Towing through the Mountainous Desert, Charging as well as Geologic.

[JamuJoe]

We just completed a 1260 mile camping trip through Utah (Zion, Bryce Canyon etc.) towing our 7500 lb 28’ Airstream with our R1T (dual, performance, max). Much of this route was through the Navajo nation - pretty scarce on facilities. We used only nine public fast charging sites, thanks to overnight charging in campgrounds. I never hide my charging in campgrounds, and only once have been charged a surcharge for charging. I do often make charging stops ‘prematurely’ due to charger scarcity. Had to unhitch at two sites, in one case due to construction blockage at Walmart in Gallup NM.

I use InRoute for my route planning, which easily lets me search every charging station on my route, then PlugShare to view details of those that fit my daily mileage targets, which vary by a generally flexible itinerary and whims. The Rivian navigation is quite good, but wind and elevation changes within a mountainous leg can throw off the efficiency estimates. Wahweep to Flagstaff hit us hard with 25 mph wind on the bow and large elevation increases. We had to pull into a campground 25 miles short of our planned destination - no disaster, all part of the adventure.

We enjoyed two excellent new EA DCFC installations by Rocky Mountain Power, and learned of several RAN and Supercharger stations in the works. With over 9000 miles of towing this rig over the last 16 months, through genuine charging deserts such as MS, LA, UT, NM, I definitely see improvements in charging infrastructure.

Sponsored

 

[jd2025]

We did a similar trip last month, towing a TAB 320s, 2500 lbs. Averaged 1.44 mi/kwh over 3000 miles.
We always ask if it's OK to charge when we make our campground reservations. Campground operators seem happy to be asked and invariably say yes.

KOA has a nationwide policy of not allowing car charging, probably due to car chargers damaging equipment. For continuous loads like EV charging, the National Electrical Code (NEC) recommends using no more than 80% of the outlet's rated capacity. That is for new equipment in good shape. Campground outlets are generally neither new nor in great condition.

Start out at 80% or less and keep an eye on the connector. If it's getting too hot, reduce the current.

 

[JamuJoe]

We did a similar trip last month, towing a TAB 320s, 2500 lbs. Averaged 1.44 mi/kwh over 3000 miles.
We always ask if it's OK to charge when we make our campground reservations. Campground operators seem happy to be asked and invariably say yes.

KOA has a nationwide policy of not allowing car charging, probably due to car chargers damaging equipment. For continuous loads like EV charging, the National Electrical Code (NEC) recommends using no more than 80% of the outlet's rated capacity. That is for new equipment in good shape. Campground outlets are generally neither new nor in great condition.

Start out at 80% or less and keep an eye on the connector. If it's getting too hot, reduce the current.

All good advice. Yes, KOA (Keep On Adding) has a no charging stance, which I suggest is more about not having figured out how much extra to charge. I actually corresponded with KOA and received a most ridiculous reply.
I always dial back my amperage, and use a Bluetooth surge suppressor to monitor power draw.
Asking to charge in advance is certainly courteous.

 

[FraserC]

We just completed a 1260 mile camping trip through Utah (Zion, Bryce Canyon etc.) towing our 7500 lb 28’ Airstream with our R1T (dual, performance, max). Much of this route was through the Navajo nation - pretty scarce on facilities. We used only nine public fast charging sites, thanks to overnight charging in campgrounds. I never hide my charging in campgrounds, and only once have been charged a surcharge for charging. I do often make charging stops ‘prematurely’ due to charger scarcity. Had to unhitch at two sites, in one case due to construction blockage at Walmart in Gallup NM.

I use InRoute for my route planning, which easily lets me search every charging station on my route...

Hi OP! I am about to make a 2,400 mile trip with a 10,000 pound GVWR trailer (I estimate it will be close to your 7,500 actual weight) with our Gen 2 R1T dual max battery. I'm curious what average KW per mile you were consuming for my initial calcs.. FWIW I towed it 60 miles unladen (about 2,800 pounds) but being a 7' tall (9' from the road) X 16' length X 8.5' wide it might be close to your drag area, so a good data ref for me!

I also appreciate your policy of informing campgrounds that you intend to charge, I have my plug adapter ready!

 

[JamuJoe]

Hi OP! I am about to make a 2,400 mile trip with a 10,000 pound GVWR trailer (I estimate it will be close to your 7,500 actual weight) with our Gen 2 R1T dual max battery. I'm curious what average KW per mile you were consuming for my initial calcs.. FWIW I towed it 60 miles unladen (about 2,800 pounds) but being a 7' tall (9' from the road) X 16' length X 8.5' wide it might be close to your drag area, so a good data ref for me!

