Tough to improve the aerodynamics of the Airstream. Lowering it would be counterproductive to camping flexibility, I raised our 28’ Flying Cloud 3 in. for a number of benefits. The rooftop is about the only area with opportunity, but removing the aircons isn’t remotely tempting. I’ve placed a pre-order on a Pebble, the design of which appears to optimize aerodynamics
I just clicked play so bear with me if you cover this, but how does it work with the electric brake controllers? Does the R1S have one built in or do you have to add it aftermarket?
For better efficiency with the R1S / R1T and the airstream You might test putting a very low to the ground air dam in the front of each to push the air around the vehicles. You can probably do this as a low cost test by making the air dam out of race car plastic. Next test running the tires at max air pressure. Harder tires will roll easier, but may make affect braking on wet pavement. You may also want to try putting an air wedge on top of the tow vehicle to push the air flow up and over the air stream. I used to see these on trucks pulling 5th wheels.
@@AllElectricFamily I can appreciate preference, but it just seems like for any significant long distance travel you'd be looking at a minimum 30% increase in total time over a petrol alternative. No?
What is the GVWR of the Airstream and are you using a weight distribution hitch such as Anderson? I have R1S on the way and RV w GVWR of 7,000 (Ollie E2) I’m considering buying… should I be concerned? Thoughts? Thx much. Grt channel.
The GVWR is 8,800lbs, dry it's 6,800lbs. We use a Blue Ox weight distribution hitch and it's a solid combination. EVs have so much weight themselves, they remain really solid on the road towing, even if the trailer is close to the max towing capacity.
Ok, first things first. That R1S pulling the airstream looks sexy af!after! I'd like to see 65mph efficiency since ABRP has their setting for 65mph and I'd want to use similar numbers
You should do a test at the freeway minimum speed limit 45mph... Or get an orange Chevron and test at slower speed. The point is that I would wager that most of the losses are wind and not due to the towed mass. Below 45mph your added losses should be mostly rolling resistance, but far less wind. I have a hypothesis that the mass you are moving doesn't matter. Yes, more energy is needed to accelerate. But you get more Regen energy back when you slow. And in between the only extra energy needed is all from rolling resistance and wind drag. Otherwise it doesn't actually require any energy to stay in motion. Physics, an object in motion will stay in motion. Everyone making a big fuss about towing losses and the mass of the trailer are mis-attributing high rolling and aero losses to mass. This is why the Tesla Semi can do so well, good aerodynamics, and probably lower rolling resistant tyres... What are the rolling losses of a freight train? Near zero steel on steel wheels on rails. And good aero due to all cars drafting each other...
@@AllElectricFamily oh, I know, absolutely... But that is an exception to the rule that is boxie bricks of trailers that basically behave like parachutes. I think I'm going to try out a 45mph round trip commute I'm my Lightning today, just for kicks.
What is the payload on the Rivians and how does the hitched Airstream stack up?
Great review. I have a 25 foot airstream that I planned Tow. By the way, thanks for doing this at 55 that’s where I tow as well.
Tough to improve the aerodynamics of the Airstream. Lowering it would be counterproductive to camping flexibility, I raised our 28’ Flying Cloud 3 in. for a number of benefits. The rooftop is about the only area with opportunity, but removing the aircons isn’t remotely tempting. I’ve placed a pre-order on a Pebble, the design of which appears to optimize aerodynamics
🙋♂️THANKS FOR SHARING THIS INFO ℹ️ 💚💚💚
I just clicked play so bear with me if you cover this, but how does it work with the electric brake controllers? Does the R1S have one built in or do you have to add it aftermarket?
Nevermind. I see it on the screen at 2:50!
For better efficiency with the R1S / R1T and the airstream You might test putting a very low to the ground air dam in the front of each to push the air around the vehicles. You can probably do this as a low cost test by making the air dam out of race car plastic. Next test running the tires at max air pressure. Harder tires will roll easier, but may make affect braking on wet pavement. You may also want to try putting an air wedge on top of the tow vehicle to push the air flow up and over the air stream. I used to see these on trucks pulling 5th wheels.
That's 30 mpg if charged at home. Can you do that with a diesel? No way😂. Thanks for testing at 55!
141 miles! That's it? That is not usable at all for distance.
Depends on who you ask. It ends up being a really good distance for our family...we are ready for a break about that time.
@@AllElectricFamily I can appreciate preference, but it just seems like for any significant long distance travel you'd be looking at a minimum 30% increase in total time over a petrol alternative. No?
It ain't going 140 miles. That's dead flat ground
What is the GVWR of the Airstream and are you using a weight distribution hitch such as Anderson? I have R1S on the way and RV w GVWR of 7,000 (Ollie E2) I’m considering buying… should I be concerned? Thoughts? Thx much. Grt channel.
The GVWR is 8,800lbs, dry it's 6,800lbs. We use a Blue Ox weight distribution hitch and it's a solid combination. EVs have so much weight themselves, they remain really solid on the road towing, even if the trailer is close to the max towing capacity.
Ok, first things first. That R1S pulling the airstream looks sexy af!after!
I'd like to see 65mph efficiency since ABRP has their setting for 65mph and I'd want to use similar numbers
You can set your max speed on ABRP
@@cherrytreepermaculture756 max speed yes, but not efficiency speed, that one is fixed at 65mph.
Would be interested in your ideas for making the Airstream more efficient for towing!
I think this might be Steve's big project this summer!
Andy from Can Am RV set up his Airstream for EV towing by removing AC and other protruding objects.
You should do a test at the freeway minimum speed limit 45mph... Or get an orange Chevron and test at slower speed.
The point is that I would wager that most of the losses are wind and not due to the towed mass. Below 45mph your added losses should be mostly rolling resistance, but far less wind.
I have a hypothesis that the mass you are moving doesn't matter. Yes, more energy is needed to accelerate. But you get more Regen energy back when you slow. And in between the only extra energy needed is all from rolling resistance and wind drag. Otherwise it doesn't actually require any energy to stay in motion. Physics, an object in motion will stay in motion.
Everyone making a big fuss about towing losses and the mass of the trailer are mis-attributing high rolling and aero losses to mass. This is why the Tesla Semi can do so well, good aerodynamics, and probably lower rolling resistant tyres... What are the rolling losses of a freight train? Near zero steel on steel wheels on rails. And good aero due to all cars drafting each other...
Check out Lightship RV, it's all about aerodynamics!
@@AllElectricFamily oh, I know, absolutely...
But that is an exception to the rule that is boxie bricks of trailers that basically behave like parachutes.
I think I'm going to try out a 45mph round trip commute I'm my Lightning today, just for kicks.
Maybe try a wing/deflector mounted to the roof bars.
*Adds to cart*
I didn’t notice the booger until you mentioned it… after that, I couldn’t see anything else 😅
😜
no link of speed to tow a trailer video
Oops! Added it as an icard instead of a link, the link is in the description now!
No one pulls a camper at 55. That is seriously unrealistic
I was thinking work with me here, the Tech is not ready yet. Stay with the commuter car
1.1mile/kwh relying on the ridiculous EA charging network makes this completely impractical for long-distance towing. 😐
Need a larger front air dam, lower truck and trailer.
R1s = less efficient wheel set up 22”s heavier.