Below is charging empty in Corsicana. The loaded trailer cost around 10%. Less than 15%.
Below is checking load that was hauled from Mabank to Brashear. Straps fell off but load stayed on.
Below is charging again at Corsicana while hauling second load from Brashear to Dale. The final two hours of driving was in the dark. But, entire trip was pretty smooth. SuperCharger demand was low enough that I could occupy three stalls and not unhook the trailer. I had to stop at night at the Giddings SuperCharger. So three charges, two at Corsicana and one at Giddings. I added about 50 miles worth of slow charging while loading near Mabank. About 600 miles altogether. Without the trailer, charging at Corsicana each way would have been sufficient. A single charge at Sulfur Springs would be just barely feasible.
Here are some photos from previous towing adventures:
With such a low load on the trailer, the Tesla tail-lights/brake lights are probably visible. What was the estimated range reduction with the Model S and the Teardrop camper trailer? (Probably much higher?)
ReplyDeleteYes, I was not greatly concerned about visibility. But, legality. My lack of lights would not likely be noticed in daylight. I did see several cops after dark but I failed to catch their attention. I had hoped to complete the trip before dark.
DeleteI failed to use the tear drop for the intended purpose of providing a refuge during long charges; the increase in the number of charge stops was insufferable. The energy used to tow the tear drop by the S was about 30% of total. The little trailer behind the 3 is less than 5% empty and around 10% as loaded.
I was not surprised to be able to charge three times with the trailer behind the car. SuperCharger utilization is still low enough to allow three spaces to be used at many times at many sites. When 3s were introduced, I expected SuperChargers to become much more crowded. Hasn't happened.
I recall unhooking the tear drop to charge in Normal IL because the SuperCharger is on the 3rd floor of a parking garage.