Tesla Model X Towing 5,000-lb Camper: 600-Mile Road Trip

RCMAN46 wrote:
I did my post as I was impressed with the Tesla.

I compared it to my Outback to show the Tesla was getting about the equivalent of 22 mpg towing a 5000 lb trailer at 60-70 mph average.

Not sure if a diesel pick-up will do any better with a 5000 lb trailer.

Range is the major problem but as they put in larger batteries the economy will suffer due to the extra weight. Unlike diesel or gas the weight does not decrease as the miles add up on a trip.

The "fuel economy" of EVs is great, even after factoring the higher initial cost.

A diesel pickup won't get 22 mpg empty, the exception being the newer 150/1500 series diesels. Some claim to get that kind of mpg with their 2500/3500 diesels empty, but I call "shenanigans". At a steady 60 mph empty I can get 20 with my 7.3 Ford diesel. 17-18 is more typical.

Towing a trailer like that one the Tesla was pulling, 12-15 mpg would be expected for a diesel, and 8-12 for a gas engine. I once got 7 mpg towing a 4000 lb ultralite travel trailer with a Ford Expedition. Again, some will claim better, but the single best way to improve mpg is to simply lie about it.

The newer EVs on the market have terrific performance towing. The couple in the video stated that their Tesla did not strain at all on grades, and I believe it. The main Achilles' heel for towing an RV a significant distance with an EV is range, and it will take significant improvements in battery capacity and charging infrastructure to overcome it.