First I want to say that your production quality is great and it's clear you're serious about becoming a bigger channel- I think you are going to become much more popular. Keep it up! But I do think the towing profile of a car on a flatbed is much less demanding compared to what private people normally buy trucks to tow- recreational vehicles, box trailers, campers and boats.
Campers / box trailers will have the worst profile. Recreational vehicles, like side by sides or jet skis or whatever, will have a favorable aerodynamic profile. We think the larger point is, and you rightfully made it here, is your mileage will vary. Just because one person gets only 90 miles doesn’t mean you’ll get 90 miles. Also thank you for the kind words on production quality and your feedback!
@@EVPulse You're welcome! I am looking forward to seeing your development. I mostly tow my saltwater fishing boat which is 11' tall and 9' wide so the aerodynamics of that are not very good for EV trucks yet. I'm interested in one if they become viable because of the great torque, but that is probably 10 or 15 years off waiting for battery tech to improve to the point to make long trips workable with an EV truck. If I had something small and light to tow like jet skis or ATVs, I think I would prefer a model X for access to Tesla's supercharger network, which I hear are more reliable than the other public chargers :)
After seeing your reviews on the Ford E truck and van, it seems reasonable some might choose the truck over the van, and add on a cap/box to suit their needs. Better range and performance, while also able to carry a few passengers. Peace - John
Great and thorough review as always. Surprised to see that range figure, but like you said can vary pretty dramatically depending on the profile of your trailer.
Also, you need to try towing an EV with V2G capability and run a cable from the towed vehicle to the one towing to try and recharge yourself while driving!
Actually, we were kind of joking about that while filming. We're going to try to see if we can charge another EV from the Lightning's in-bed outlets while the truck is plugged into a DC fast charger. We're not certain it's possible, but it'd be cool if it is. - Craig
I don’t see where you get 7,000lbs for a Tesla 3 and a UHaul double axle car trailer?? I find a Model 3 is 3,648-4,250 and the UHaul is 1,775. This does not come up to 7,000lbs.
Yeah its not, there result are garbage. Ive towed 5k on a flat highway, going 65 mph, temp was around 70F, no A/C on or anything....range went from 230 miles to 110 miles. Basically, garbage.
@@jimporter You want us to drive 5-8 hours one way for each car review we do? The metro Detroit area isn't well known for its mountains. Also, we do drive in hills and mountains on our first drives. And we have made nearly as much back on regen as we did waste going up the mountain. It's physics.
The Lightning is expensive (and sold out at this point), but it is a remarkably good EV, like really, Really, REALLY good. It's not built on a dedicated electric truck platform, but Ford still did an astounding job with this truck, knocked it out of the park. Thanks for watching and commenting! - Craig
The trailer with brake is the biggest problem for the range. If the trailer could get a regen brake, it'll change a lot. Those bolt EV owners towing small no brake trailer already proved.
15$ per 100 km ? Whats the point ? Seat 1 hour and half after each 300 km ? Looks like waste of time for me , with mine ram 1500 ecodiesel i do 700 km per tank with trailer , and 1300 without . Just another toy for TikTokers not for trades
I think your towing efficiency is high because you are towing one of the most aero dynamic cars on that trailer. If it was a more typical boxy trailer probably highway range will at 150 miles and below.
A boxy trailer would be less, of course, but we wouldn't say it's "more typical." Half ton drivers tow lots of different things (boats, jet skis, side by sides, lawn mowers) that aren't in box trailers. YMMV.
The Lightning will fit the needs of someone who doesn't tow a long distance. Anyone who does would be crazy to consider it. Towing a camper to the lake? Forget about it.
Now imagine taking this trip in the mountains. Or in high headwinds. And will there be a charger where you need it? Will the charger be a fast charge? Will you have to disconnect the trailer to access the charger and not piss others off by hogging all the stations? Do you have the time to kill while you WAIT and WAIT for it to charge? What if its only a slow charger? Imagine how long THAT will take. What if another rig is already at the charger...for AGES and AGES??? What if you run out of juice on the road? Or out in the boondocks? Does AAA charge EVs with their tow trucks??? If not, you will get towed or carted away. And you probably will have to leave your trailer or hire a 2nd truck to tow it away...gasp! Seems to me that these issues (and more) will have to be worked out before any long distance, wide-open-spaces towing is even considered with EV trucks. As the EV ages, it battery will age, too...and provide even less range. Better stick with your ICE truck for serious towing...at least until the Gub'ment mandates it away from you or starves away fuel for it citing some bogus emergency.....
You make valid -- and troubling -- points. Electric trucks offer some HUGE benefits, but they also have big downsides. For short-distance or relatively light-duty towing, the Lighting is absolutely amazing, but I wouldn't want to drag a 10,000-pound trailer across the country. No thanks. Towing in winter or in mountainous terrain is super concerning as well. The way most drivers today use "half-ton" trucks (i.e., like family sedans), the Lightning is pretty close to ideal, but people that need a long-range work vehicle should consider a combustion-powered pickup. Anyway, thanks for watching and commenting. Much appreciated! - Craig
I always have 3 propane tanks and a generator with my travel trailer so thats 21hrs of emergency charging for my tow rig its weird for sure but i hate smog and over heating transmissions engines and all that nonsense so will see if this ev nonsense is worse lol
So many "what ifs" and a little bit of conspiracy theory thrown at the end, nice. As for the _gud-mint_ mandates, if EV infrastructure is still not ready when the deadline approaches and there's enough popular concern, obviously the legislation will be repealed, and alternate paths will be looked at, like biofuels -and hydrogen.- So I doubt anyone will be "forced" to buy an EV that won't fit their needs. That argument is nothing more than useless fear-mongering to me.
