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Ohmman's Airstream Adventures

Discussion in 'Model X' started by ohmman, Dec 29, 2016.

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  1. steilkurve

    steilkurve Member

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    What model year is the AS again? If the batteries and upgraded solar are aftermarket, the converter/charger setup could be OEM still. My hypothesis was that newer AS may be designed to pull more from the TV given the higher power draw, hence making the X pick it up more easily.
     
  2. dmurphy

    dmurphy Woof.

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    So I've spent the last 45 minutes or so digging into this... the Tow Ready 20142 is basically the same thing but without the extension cable of the Curt adapter. I kinda like the Tow Master form factor.

    But as I dig further... Ran into another curiosity. My trailer will be prewired for a backup camera; the backup cam draws power from the running lights wiring. Some folks (seems late-model Silverados especially) are running into issues with not getting enough amperage on the running lights pin. I'm going to bust out the multimeter tomorrow and see what kind of milliamps I can draw from the pin.
     
    • Helpful x 1
  3. BM3B

    BM3B “beaver”

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    2011
     
  4. BM3B

    BM3B “beaver”

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    I called 10 places and visited U-Haul with no luck getting the Curt part, it’s back ordered for a month.

    So I called Airstream LA and they suggested a Tow Ready part “7-way flat pin to 7 way flat pin LED lamp bypass adapter” that they use with Audi’s and other European cars with the same issue. I will give it a try tonight. Fingers crossed!
     

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  5. dmurphy

    dmurphy Woof.

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    Please let me know how it works! I like the form factor on that better than the Curt - I don’t want the extension cable if I can help it.

    If it works for you, I’ll order one right away!
     
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  6. ohmman

    ohmman Plaid-ish Moderator

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    The only thing I'll say about the little cable on the Curt is that it's nice when I unhitch for Supercharging because I leave that bit connected to the car. It makes disconnecting the trailer a little more visible and easy. But generally speaking, I agree that a puck would be better and probably less susceptible to strain.
     
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  7. BM3B

    BM3B “beaver”

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    It worked and sits solidly providing much easier connection. I will send pictures tomorrow. Woot!
     
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  8. steilkurve

    steilkurve Member

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    Awesome. This is the same one I bought ahead of getting my trailer just in case I had the issue, which I didn't end up having.
     
  9. dmurphy

    dmurphy Woof.

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    If you don't want it anymore and don't mind shipping to the US, I'll happily buy it from you. Not in a rush for it - trailer doesn't show up till sometime in the new year anyway. :)
     
  10. BM3B

    BM3B “beaver”

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    And we are off! The brake controller doesn’t seem to be working, everything else is normal, tires at 45 psi cold. I will take it slow.
     

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  11. steilkurve

    steilkurve Member

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    #551 steilkurve, Nov 24, 2020
    Last edited: Nov 24, 2020
    Would be happy to but I'm gonna hang on to it given a new TV is hopefully in my not too distant future. May come in handy.
     
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  12. steilkurve

    steilkurve Member

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    It could be that the power setting is too low on the brake controller. You may want to try adjusting it and test it in a large parking lot.
     
  13. dmurphy

    dmurphy Woof.

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    No worries! I can snag one from Amazon easily as well. Just figured I'd try to help if it was surplus ... Travel on!
     
  14. BM3B

    BM3B “beaver”

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    I see two blue dots that is it. No “C”
     

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  15. steilkurve

    steilkurve Member

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    Never experienced that. I can offer up the obvious, and that is to disconnect and reconnect everything again.

    Maybe you also want to try rebooting the Tesla MCU and IC.

    Other than that, this may indicate a wiring problem which you could investigate by testing power to the 7-pin connector.
     
    • Like x 1
  16. ohmman

    ohmman Plaid-ish Moderator

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    I've had situations where the car sees the trailer (blue trailer icon) but the brake controller doesn't. Usually it's just this - a poorly seated 7 pin connector.
     
    • Informative x 1
  17. dmurphy

    dmurphy Woof.

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    Loose trailer connectors: Frustrating owners since 1910.

    Really curious why a better connector hasn't taken off yet. I'd think something with a more stable connector - where the electrical pins make positive locking contact, but the housing would be detachable in case of runaway - would've come along by now.
     
  18. BM3B

    BM3B “beaver”

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    Yes blue trailer icon but BC is doing nothing. I doubt my wiring is an issue but I will check it after the trip. First I will check 7 pin connectors.
     
  19. BM3B

    BM3B “beaver”

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    #559 BM3B, Nov 24, 2020
    Last edited: Nov 24, 2020
    My first towing segment went well. I had a fixed weight bearing hitch setup. The LED adapter plug worked well, but I couldn’t figure out the braking controller. More investigation is needed. The X towed smoothly, some minor swaying once or twice on uneven road but I just kept it pointed straight and there was no issue.

    65.4 miles in 1:25, average speed 46 mph, I kept it between 55-60 mph max.
    478 Wh/mi, lower than I expected but I dropped net 755 feet of elevation.
    31.1 kWh consumed, 134 rated miles (RM)
    Indicates discharge capacity of 92.7 kWh.

    I installed a wireless backup camera that worked well, gave me confidence in the lane changes and of course backing up. My tongue scale shows 550 lbs but I was on an incline so didn’t worry about it. The airstream was empty and my X had heavy things over the back axel. So I don’t know what I would have been able to change. I didn’t have time to weigh again on flat ground.

    Only minor nit is that the NAV always showed large trucks on my left and right, clearly it shouldn’t be trusted when towing as the rear camera can’t see properly.

    I am official hooked.
     

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  20. ecarfan

    ecarfan Well-Known Member

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    #560 ecarfan, Nov 24, 2020
    Last edited: Nov 24, 2020
    What model Amtifo did you install?

    Your Wh/mi is that low because of your relatively low average speed, 60mph max, and the elevation loss.

    Congratulations on your first successful tow! But please get your brake controller functioning; you are not safe — or legal — on the road without it.
     

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