I also appreciate your policy of informing campgrounds that you intend to charge, I have my plug adapter ready!

My overall avg is 1.14

Hi OP! I am about to make a 2,400 mile trip with a 10,000 pound GVWR trailer (I estimate it will be close to your 7,500 actual weight) with our Gen 2 R1T dual max battery. I'm curious what average KW per mile you were consuming for my initial calcs.. FWIW I towed it 60 miles unladen (about 2,800 pounds) but being a 7' tall (9' from the road) X 16' length X 8.5' wide it might be close to your drag area, so a good data ref for me!

I also appreciate your policy of informing campgrounds that you intend to charge, I have my plug adapter ready!

Hi OP! I am about to make a 2,400 mile trip with a 10,000 pound GVWR trailer (I estimate it will be close to your 7,500 actual weight) with our Gen 2 R1T dual max battery. I'm curious what average KW per mile you were consuming for my initial calcs.. FWIW I towed it 60 miles unladen (about 2,800 pounds) but being a 7' tall (9' from the road) X 16' length X 8.5' wide it might be close to your drag area, so a good data ref for me!

I also appreciate your policy of informing campgrounds that you intend to charge, I have my plug adapter ready!

Ihes

Hi OP! I am about to make a 2,400 mile trip with a 10,000 pound GVWR trailer (I estimate it will be close to your 7,500 actual weight) with our Gen 2 R1T dual max battery. I'm curious what average KW per mile you were consuming for my initial calcs.. FWIW I towed it 60 miles unladen (about 2,800 pounds) but being a 7' tall (9' from the road) X 16' length X 8.5' wide it might be close to your drag area, so a good data ref for me!

I also appreciate your policy of informing campgrounds that you intend to charge, I have my plug adapter ready!

My overall towing avg is 1.14, but that varies widely with terrain and wind. The truck will recalibrate estimates once you do a few miles with your particular trailer connected.

 

[Milk]

We just completed a 1260 mile camping trip through Utah (Zion, Bryce Canyon etc.) towing our 7500 lb 28’ Airstream with our R1T (dual, performance, max). Much of this route was through the Navajo nation - pretty scarce on facilities. We used only nine public fast charging sites, thanks to overnight charging in campgrounds. I never hide my charging in campgrounds, and only once have been charged a surcharge for charging. I do often make charging stops ‘prematurely’ due to charger scarcity. Had to unhitch at two sites, in one case due to construction blockage at Walmart in Gallup NM.

I use InRoute for my route planning, which easily lets me search every charging station on my route, then PlugShare to view details of those that fit my daily mileage targets, which vary by a generally flexible itinerary and whims. The Rivian navigation is quite good, but wind and elevation changes within a mountainous leg can throw off the efficiency estimates. Wahweep to Flagstaff hit us hard with 25 mph wind on the bow and large elevation increases. We had to pull into a campground 25 miles short of our planned destination - no disaster, all part of the adventure.

We enjoyed two excellent new EA DCFC installations by Rocky Mountain Power, and learned of several RAN and Supercharger stations in the works. With over 9000 miles of towing this rig over the last 16 months, through genuine charging deserts such as MS, LA, UT, NM, I definitely see improvements in charging infrastructure.

Nice insights. I took my R1T from eastern Idaho to La Jolla, CA and the charging infrastructure was okay in Utah along the i15 corridor but excellent beyond southern Utah. Yes a few hours of on the road time were added but that's expected.

How much range were you able to add while charging overnight at campgrounds and what equipment were you using to charge?

 

[JamuJoe]

Nice insights. I took my R1T from eastern Idaho to La Jolla, CA and the charging infrastructure was okay in Utah along the i15 corridor but excellent beyond southern Utah. Yes a few hours of on the road time were added but that's expected.

How much range were you able to add while charging overnight at campgrounds and what equipment were you using to charge?

By 1100 checkout time, I’ve generally added about 16 hrs x 8 mi/hr = 128 miles. I will normally use the NEMA 14-50 outlet with a TT30 adapter, using the 30 amp plug for the Airstream if I’m not running aircon. I don’t do vehicle charging if I need to run both aircon units, but that is rare for our travels. Without aircon, I can run the Airstream from my Ecoflow power center which is replenished by 700 watts of rooftop solar. On a typical 200-250 mile travel day (our preference) that means one fast charger stop for a late lunch. It’s all situationally dependent, but works well for us.

Sponsored