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Oops, new here ... (meant to make this part of original post) I am VERY curious to know pricing, but this is the first serious contender for me, as I was always disappointed that an all electric version wasn't available, the practicality of offering built-in solar, battery storage AND induction cook-top (the LAST thing I want to be breathing inside a small enclosed trailer is the emissions or a gas cook-top burner) all powered by an LFP battery is just what I have been looking for! And the fact that you still have the option for a back-up propane heater (heating: one of the few things that gas is ideal for especially considering power to weight) to supplement the heat-pump in extreme cold, I think I just found my ideal trailer for my RWD M3!New Aliner with solar and induction cook-topI just found this!
Thank for your post. I would be interested to know what energy usage numbers you have achieved with the Basecamp vs various Alto models, as my reading of people’s experience on this forum indicates the Basecamp isn’t significantly different from a comparably sized Alto.Basecamp might be heavier to than the Alto, but it uses significantly less power to tow, thanks to better aerodynamics.
It's really hard to quote numbers, because it's so weather dependent (head wind). But we've seen pretty consistently near 300Wh/km in neutral wind, driving 90km/h (55mph). The pictured combination got low 300's on the trip I took it on, which justifies testing back to back, but I never have the time to do such a test when I happen to have the trailers available.Thank for your post. I would be interested to know what energy usage numbers you have achieved with the Basecamp vs various Alto models, as my reading of people’s experience on this forum indicates the Basecamp isn’t significantly different from a comparably sized Alto.
For the past 5 1/2 years I’ve been towing an Alto F1743 with a Model X. Regarding the A2124, my energy usage is about the same as posts from Tesla owners towing the A2124.
The hitch pictured with the trailer is custom made by my work place. I won't say the name for fear of running afowl of the moderators, but google "towing airstream with tesla" and you'll find us.And what tow hitch you have on your Model 3, may be time to install an updated hitch replacing my 2000 lbs unit I got to add a bike rack to the back.
Thanks. And that is about what I get in those conditions towing the Alot F1743 with my X. Which is why I do not think the A2124 has significantly less drag than the F1743; it might be a bit better but not enough to make much difference when planning charging stops on a long trip.It's really hard to quote numbers, because it's so weather dependent (head wind). But we've seen pretty consistently near 300Wh/km in neutral wind, driving 90km/h (55mph). The pictured combination got low 300's on the trip I took it on, which justifies testing back to back, but I never have the time to do such a test when I happen to have the trailers available.
Agreed, a lot of people would prefer the A2124 simply for the layout. A good way to think about it is a 21' that tows like a 17'. Also a little tidbit. I don't think we've done a direct test on our Tesla, but a 1743 should also be more aerodynamic than a 1713. The teardrop shape isn't an advantage over 80km/50mph. I know we've seen this on ICE vehicles.Thanks. And that is about what I get in those conditions towing the Alot F1743 with my X. Which is why I do not think the A2124 has significantly less drag than the F1743; it might be a bit better but not enough to make much difference when planning charging stops on a long trip.
Yours is not the only data point I am basing my conclusion on. There are other A2124 owners on TMC who report similar numbers.
Of course the advantage of the A2124 is that it offers a lot more room and storage space! Happy towing.
If by that you mean that shorter trailers are more aerodynamic, that’s not necessarily true. A longer, properly tapered trailer can have less drag than a shorter trailer. The Bowlus is a good example.A good way to think about it is a 21' that tows like a 17'.
The rapid drop off of the R1713 roof — what some like to refer to as a “teardrop” design even though it is nothing like a drop of water which is symmetrical) is likely an aerodynamic disadvantage because the air flowing off the sides collides with the air coming off the roof to produce vortices that add to the drag (Credit to @Zoomit for that analysis!). The F1743 roof drop off is better from an aerodynamic point of view. And the towing energy usage data I’ve been able to collect from other TMC members supports that.Also a little tidbit. I don't think we've done a direct test on our Tesla, but a 1743 should also be more aerodynamic than a 1713. The teardrop shape isn't an advantage over 80km/50mph.
