “green” to Eventing, and after a long weekend of being worked he really did not want to be in that trailer.
Maybe we will see you again next year, we do that trip (Port Townsend to Bow) for Pony Club camp each year, same weekend (or on one of my Costco runs to Sequim).
Thanks for sharing

 

[B177y]

Hey, that is me in the other, Everyone is Towing.
And yeah, our horse was none to happy. He is “green” to Eventing, and after a long weekend of being worked he really did not want to be in that trailer.
Maybe we will see you again next year, we do that trip (Port Townsend to Bow) for Pony Club camp each year, same weekend (or on one of my Costco runs to Sequim).
Thanks for sharing

Ha! I was wondering if you were on here. Nice to meet you!

I missed your Everyone is towing thread somehow. Your picture is way less distorted than mine too.

I work in PT a few days per week, pretty sure we pass on my commute. I'm getting familiar with the other regular Lightnings on my Hwy 101/Hwy 20 commute. I've been using my Bolt for commuting lately because I was putting so many miles on the Lightning, so I haven't been able to do my dorky Lightning to Lightning wave as we pass.

 

[bc1]

Interesting thread. I made the drive from Kansas to Marysville, WA on July 5. Had trouble and wasted a few hours in Laramie, WY messing with a couple slow chargers. Finally limped to Rawlins, WY at 65 mph and made it to a fast charger. 1800 miles and took 3 days but there was a little sightseeing along the way.

Been planning on making the drive to Port Townsend, Port Angeles, and around. We are going back home next week so I may need to try to schedule it in. Kinda hard dealing with 2 small grandchildren.

Last weekend we were trying to take a trip around the Peninsula with a night at Forks and a couple nights around Pacific Beach area. There was some kind of Hog Fest/motorcycle event that weekend and it was near impossible to find rooms. Ended up at the Jim Creek Naval Antenna Station recreation area for 3 days.

Wanted to drive to Friday Harbor this week but we couldn't make it work with the ferry reservations and them being booked up.

So anyway, we still may try to get to Port Townsend and I wouldn't mind going on to Forks if we can make it in a day trip. It's really hard to figure drive times around this place. Any help planning this would be appreciated along with charger locations.

One highlight is that I am a half mile of the Walmart on Highway 9 on the east edge of town. They have some 400 KWH chargers located there. From 7 pm to 7 am the cost is only .27 per KWH so that is cheap. It has never charged more than around 185 KW so no where near the listed 400. Cost during the day is .54 to .56 per kwh during the day but I forget the exact amount. Another nearby Walmart at Quilceda has chargers as well. One odd thing about the stations is that they use a number of double stations with a CCS on the left and the Tesla connector on the right sitting in the middle and at the front of 2 parking stalls. With the lightning I have to pull in on the right stall and use the CCS plug on the left side. They have those top hose holding swivels like the IONNA chargers use but they are stiff and the spring tension wants to put a sideways pull on the plug after being plugged in. I suppose a Tesla could back into the left stall and still get the right side cable to stretch over to its charging port.

 

[RickLightning]

Interesting thread. I made the drive from Kansas to Marysville, WA on July 5. Had trouble and wasted a few hours in Laramie, WY messing with a couple slow chargers. Finally limped to Rawlins, WY at 65 mph and made it to a fast charger. 1800 miles and took 3 days but there was a little sightseeing along the way.

Been planning on making the drive to Port Townsend, Port Angeles, and around. We are going back home next week so I may need to try to schedule it in. Kinda hard dealing with 2 small grandchildren.

Last weekend we were trying to take a trip around the Peninsula with a night at Forks and a couple nights around Pacific Beach area. There was some kind of Hog Fest/motorcycle event that weekend and it was near impossible to find rooms. Ended up at the Jim Creek Naval Antenna Station recreation area for 3 days.

Wanted to drive to Friday Harbor this week but we couldn't make it work with the ferry reservations and them being booked up.

So anyway, we still may try to get to Port Townsend and I wouldn't mind going on to Forks if we can make it in a day trip. It's really hard to figure drive times around this place. Any help planning this would be appreciated along with charger locations.

