Assessing Trailer Towing Performance with an R1T: Results of Tests on Different Routes and Configurations
Trailer towing is becoming increasingly popular among RV enthusiasts, and many of them are interested in understanding the range impact of towing trailers. To help answer this question, one driver tested their R1T with different types of trailers on two routes: a flat 62mi loop with 679' elevation gain, and a 95 mile route with 2500' elevation gain. The tests included driving unladen in Conserve mode, unladen in towing mode, and pulling a 5500# travel trailer in both modes. Results showed that unladen in Conserve had an efficiency of 2.69 mi/kWh, while unladen in Towing had an efficiency of 2.38 mi/kWh. When towing the trailer, the driver adjusted the speed limit from 70mph to 65mph. Additionally, they noted that the mirrors were terrible for towing wide trailers, and the rear camera was at a bad angle for attaching a trailer. Finally, they drove 25 miles from Kalispell, MT to Tally Lake Campground with their travel trailer and bikes, finding an efficiency of 1.24mi/kWh and ending SoC of 77%.
Overall, these results indicate that when towing a trailer with an R1T, drivers should expect reduced range and lower efficiency than when driving unladen. Drivers should also be aware that the mirrors may not provide adequate visibility when towing wider trailers, and that the rear camera is poorly positioned for connecting a trailer. Finally, it's important to note that parasitic load can have a significant effect on range - so if you're planning on taking your vehicle off-grid for extended periods of time, make sure to factor this into your calculations.
In addition to the above tests, there are a few other criteria that should be taken into consideration when assessing trailer towing performance. First and foremost is safety - make sure your vehicle has been properly inspected and serviced before attempting any long-distance trips with a trailer in tow. Additionally, it's important to consider the weight of the trailer you're planning on pulling - if it exceeds your vehicle's maximum capacity, then you may need to look for an alternative solution or upgrade your suspension system. Finally, don't forget about aerodynamics - trailers can create significant drag at higher speeds which will reduce range even further.
Overall, these tests provide valuable insight into how R1T vehicles perform while towing different types of trailers over various routes and conditions. While they do not provide definitive answers as every situation is unique, they do offer some useful guidelines for drivers looking for information on their own setup or considering purchasing an RV/trailer combo package in the future. With this knowledge in hand, drivers can make more informed decisions regarding their choice of vehicle and travel plans accordingly!
What are the trailer towing test criteria?
The trailer towing test criteria include running a flat 62 mile loop with 679 feet of elevation gain, and a 95 mile route with 2500 feet of elevation gain. The speed limit is observed in both conserve and towing mode, with 70mph reduced to 65mph when towing. Tire pressure should be set at 50psi for all tests.
What observations have been made about towing with the R1T?
Observations about towing with the R1T include that the mirrors are inadequate for wide trailers, the rear camera is at a poor angle for attaching a trailer, and that the automatic brake "Hold" requires significant accelerator input to get out of. It may be better in "Towing" mode.
What was tested on a weekend trip from Kalispell, MT to Tally Lake Campground?
On this weekend trip, the R1T was tested with a 5500# camper, 40 gallons of fresh water, 3 bikes on the roof and 2 bikes in the bed, 3 kids and one adult. The drive mode was set to towing, with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and HVAC turned off. The route was 25 miles long with 694 feet of elevation gain and 614 feet of elevation loss. The speed was kept between 50-55 mph on paved roads and 25-35 mph on gravel roads. The estimated ending SoC was 66%, but it ended up being 77%. The efficiency rate was 1.24 mi/kWh and total energy used was 20 kWh.