Current Travel Trailers / RVs you're towing - Reviews and Recommendations!

[GogglesPisano]

Hey there! That's a fantastic camper restoration! Mind sharing what kind of mi/kwh you are getting towing it and what's the weight? I'm looking at a 1977 Trillium, 13', project. Thanks!

We've only gone on a couple of trips and I can't recall exactly. I know we were over 200miles on a full charge though.

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[ksumnole]

We've only gone on a couple of trips and I can't recall exactly. I know we were over 200miles on a full charge though.

Thanks! Did you document your build anywhere? I’m always looking for inspiration.

 

[robd]

What is your efficiency like on those Pirelli ATs not towing?

Lifetime average of 2.97 mi/kWh over 4442 miles.
Recent trip on I-76 and I-80 Denver to Lincoln, NE 2.2 mi/kWh ~1000 mi.
We have a Gen1 dual motor perf.

 

[GogglesPisano]

Thanks! Did you document your build anywhere? I’m always looking for inspiration.

My wife did some progress shots on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joytheboler/?hl=en

 

[Tucker74]

Hope you guys are out exploring on this Memorial weekend, here’s my Airstream 23cd

 

[rcam0802]

Hope you guys are out exploring on this Memorial weekend, here’s my Airstream 23cd

Nice looking topper! What model is it? I'm towing an Airstream 28RBT and could use a little extra covered storage.

 

[Riviot]

Hope you guys are out exploring on this Memorial weekend, here’s my Airstream 23cd

Do you notice an efficiency difference when towing with or without the truck bed topper?

 

[Tucker74]

Do you notice an efficiency difference when towing with or without the truck bed topper?

Not noticeably, but was a relatively short trip (~1.5hrs each way). Trailer is ~6500, was seeing ~1.2m/kWh towing in the hillcountry.

 

[Tucker74]

Nice looking topper! What model is it? I'm towing an Airstream 28RBT and could use a little extra covered storage.

It’s this one off a group buy here, can’t say enough about the quality and design. Was amazing for the extra stuff you inevitably need (especially with Airstream exterior storage capacity)

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...topper-autofitpro-group-buy-interested.37848/

 

[KootenayEV]

All y'all Airstream MnFers are gonna get me in trouble with the wifey! I keep wanting to get a 20' Bambi but she keeps vetoing. If I show up with one, you guys get to explain why.

We've had our 2015 20FB since 2022 and really enjoy the floorplan and usable kitchen.

 

[KootenayEV]

Ok last question, for you and the group.

What tires are y'all using when towing? I'd definitely want at least 116 load index, didn't know if a beefier one is needed. I've seen people towing with the 21", so I imagine it really helps with range.

My truck came with the AT Pirellis. Wore them out just before our big trip this spring and switched to 20" 60 series Michelin Defenders. I did make sure to get the 116 load index because we end up pretty close to GVWR when towing with our teens and bikes.

Unfortunately I haven't gone through the data yet to find any comparable towing legs to check how much range I gained by moving to the all seasons - most of my towing on the Pirellis was in Canada at around 90 to 100 km/h while our trip this spring was largely on interstates to UT/AZ.

I now have a first-hand appreciation for how much a bad headwind in those open areas can impact range! Also, we had been trying to keep speed down on the interstates initially for range, but found it felt safer, especially going through SLC corridor, to travel closer to the speed of traffic, which often meant 75 mph. Our 20FB towed so steady through all that though - very impressed!

(Only those diesel-pusher giant RVs seemed to have a noticeable effect - just as you reach the front bumper of those things - wow what suction!)

 

[Riviot]

We've had our 2015 20FB since 2022 and really enjoy the floorplan and usable kitchen.

For the same money, I can get a 25FB or something similar, and I like those layouts more. It seems towing range is pretty much the same since drag hits harder than weight. Thoughts on 20 vs 22 vs 25?

 

[Tucker74]

The dual axles pull better than the singles, 23-25 are the sweet spot for towing … 27+ are great interior wise but get heavy.

 

[KootenayEV]

For the same money, I can get a 25FB or something similar, and I like those layouts more. It seems towing range is pretty much the same since drag hits harder than weight. Thoughts on 20 vs 22 vs 25?

It was a hard decision. We originally thought we wanted a 27 for reasonable counter space, access around the bed and reasonable space for our growing teens - but were a bit leary of how big it is when thinking about state/provincial/national parks.

There weren't any used ones near us, but we were able to look at a 25, which we did. We were disappointed with the counter space honestly. You could fix that by converting some of the opposite couch into either a desk that can raise up, or permanent counter. We also looked at the 22 floor plan but the dinette layout isn't great for 4 people.

I had been wondering what the 20 was like, since on paper it has such a good-sized counter, and decent dinette - you do give up on the bed situation though with it just being a Double instead of a short Queen (though it is longer than either the 22 or 25 Queen, which at 6' is nice). We finally got in one and liked it! It has a very practical double-sink and countertop arrangement for people who like to cook. We also liked the overall length of the set-up, as it is about the length of two parking stalls. We've been able to fit into some really tight campsites with it. Additionally, it has been easy to charge with for the most part as well.

They all have some kind of compromise in the layout or overall length - best of luck in your decision

 

[CharonPDX]

One word of advice about "gassing up at the campsite" is that some sites including KOAs do not let you charge. We drove from Springdale, UT to Prescott. AZ about 420 miles and when I arrived at the camp site it said no EV charging. I tried to get a few miles in anyway but the truck would don't charge. Not sure why but the green light on the Rivian adapter didn't light up. when I plugged it in.

I have successfully "bluffed" my way into at least low-power charging by plugging in to my trailer's exterior household outlet, and claiming I was charging from my trailer's solar panels.

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