One highlight is that I am a half mile of the Walmart on Highway 9 on the east edge of town. They have some 400 KWH chargers located there. From 7 pm to 7 am the cost is only .27 per KWH so that is cheap. It has never charged more than around 185 KW so no where near the listed 400. Cost during the day is .54 to .56 per kwh during the day but I forget the exact amount. Another nearby Walmart at Quilceda has chargers as well. One odd thing about the stations is that they use a number of double stations with a CCS on the left and the Tesla connector on the right sitting in the middle and at the front of 2 parking stalls. With the lightning I have to pull in on the right stall and use the CCS plug on the left side. They have those top hose holding swivels like the IONNA chargers use but they are stiff and the spring tension wants to put a sideways pull on the plug after being plugged in. I suppose a Tesla could back into the left stall and still get the right side cable to stretch over to its charging port.

You won't ever get higher than low 190s with a Lightning.

 

[Dahveed]

Interesting thread. I made the drive from Kansas to Marysville, WA on July 5. Had trouble and wasted a few hours in Laramie, WY messing with a couple slow chargers. Finally limped to Rawlins, WY at 65 mph and made it to a fast charger. 1800 miles and took 3 days but there was a little sightseeing along the way.

Been planning on making the drive to Port Townsend, Port Angeles, and around. We are going back home next week so I may need to try to schedule it in. Kinda hard dealing with 2 small grandchildren.

Last weekend we were trying to take a trip around the Peninsula with a night at Forks and a couple nights around Pacific Beach area. There was some kind of Hog Fest/motorcycle event that weekend and it was near impossible to find rooms. Ended up at the Jim Creek Naval Antenna Station recreation area for 3 days.

Wanted to drive to Friday Harbor this week but we couldn't make it work with the ferry reservations and them being booked up.

So anyway, we still may try to get to Port Townsend and I wouldn't mind going on to Forks if we can make it in a day trip. It's really hard to figure drive times around this place. Any help planning this would be appreciated along with charger locations.

One highlight is that I am a half mile of the Walmart on Highway 9 on the east edge of town. They have some 400 KWH chargers located there. From 7 pm to 7 am the cost is only .27 per KWH so that is cheap. It has never charged more than around 185 KW so no where near the listed 400. Cost during the day is .54 to .56 per kwh during the day but I forget the exact amount. Another nearby Walmart at Quilceda has chargers as well. One odd thing about the stations is that they use a number of double stations with a CCS on the left and the Tesla connector on the right sitting in the middle and at the front of 2 parking stalls. With the lightning I have to pull in on the right stall and use the CCS plug on the left side. They have those top hose holding swivels like the IONNA chargers use but they are stiff and the spring tension wants to put a sideways pull on the plug after being plugged in. I suppose a Tesla could back into the left stall and still get the right side cable to stretch over to its charging port.

Charging speed is limited by the truck. The Lightning is rated for about 180kW on a DCFC. People do occasionally see spikes closer to 190kW.

The charging station may be rated for up to 400kW for vehicles that can utilize it.

Your charging speed will vary based on the battery’s temperature and state of charge. It will slow as the battery charges and builds heat. Don’t fast charge past 80%, you’re wasting time at that point.

I wish Ford had chosen a different location for the charging port. For a large vehicle, the driver’s fender doesn’t make a ton of sense. The cables in the wild tend to be too short without parking funky or taking up two spots.

 

[bc1]

What is the dorky Lightning to Lightning wave, inquiring minds want to know?

I was planning a trip to Forks and La Push for Sunday but my daughter says let's go this afternoon and stay Saturday night at Forks so off we went with her to find us a room once we got off the Edmunds ferry at Kingston. Drove to Port Angeles and figured out everything was booked up except going south. Was just about to head South to the Navy Lodge at Bremerton but called around and ended up backtracking to Port Townsend an hour and got the last room at the Harbor View Inn. There is an EVCS charger nearby.

 

[B177y]

What is the dorky Lightning to Lightning wave, inquiring minds want to know?

Ha! Just a simple wave or thumbs up. Drives my kids and wife nuts. They think I'm crazy (I'm not really disputing that either).

 

[bc1]

OK. I wondered if it was a fist out the window or some super secret Mason's headlight flashing sequence.

Maybe someone should set up some sequence with something different for the brand X vehicles.

Sitting at the EVCS fast charger next to the harbor getting a semi-slow 75 kw. Then off to Forks and La Push.

Cloudy and raining which is probably the norm around here.

 

[B177y]

Cloudy and raining which is probably the norm around here.

That's what we tell the tourists...

 

[bc1]

Yeah. You tell us tourists that "after" we've paid the 300+ bux per night for a room.

 

[B177y]

Yeah. You tell us tourists that "after" we've paid the 300+ bux per night for a room.

Give it a couple more hours, you'll love it!

Sponsored