Oh, no. The lack of aerodynamics in trailers is a combination of stupidity and an absolute zero level of customer demand. We used to sell lots of trailers that you could tow with a V6 SUV, no it's pretty much just Airstream. The single most important factor is height. Having the trailer lower, so that it tucks behind the vehicle is the most important factor for drag. The problem is consumers think bigger is better. Even Airstream offers a factory lift kit. It makes everything about the trailer worse, but customers want it, because they all subconsciously think "bigger is better". All of the flaws with the RV industry are 100% caused by the consumers. They could buy better made trailers or trailers that tow better, but they pick the biggest brick they can afford every single time.If by that you mean that shorter trailers are more aerodynamic, that’s not necessarily true. A longer, properly tapered trailer can have less drag than a shorter trailer. The Bowlus is a good example.
The rapid drop off of the R1713 roof — what some like to refer to as a “teardrop” design even though it is nothing like a drop of water which is symmetrical) is likely an aerodynamic disadvantage because the air flowing off the sides collides with the air coming off the roof to produce vortices that add to the drag (Credit to @Zoomit for that analysis!). The F1743 roof drop off is better from an aerodynamic point of view. And the towing energy usage data I’ve been able to collect from other TMC members supports that.
But none of the Alto models are that impressive aerodynamically because they do not have radiused corners like, for example, the Airstream.
Still, no trailer manufacturer makes a model that is truly optimized aerodynamically. I think that is in part because manufacturing costs would be much higher and, until recently with the rise of EVs, people just didn’t care that much about energy costs while towing.
While I have towed my ALiner, about 2000lbs. But not very practical if going over 100 miles as the unhitching and hitching to charge every 100-130 miles soon becomes a pain.While we know that Elon has stated the Model 3 will the capability to tow a trailer, we of course don't know the trailer weight limit (we know the X is limited to 5,000 lbs). This was briefly discussed here Towing
Thought I would start a thread focused on compact and lighter weight trailers that a Model 3 might be able to tow. Here are some I have found. Anyone with direct experience with any of these, please contribute!
The new Airstream Basecamp model looks very compelling to me. It's about 2,600 lbs.Basecamp - Airstream
The Alto is much lighter at 1,700 lbs. and has a much lower roofline so presumably more aerodynamic. It is also wonderfully bright inside because when the roof is raised it exposes a huge amount of window area Safari Condo. A couple are traveling across Canada towing one of these behind their X.
The Bowlus Road Chief at a bit less than 2,500 lbs has been discussed in this thread Test Report: Towing the Bowlus Road Chief
It certainly seems to have a lot of advantages. One major disadvantage is the high price, about the same as a Model X!
Any other candidates?
I’ve done exactly that probably over 100 times in the past 5 1/2 years towing my Safari Condo Alto with my X and it has never been a “pain” for me. Takes less than 2 minutes to unhitch and no more than 3 minutes to hitch up. And after two hours of driving I’m always ready to get out of the car and stretch my legs; I don’t like to sit for long periods of time.I have towed my Aline
While I have towed my ALiner, about 2000lbs. But not very practical if going over 100 miles as the unhitching and hitching to charge every 100-130 miles soon becomes a pain.
While IWhile we know that Elon has stated the Model 3 will the capability to tow a trailer, we of course don't know the trailer weight limit (we know the X is limited to 5,000 lbs). This was briefly discussed here Towing
Thought I would start a thread focused on compact and lighter weight trailers that a Model 3 might be able to tow. Here are some I have found. Anyone with direct experience with any of these, please contribute!
The new Airstream Basecamp model looks very compelling to me. It's about 2,600 lbs.Basecamp - Airstream
The Alto is much lighter at 1,700 lbs. and has a much lower roofline so presumably more aerodynamic. It is also wonderfully bright inside because when the roof is raised it exposes a huge amount of window area Safari Condo. A couple are traveling across Canada towing one of these behind their X.
The Bowlus Road Chief at a bit less than 2,500 lbs has been discussed in this thread Test Report: Towing the Bowlus Road Chief
It certainly seems to have a lot of advantages. One major disadvantage is the high price, about the same as a Model X!
Any other candidates?
What the hitch is rated for and the car is rated to tow are two separate things. The model 3 is on only rated for 1000kg or 2200#.Do you mean 3500lbs? The Stealth Hitch handles 3500 on a TM3