Towing stats: 3650 miles, total miles just under 4400 miles (2023 R1T DM Max pack w/ 2020 Airstream Basecamp 16X)

[rbrak29]

Have you tried putting bikes over the tailgate with that topper on?

I have two recumbent (folded) trikes in the bed while towing. Can transport them unfolded with the tailgate down and topper on (not towing). Love the gooseneck hinge.

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[EVtowing]

Rolf, thanks for your post. I’m not a Rivian owner yet, I currently tow with a Tesla. I’m trying to understand the data shown in your first photo. Is the 1.41m/kWh the energy usage on your trip while towing?

That converts to 709Wh/m which is the way Tesla displays energy numbers. You tow at 63mph instead of 55 so that number feels about right given the size, shape, and weight of the Basecamp.

And the Range at 100% number of 311m on the left side of the display is the estimated range when towing, based on the displayed energy usage?

The Trip B number of 1.54m/kWh, is that for the entire trip, which as you noted includes some time not towing?

I’m evaluating the R1S DM Max Pack as a future replacement for my Model X. The R1S is not as energy efficient but it has many other advantages.

 

[rbrak29]

1. Is the 1.41m/kWh the energy usage on your trip while towing?

2. And the Range at 100% number of 311m on the left side of the display is the estimated range when towing, based on the displayed energy usage?

3. The Trip B number of 1.54m/kWh, is that for the entire trip, which as you noted includes some time not towing?

1. Yes, 1.41 is the efficiency while towing. I try to shoot for 1.5 or higher. Each trip is different even if it's on the same route. I got 1.49 on a similar route (ND to Seattle and back) in June.

2. Yes, that is what Rivian thinks it will get from 100% - 0% while towing. This is for mixed driving NOT at steady highway speed. I think I could get 160-190 miles at 63mph 100% - 0%. I would never do this. Try to make it to next SC or campground with 10-15%. Wind is a big factor pulling a trailer.

3. Yes, that is the efficiency towing and not towing and total trip miles. The Rivian stores the towing info when trailer is disconnected until you clear it.

Also note elevation gain of 6224ft (ND is 900ft ASL)

First trip south to Tucson at end of October. Not crossing the Rockies. Here's hoping for 1.6mi/kWh.

 

[hgpayne]

I’m evaluating the R1S DM Max Pack as a future replacement for my Model X. The R1S is not as energy efficient but it has many other advantages.

I used to tow our Alto A2124 with a 2017 Tesla X100D and switched to a 2023 Rivian R1T Dual Max Pack Performance the end of last year. With the X I kept speeds to 55 mph max for more range. We averaged about 520-540 wh/mile but hills, wind, and temperatures all impacted those results. I remember averaging 1280 wh/mile for the first 20 or so miles climbing out of Death Valley but by the time we reached the supercharger in Baker my overall average was 555 wh/mile. In the R1T I go a bit faster — 60 mph. With that I average 1.6 miles/kwh (1/1.6=625 wh/mile). The X towed great but i wanted more range. The R1T pulls better — even more stable even in winds. With the charge port on the front and longer CCS cables I rarely have to drop. With the X we dropped about 1/2 the time.

 

[Yossarian]

I've always liked Alto campers and the A2124 seems like a great choice for use behind any EV. 1.6 mi/kWh is not too shabby, and particularly for a camper with the amenities of the Alto. Would love to hear from anyone with one of the retractable roof Altos like the R1713 or 1723.

 

[EVtowing]

The Rivian stores the towing info when trailer is disconnected until you clear it.

That is a nice feature that Tesla has never bothered to implement because fundamentally the company has never really focused on improving the towing experience. It’s an afterthought to Tesla, in my opinion.

I used to tow our Alto A2124 with a 2017 Tesla X100D and switched to a 2023 Rivian R1T Dual Max Pack Performance … In the R1T I go a bit faster — 60 mph. With that I average 1.6 miles/kwh (1/1.6=625 wh/mile).

Towing my Alto F1743 I get about 550-600Wh/m at 60mph (level dry road, no headwind). The R1T is not as energy efficient as the Model X so I think you are doing well to get 625Wh/m at 6mph with your A2124.

 

[EVtowing]

I've always liked Alto campers and the A2124 seems like a great choice for use behind any EV. 1.6 mi/kWh is not too shabby, and particularly for a camper with the amenities of the Alto. Would love to hear from anyone with one of the retractable roof Altos like the R1713 or 1723.

If you are considering the R-series Altos because you think they will require less energy to tow compared to the F-series models, based on my research over the years I can tell you that they do not reduce energy usage. Apparently their sharply tapered shape with the roof down actually works against them due to the way the airflow comes off the sides and then exits over the roof, creating a lot of turbulence which means more drag.

If you like the R-series because you can store it indoors more easily, than that is certainly a good reason to consider them. But they do not have an enclosed bathroom and they have significantly less interior storage.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

This entire thread is quite informative and gives a solid perspective. Thanks to all that tow travel trailers for their feedback.

 

[DrBad]

Nice, that's great mileage. I had the original Basecamp and now we have a 2013 16' Bambi. Similar weight, so I'm very encouraged by your results. We live in Denver and do our boon docking in the Rockies.

We had been looking at getting a bigger camper but we will now wait a few years until some of the EV trailers are out in the 22' range, preferably Airstream but theirs is just in prototype right now.

Picking up my '25 R1T tomorrow! Woohoo!!!

 

[rbrak29]

Picking up my '25 R1T tomorrow! Woohoo!!!

Max pack?
I wish my ‘23 R1T had the ADAS my F150 had while towing. R1T only has dumb cruise and no blind spot. Maybe with Gen2 hardware. If so, I should have waited.

 

[DrBad]

I have two recumbent (folded) trikes in the bed while towing. Can transport them unfolded with the tailgate down and topper on (not towing). Love the gooseneck hinge.

Yes, Max pa

Max pack?
I wish my ‘23 R1T had the ADAS my F150 had while towing. R1T only has dumb cruise and no blind spot. Maybe with Gen2 hardware. If so, I should have waited.

Yes, Max but also AT. Might pick up some highway wheels someday but we’ll see how this setup does first.

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