6500lb Trailer = <100 miles Range
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I would really like someone to do a test with a lightweight teardrop or trailer. If you have to tow a 6000 pound trailer you shouldn’t buy an EV. I’ve been researching lighter weight travel trailers and would love to see you one of those tested. That type of trailer is more of my style anyway.
I got a f150 EV (coming) and an F350 Diesel not getting rid of my f350 for anything, i have a 30 foot trailer I never expected the ev to tow. Hope to help the planet with my business and using truck for all it can give without need of any long haul towing. Doesn't mean you cannnot tow but will be a stop and go trip with charging which I am sure there are many that is perfectly fine! I really hope ford can adapt battery packs as they wear to newer better tech as this developes.
The nice thing about these vehicles is the degree and accuracy of the built in instrumentation. With the Carscan app and a cheap Bluetooth OBD dongle you have direct access to the ‘real’ diagnostic stats. The rest is some simple math and physics.
At 70mph constant on a level road the Lightning draws 30-40kW depending on winds. Towing a big tall trailer draw is more than twice that. The advantages in range of slowing down when towing that brick are huge. Keep it off the interstate and enjoy the scenic route at 45mph should net at least 50% more range.
Still, shorter range while towing is a big problem for me primarily due to lack of DCFC where I want to go.
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It's the most disappointing that the trip computer was so far off. If I were to point at the biggest factors for using so much energy is the highway speeds of 55-70 along with gaining 1000' in elevation in just 80+ miles took a significant toll. But the computer should have easily factored that into the estimation. Elevation hurts all EV and ICE range estimates. I plan to do a bit of longer distance towing with my 5700lb travel trailer in the next few weeks, and plan to stay on roads that keep me around 45-55mph(I don't mind cruising) where possible if it's long haul. Can't do much about the elevation depending where you are going.
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I guess @RacinJason won't be racing, Jason.
Please post some trip data, it will be some interesting data points.
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Definitely. Slow and steady wins the towing race. Even with ICE trucks.I guess @RacinJason won't be racing, Jason.
2021 Mustang Mach E First Edition, 2016 Nissan Leaf, 2003 Toyota Tacoma, F-150 Lightning Lariat ER
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Was the navigation computer off or was the GOM off? Big difference.
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From what I recall, the truck's range estimate adjusted to 160 miles. But it didn't seem to update when they input the destination into the nav system. We keep hearing that the truck knows the weather, elevation and traffic etc. to adjust. But it appears that the truck used the "Tesla" method and gave them a rosey estimate as if it were driving on flat land, with no wind, at 45mph. 😖
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Let us know your results.
A range of 100 miles or lower on a 5,000 lbs RV trailer is a deal breaker.
I think that's an entirely reasonable position and something anyone with a tow mission of more than 100 miles must consider. I have 3500 miles on my Lariat ER and I'm actively looking to trade it for a PowerBoost hybrid. Hitting up ones friends to borrow their trucks to go on a 200 mile (one way) camping trip gets old real fast.
Anyone towing outside of their single charge range is, at best, facing substantially longer travel time compared to ICE, at worst, risking getting stranded (left with nothing but L1/L2 charging options is tantamount to getting stranded). Only embark on such trips with the pioneer mindset and accompanying flexibility.
The Lightning is an amazing vehicle (so far). I think it's just about as good as it can be with the available battery tech, but another significant increase in battery energy density + improved charging infrastructure is necessary to make it practical for towing over distance. If I didn't have any distance towing requirement, it would suit me fine.
2021 Mustang Mach E First Edition, 2016 Nissan Leaf, 2003 Toyota Tacoma, F-150 Lightning Lariat ER
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We just towed our trailer on a net uphill, over 200 miles. Range > 150 miles.
Details here:
www.lightningowners.com
Details here:
First Towing Trip: Range > 150 miles
The Lightning does a great job at regenerating energy, especially in Hands-on Blue Cruise --- There's no Hands-free BC in Tow Haul mode. Major hill climbs had little impact if you also took advantage of the downhill. Silver Spring to Hagerstown: 1.3 mi/kWh, a bit of rolling hills, no...
www.lightningowners.com
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Am waiting for someone to try out a Lance 650 type truck camper.
The one going to Alaska on a pop-up is not a valid comparison. I won't consider a pop-up for the spoiled wifey. And being shadowed by an Ecoboost to provide charging is simply ridiculous. Definitely, wifey won't agree that she'll drive an Ecoboost and follow me around for my charging needs.
2021 Mustang Mach E First Edition, 2016 Nissan Leaf, 2003 Toyota Tacoma, F-150 Lightning Lariat ER
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Why does Ford need to provide something that already exists?
Unfortunately, the math doesn't work out. A generator big enough to put out enough power is too big and heavy.
Pulling the trailer is burning the 131 kwh battery in a bit under 2 hours. So they were consuming like 75 kw when towing those big trailers.
But the biggest generator the truck could haul in the bed and still have some payload capacity for the trailer and passengers is going to be like a 20-25kw generator set at 1100 to 1500lbs (dry, weight, not including the fuel that will need to be carried).
I think the answer to your proposal is to just rent a complete gas or diesel truck when you occasionally need to do long distance towing. They are generally readily available at rental retailers like Budget, Hertz, Ryder, Penske, U-Haul, etc.
I came to the same conclusion. Even not towing the truck is drawing 30-45kw cruising along at 70mph.
Yesterday I traded the Lightning for a ‘22 F150 PowerBoost hybrid. I visited my dealer and they just by chance received the Powerboost Lariat with nearly the same options as my Lightning, even the same color. This truck has 700 mile range unloaded and on the first 120 mile run (80% highway) I got 27mpg. It has the power onboard that I need for the camper with the only downside being the engine kicking on periodically.
it was very much a mixed emotion. I hated to part with the Lightning but the towing situation turned out to be a deal breaker. When by chance the dealer has exactly the right alternative I took it as a sign. I’m now in line for a Mach E.
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