Two hours and seventeen minutes to recharge? 'Who would be happy with that ' when a fuel vehicle would be ready to go again in less than ten minutes ' in my experience when you've been driving for hours you just want to get home . Ridiculous.
Roman from TFL Truck has tested just about every truck on the market for the last several years. He tested the Lightning extensively and drove it from Colorado to Alaska and back. He calls the Lightning "the best truck Ford has ever made." As you might notice in these comments, videos about the Lightning frequently get comments from Lightning owners remarking on how great the truck is and how much they love it. The Lightning reached record sales numbers in 2024. I expect sales of the Lightning and its successors will slowly grow until they exceed ICE version sales. I give it about six or eight years before electric trucks begin to outsell ICE versions.
This is one of the better EV review channels out on youtube and am sure it will grow very quickly. Keep doing what yall are doing!
Thanks!
First I want to say that your production quality is great and it's clear you're serious about becoming a bigger channel- I think you are going to become much more popular. Keep it up! But I do think the towing profile of a car on a flatbed is much less demanding compared to what private people normally buy trucks to tow- recreational vehicles, box trailers, campers and boats.
Campers / box trailers will have the worst profile. Recreational vehicles, like side by sides or jet skis or whatever, will have a favorable aerodynamic profile.
We think the larger point is, and you rightfully made it here, is your mileage will vary. Just because one person gets only 90 miles doesn’t mean you’ll get 90 miles.
Also thank you for the kind words on production quality and your feedback!
@@EVPulse You're welcome! I am looking forward to seeing your development. I mostly tow my saltwater fishing boat which is 11' tall and 9' wide so the aerodynamics of that are not very good for EV trucks yet. I'm interested in one if they become viable because of the great torque, but that is probably 10 or 15 years off waiting for battery tech to improve to the point to make long trips workable with an EV truck. If I had something small and light to tow like jet skis or ATVs, I think I would prefer a model X for access to Tesla's supercharger network, which I hear are more reliable than the other public chargers :)
Craig is a legend
We’re happy to have him.
Thank you so much. You're too kind!
- Craig
You guys do a fantastic job on video editing which complements the content. Impressive as that must take a ton of time.
Thank you so much 😀
After seeing your reviews on the Ford E truck and van, it seems reasonable some might choose the truck over the van, and add on a cap/box to suit their needs. Better range and performance, while also able to carry a few passengers. Peace - John
Great and thorough review as always. Surprised to see that range figure, but like you said can vary pretty dramatically depending on the profile of your trailer.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting!!!
- Craig
Thanks for watching! Like everything, your mileage will vary.
Also, you need to try towing an EV with V2G capability and run a cable from the towed vehicle to the one towing to try and recharge yourself while driving!
Actually, we were kind of joking about that while filming. We're going to try to see if we can charge another EV from the Lightning's in-bed outlets while the truck is plugged into a DC fast charger. We're not certain it's possible, but it'd be cool if it is.
- Craig
Infinite power! Actually, engineers prevent the truck from charging while the vehicle is driving.
If you read the terms, it actually voids the warranty😢
I don’t see where you get 7,000lbs for a Tesla 3 and a UHaul double axle car trailer?? I find a Model 3 is 3,648-4,250 and the UHaul is 1,775. This does not come up to 7,000lbs.
Yeah its not, there result are garbage. Ive towed 5k on a flat highway, going 65 mph, temp was around 70F, no A/C on or anything....range went from 230 miles to 110 miles. Basically, garbage.
@@davidwest6019 Yes, that’s what I”ve seen on other owners tests!
Great video! Shows how aerodynamics can affect things with the Lightning. Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
Goes from all neck to no neck 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I'm in the no neck club 🤣
I’m in Kentucky. We have mountain and very few flat areas. A battery on any vehicle wouldn’t last any time in hilly areas.
With regen, you'll gain miles going downhill, though. Not a direct correlation, but it's not as bad as you might initially think.
@@EVPulseprove it. Start including hilly (proper hills or mountains) in your reviews.
@@jimporter You want us to drive 5-8 hours one way for each car review we do? The metro Detroit area isn't well known for its mountains.
Also, we do drive in hills and mountains on our first drives. And we have made nearly as much back on regen as we did waste going up the mountain. It's physics.
good job guys!
Thanks!
The only EV I would buy, sign me up.
The Lightning is expensive (and sold out at this point), but it is a remarkably good EV, like really, Really, REALLY good. It's not built on a dedicated electric truck platform, but Ford still did an astounding job with this truck, knocked it out of the park.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
- Craig
The trailer with brake is the biggest problem for the range. If the trailer could get a regen brake, it'll change a lot. Those bolt EV owners towing small no brake trailer already proved.
