Towing a small trailer

[PVguy]

I realize that there have been a number of posts about trailering, but perhaps this one is a bit different. Until I get a larger one, I will be towing a 4’ x 8’ utility trailer. Max about 1500#. Got my R1T two weeks ago and thought that I would do a test pull before my 255 mile trip next week. Of course, when I plugged it in I got the “Trailer “ notification on the center display. I chose Cancel and saw that side and rear sensors are disabled. No problem. So I pulled a small load of mulch without problem. I would like to tow, for range, in Conserve for the longer trips. My plan is to to switch to Conserve as I enter the interstate (took delivery at the factory and the rep said switching modes at any time is not a problem).
Has anyone pulled a small trailer like this? And, if so, what is your “Method for Modes”?
Thanks.

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[PVguy]

I realize that there have been a number of posts about trailering, but perhaps this one is a bit different. Until I get a larger one, I will be towing a 4’ x 8’ utility trailer. Max about 1500#. Got my R1T two weeks ago and thought that I would do a test pull before my 255 mile trip next week. Of course, when I plugged it in I got the “Trailer “ notification on the center display. I chose Cancel and saw that side and rear sensors are disabled. No problem. So I pulled a small load of mulch without problem. I would like to tow, for range, in Conserve for the longer trips. My plan is to to switch to Conserve as I enter the interstate (took delivery at the factory and the rep said switching modes at any time is not a problem).
Has anyone pulled a small trailer like this? And, if so, what is your “Method for Modes”?
Thanks.

Test tow was in All-Purpose mode.

 

[ironpig]

I think the only thing you lose if you don't use the tow mode is the ability to trailer brake.

I have only towed my horse trailer which is 3300lbs without horses. I use the tow mode, but as you have probably noticed from other threads, the range estimates are still inaccurate in tow mode. I know the routes I do and am able to get about 160 miles of range with my payload.

That said, the range estimates will be off in all modes as well if you tow.

If you tow in conserve, I'd imagine the most important thing is to have the suspension stiff and regen on high.

I'll leave it to others whether or not you'll actually gain efficiency towing in 2 front wheel drive over all wheel drive. I don't know.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

I wouldn't use conserve while towing unless you hate your front tires and want to punish them for their evil ways.

 

[cmugler]

I tow a 1948 curtis wright clipper in conserve mode after getting on the freeway and do not understand how that would significantly add to tire wear (trailer is only 2000 pounds and is very aerodynamic) Most trucks are 2wd and have not heard of going threw tires. I am easy on acceleration when towing and only get a 25 to 30% range hit. If towing a 6000 trailer that might have more of an impact on tires.

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

I towed this and just left it in default tow mode. Probably weighs about as much as you're describing. Maybe a little bit more. Was like nothing was back there at all. "Estimated range remaining" kept going up my entire trip, LOL. ?

My .02 cents I would not use conserve mode, ever. But you do you. ?

 

[PVguy]

I tow a 1948 curtis wright clipper in conserve mode after getting on the freeway and do not understand how that would significantly add to tire wear (trailer is only 2000 pounds and is very aerodynamic) Most trucks are 2wd and have not heard of going threw tires. I am easy on acceleration when towing and only get a 25 to 30% range hit. If towing a 6000 trailer that might have more of an impact on tires.

Wow, what a cool trailer. I would like to get me one of them. I guess that I am not concerned as much with tire wear as I am the effects of towing a small load on the drivetrain and computer system while in Conserve mode. I would not expect to be making any tight turns or engaging much regen at higher speeds. Thanks.

 

[PVguy]

I towed this and just left it in default tow mode. Probably weighs about as much as you're describing. Maybe a little bit more. Was like nothing was back there at all. "Estimated range remaining" kept going up my entire trip, LOL. ?

My .02 cents I would not use conserve mode, ever. But you do you. ?

Yes, that is similar to the trailer that I will be pulling. What is your aver miles/kWh while pulling it? Perhaps I will try both Conserve and Towing to see how they compare.
Thanks.

 

[bike123.com]

Test tow was in All-Purpose mode.

FIRST TOWING ROAD TRIP first hand real world report
LE R1T
Little guy micro teardrop 1900# with extra battery
Baltimore to Dayton via Morgantown .
20 AT dynamited to 50# cold.
About 40-45% range drop from unloaded.
Climate control maybe 100 out of total 900 miles.
Went to 2 miles to go three times
When we got low and anxious we went 45-50
Otherwise 65-70
Only once did it govern us to 40, then 30
Biggest surprise:
Towing and conserve modes made no difference.
Regen helped a little.
Having run out of power last year, we know the guess o meter is accurate as we got lower.
We knew Ohio and WV would be charger deserts, but several pilot stops were listed but ‘coming soon’
Some 150’s only cranked 73

 

[PVguy]

FIRST TOWING ROAD TRIP first hand real world report
LE R1T
Little guy micro teardrop 1900# with extra battery
Baltimore to Dayton via Morgantown .
20 AT dynamited to 50# cold.
About 40-45% range drop from unloaded.
Climate control maybe 100 out of total 900 miles.
Went to 2 miles to go three times
When we got low and anxious we went 45-50
Otherwise 65-70
Only once did it govern us to 40, then 30
Biggest surprise:
Towing and conserve modes made no difference.
Regen helped a little.
Having run out of power last year, we know the guess o meter is accurate as we got lower.
We knew Ohio and WV would be charger deserts, but several pilot stops were listed but ‘coming soon’
Some 150’s only cranked 73

Thanks bike123. Wow, 2 miles to go….hope that I never get there.
I have done some limited towing with two small trailers. Only anecdotal, but seemed like Conserve and All-Purpose had similar range effects. Somewhat lower with towing. Average ~2.0 miles/kWh.

 

[bike123.com]

Wow, what a cool trailer. I would like to get me one of them. I guess that I am not concerned as much with tire wear as I am the effects of towing a small load on the drivetrain and computer system while in Conserve mode. I would not expect to be making any tight turns or engaging much regen at higher speeds. Thanks.

Please put me in your will for that trailer if the waiting list isn’t too long.
I do plan to live forever or die trying

 

[bike123.com]

I wouldn't use conserve while towing unless you hate your front tires and want to punish them for their evil ways.

Amen
Conserve had zero range advantage but trailer brakes worked with a curt with Curt Echo Smart mobile app

 

[Mljmam]

The last time I towed with my R1S, selecting "conserve" was not offered as an option, or else I just couldnt find it. It towed 4k ibs so well that I believe only two wheel drive would be adequate and help conserve battery range; at least during highway miles. If you've done it, can you please walk me through how to get to a "conserve" setting with a trailer attached. Thanks!

 

[PVguy]

The last time I towed with my R1S, selecting "conserve" was not offered as an option, or else I just couldnt find it. It towed 4k ibs so well that I believe only two wheel drive would be adequate and help conserve battery range; at least during highway miles. If you've done it, can you please walk me through how to get to a "conserve" setting with a trailer attached. Thanks!

Hello Mljmam. I have not tried to tow in Conserve mode since the OTA update changed the display for drive modes and gauges, only using All Purpose. Given that it probably puts excess wear on the front tires and more loading on the front motors, I have not been inclined to use Conserve mode while towing, especially since I did not see any appreciable difference in efficiency between these two modes.

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