Towing Report: Airstream Pottery Barn >> R1S Gen 1 (First Tow)

[Fraslin]

Posting stats in the event this helps anyone searching for info:

Tow Vehicle: R1s
Trailer: 2025 Pottery Barn Airstream
Base Weight: 6825 (from spec)
Tow hitch: Andersen

From Rivian:
Range at 100%: 167 miles
Tow Weight: 7000-7500 (from Rivian screen and gave both numbers at times)
Efficiency: 1.41%
Miles towed: 225

This was our first tow with the new trailer as we previously had a Bambi 16' (which is for sale, DM me if interested ). This was from LA to Palm Springs and fairly easy except for some headwinds coming back as there always seems to be. Am pretty happy with the results and efficiency. Some used to towing with an ICE truck may not be but our first tow vehicle was a Tesla Model Y so anything over 100 miles is great! Wouldn't tow cross country this way but for a 500-600 mile trip this would be doable for sure.

Happy to answer any questions as well

Sponsored

 

[ja_kub_sz]

Very cool! And excellent choice on the RV.

 

[not_a_car_guy]

What does 1.41% efficiency mean?

 

[Fraslin]

What does 1.41% efficiency mean?

Just a mistype. Should be Mi/kWh

 

[Birdowin]

What size airstream?

 

[Riviot]

Pics or it didn't happen.

How were your numbers with Bambi?

 

[moosetags]

I am very impressed with the 1.41 m/kWh efficiency. We pull 2015 Flying Cloud 25FB. Our Airstream weighs 7,300# ready to camp. We are only getting 1.2 m/kWh on short runs on US Highways. We tend to stay off the Interstates. Are you using the freeways, and if so, what kind of speeds are you maintaining. Our Rivian is a 2023 Gen 1 R1T.

Brian

 

[Riviot]

I am very impressed with the 1.41 m/kWh efficiency. We pull 2015 Flying Cloud 25FB. Our Airstream weighs 7,300# ready to camp. We are only getting 1.2 m/kWh on short runs on US Highways. We tend to stay off the Interstates. Are you using the freeways, and if so, what kind of speeds are you maintaining. Our Rivian is a 2023 Gen 1 R1T.

Brian

Unscientifically, I think we determined R1S has better aero than R1T when towing.

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

Sounds awesome! Following for pics. ?

 

[keithcroshaw]

lol there’s pottery barn trim? That store ruined our finances when we first started furnishing our house. Now there’s enough copy cat cozy vibe furniture options. I’m sure the camper is sweet though. Enjoy!

 

[Fraslin]

lol there’s pottery barn trim?

Yes this is the last year for it before they move to another collaboration. They have done Tommy Bahama, Eddie Bauer REI and some others in the past. I like the Pendleton one myself, they only made 100 of them for the National Parks 100 Anniversary. The Pottery Barn version pretty much looks like the store, if you furnished your house with them it will look very familiar

We don't have too many pics yet and need to see if the numbers hold up with more distance. It felt really big at 28ft after the Bambi but then you get to the RV park and see all the mammoth things people pull and doesn't seem as large then. With the Bambi we were getting ~210 I think so not too bad a trade off.

 

[keithcroshaw]

Very cool. There’s dealership around the corner from me, but I’m sure the price is way out of my league. We just switched from rooftop tents to a pop-up camper for only $4K. My wife put her touch on it and it looks pretty sweet. I like the weight and the profiled while towing but my major gripe is accessing the contents while it’s closed is impossible. I’m looking to make access doors and replace the barely functional fridge this winter.

(obligatory why I’m here: I think rivian’s are impressive but they have some issues I don’t think I can risk right now. Especially since we’re realizing we need a full size SUV after downsizing from a Kia telluride to a Subaru forester. Looking at the Kia EV9 if I can convince my wife we’re ready for full electric. Confession over. )

now my picture: I’m going to be in trouble if the jeep gladiator 4xe gets good reviews.

 

[Skellogg]

Posting stats in the event this helps anyone searching for info:

Tow Vehicle: R1s
Trailer: 2025 Pottery Barn Airstream
Base Weight: 6825 (from spec)
Tow hitch: Andersen

From Rivian:
Range at 100%: 167 miles
Tow Weight: 7000-7500 (from Rivian screen and gave both numbers at times)
Efficiency: 1.41%
Miles towed: 225

This was our first tow with the new trailer as we previously had a Bambi 16' (which is for sale, DM me if interested ). This was from LA to Palm Springs and fairly easy except for some headwinds coming back as there always seems to be. Am pretty happy with the results and efficiency. Some used to towing with an ICE truck may not be but our first tow vehicle was a Tesla Model Y so anything over 100 miles is great! Wouldn't tow cross country this way but for a 500-600 mile trip this would be doable for sure.

Happy to answer any questions as well

Was hoping someone had a Pottery Barn tow report! We put a deposit on one back in 2022 but after waiting a year and a half for it we gave up. Parts shortages. We ordered the queen bed trim but looking back, you loose so much storage compared to the twin bed version. Which trim did you get?

Sounds like a successful first tow. I assume you took the 10fwy out to Palm Springs? Very windy thru the pass at times as you know.

Were in San Diego and go out there often. I have a 2024 R1T but haven’t towed anything yet. Have taken it to Oregon and Washington several times and heading to Sedona tomorrow. All trips event-free. Anxious to try the new official Tesla adapter I just got, although the A2Z has worked great. Thanks for posting!

 

[EVtowing]

From Rivian:
Range at 100%: 167 miles
Tow Weight: 7000-7500 (from Rivian screen and gave both numbers at times)
Efficiency: 1.41%
Miles towed: 225

Thanks for your towing report. What was your average speed during that trip?

Yes, the headwinds on I10 when going west through Cabazon/Banning/Beaumont can be significant and really increase energy usage so that should be taken into consideration when evaluating your trip stats.

 

[frisard]

We have a 2024 R1T towing a 2024 Bambi 20FB at 4500

lbs. Not to make anyone more jealous, but the picture is taken across from Asilomar State beach down the coast from home

Sponsored