We recently shared a video of a Model X towing an airstream, but a new video has come to light with another Tesla model doing an Airstream’s bidding.
A Tesla Model 3 tows an Airstream trailer in a new video released by YouTube channel Truck King, and as shared on Reddit by user Swagnum_Pl.
In the video, which was shot in and around London, Ontario (Canada), the host meets up with Andy from the city’s Can-Am RV Centre to talk about towing with a Tesla. Andy sheds some light on different towing vehicles, efficiently towing, and how a Tesla Model 3 actually makes for a decent tow.
The original Reddit poster also commented on the thread, stating that they had contacted the trailer company, who recommended not using a 27-foot trailer like the one depicted in the video, but said a 23-foot Airstream would be “totally fine.”
Regarding the vehicle’s range and efficiency, as well as the trailer’s hardware, the user commented, “In the comment section of this video they say he gets about a hundred miles of range. Not bad considering the fact he’s towing 6,000 lb.” The user continued, “Also the trailer was equipped with an aftermarket brake controller.”
In spite of an aftermarket brake controller, the Model 3’s towing performance is pretty incredible to say the least – towing that much weight seems like it shouldn’t be possible for an all-electric sedan. And yet, it is.
Not very wise… the “empty” weight of that Airstream is about 6,000 lbs.. fill the water tank and load it with provisions and it will be more like 7500. The hitch weight is going to be about 1000 +/- on the back bumper of that car.. then add 4 people to the Tesla and that little car is going to have at least 1,600 lbs weighing down on the suspension. I am very positive it is not rated for a 1600 lb payload, that is more than a a typically-equipped Ram/Chevy/ or F-150 half-ton.
Being able to “pull it” is irrelevant – you need a margin of safety for stopping it – and especially if the brake controller fails or the cable pops loose from a bump in the road – I have towed our RV 10s of thousands of miles and it does happen.. often when driving down a steep grade.
Be involved in a vehicle accident with that thing – particularly if someone gets hurt, and law enforcement and insurance companies will rip that vehicle owner limb from limb – easily – because the GVWR of the tow vehicle was vastly exceeded. The insurance carrier would decline coverage and the owner can say “bye-bye” to that Airstream, the house, every dollar in the bank account, and every dollar they will make for the next 30 years..
This isn’t an anti-EV rant – someone with a Camry trying to do the same thing would also be an idiot. ¾ ton and 1-ton trucks are expensive for a reason – they do “real truck stuff.” Lobby Elon to build something capable of doing this – then have some fun with that.