15$ per 100 km ? Whats the point ? Seat 1 hour and half after each 300 km ? Looks like waste of time for me , with mine ram 1500 ecodiesel i do 700 km per tank with trailer , and 1300 without . Just another toy for TikTokers not for trades
Just missing a component whats range with air conditioning and radio while towing THATS WHAT COUNTS...
I need to know all in
I think your towing efficiency is high because you are towing one of the most aero dynamic cars on that trailer. If it was a more typical boxy trailer probably highway range will at 150 miles and below.
A boxy trailer would be less, of course, but we wouldn't say it's "more typical." Half ton drivers tow lots of different things (boats, jet skis, side by sides, lawn mowers) that aren't in box trailers. YMMV.
@@EVPulse true! Would be interesting to see the efficiency though.
The Lightning will fit the needs of someone who doesn't tow a long distance. Anyone who does would be crazy to consider it. Towing a camper to the lake? Forget about it.
When range towing gets over 400 I'll be interested
How far does the Lightning go? It goes al the way to insanity highway. Especially when you see idiots paying over $80,000 for one!
Now imagine taking this trip in the mountains. Or in high headwinds. And will there be a charger where you need it?
Will the charger be a fast charge? Will you have to disconnect the trailer to access the charger and not piss others off by hogging all the stations? Do you have the time to kill while you WAIT and WAIT for it to charge? What if its only a slow charger? Imagine how long THAT will take. What if another rig is already at the charger...for AGES and AGES??? What if you run out of juice on the road? Or out in the boondocks? Does AAA charge EVs with their tow trucks??? If not, you will get towed or carted away. And you probably will have to leave your trailer or hire a 2nd truck to tow it away...gasp!
Seems to me that these issues (and more) will have to be worked out before any long distance, wide-open-spaces towing is even considered with EV trucks. As the EV ages, it battery will age, too...and provide even less range. Better stick with your ICE truck for serious towing...at least until the Gub'ment mandates it away from you or starves away fuel for it citing some bogus emergency.....
You make valid -- and troubling -- points. Electric trucks offer some HUGE benefits, but they also have big downsides. For short-distance or relatively light-duty towing, the Lighting is absolutely amazing, but I wouldn't want to drag a 10,000-pound trailer across the country. No thanks. Towing in winter or in mountainous terrain is super concerning as well. The way most drivers today use "half-ton" trucks (i.e., like family sedans), the Lightning is pretty close to ideal, but people that need a long-range work vehicle should consider a combustion-powered pickup.
Anyway, thanks for watching and commenting. Much appreciated!
- Craig
I always have 3 propane tanks and a generator with my travel trailer so thats 21hrs of emergency charging for my tow rig its weird for sure but i hate smog and over heating transmissions engines and all that nonsense so will see if this ev nonsense is worse lol
So many "what ifs" and a little bit of conspiracy theory thrown at the end, nice.
As for the _gud-mint_ mandates, if EV infrastructure is still not ready when the deadline approaches and there's enough popular concern, obviously the legislation will be repealed, and alternate paths will be looked at, like biofuels -and hydrogen.-
So I doubt anyone will be "forced" to buy an EV that won't fit their needs. That argument is nothing more than useless fear-mongering to me.
Two hours and seventeen minutes to recharge? 'Who would be happy with that ' when a fuel vehicle would be ready to go again in less than ten minutes ' in my experience when you've been driving for hours you just want to get home . Ridiculous.
Seriously, unhook trailer before charging, yep can see how people will want to be doing that in a normal car park, never mind if it is raining.
No one wants an electric pickup. No matter how hard you push this product, they will sit in dealers lots unsold.
You should look at sales data. These trucks are not sitting unsold.
I’m “no one”. My wife and I love our Lightning.
Roman from TFL Truck has tested just about every truck on the market for the last several years. He tested the Lightning extensively and drove it from Colorado to Alaska and back.
He calls the Lightning "the best truck Ford has ever made."
As you might notice in these comments, videos about the Lightning frequently get comments from Lightning owners remarking on how great the truck is and how much they love it.
The Lightning reached record sales numbers in 2024. I expect sales of the Lightning and its successors will slowly grow until they exceed ICE version sales. I give it about six or eight years before electric trucks begin to outsell ICE versions.
5% overhead somewhere? 131/137? Re: 137.6 kWh energy delivered vs 131 kWh
Natural losses from charging station to car. Thermal, electrical system usage, etc... 5% is about on par with what'd we expect.
****!
Drama
Need a service like 911 so you can speed dial help when your battery dies!
"Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah"
That's about as informative and useful your comment was.
@@h8GW hard to beat the truth!
Why didn’t you tow an Rv trailer , cause maybe you won’t get not even 150 miles
Because RV trailers aren’t the only trailer that people tow with.
Ill pull over and make spaghetti 🍝 while it charges
My favorite lake and campground is 42 miles away iam good
Teslas are shite
In some ways, yes, they absolutely are, though Tesla does other things amazingly well.
- Craig
@@craigcole5497 nope all teslas are shite