Weight does make some difference

[HaveBlue]

I've been tracking towing my very aero TrailManor. Depending on how much weight I have in it, the range rating varies. This, driving the same loop to the same camp ground under pretty much the same conditions. The swing in detected weight seems a bit much but maybe not off by huge amounts. Depending on the trip, water tanks empty instead of full, buy groceries there instead of bring everything, only two people instead of five in the R1, no dive gear or bicycles.

It's possible that Rivian has optimized towing as well and weight isn't what caused the difference. I suspect a bad aero trailer absorbs the weight more readily.

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[mudito]

Weight DOES makes some difference, but AERO makes the most difference

 

[rhumbliner]

As in life, there are few absolutes when towing a trailer.

When I’m towing my AS on a flat freeway @ 75mph, emptying the water tanks makes no noticeable dfference in range but dropping to 55mph makes a huge difference.

When towing up to my campground with a 4000’ elevation change on a curvy 2-lane road @ 35mph, driving slower makes absolutely no change in range but emptying the water tanks makes a huge difference..

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Weight DOES makes some difference, but AERO makes the most difference

This. Once a mass is moving you’re only doing enough work to maintain momentum. Aerodynamics on the other hand, gets worse the faster you go.

 

[DeanB1452]

There are too many variables to factor in. Speed is the main factor to reduce efficiency. I have pulled my TrailManor 2619 for 5000 miles with my R1T this past year and the efficiency was from 1.12 to 1.46 mi/kWh averaging 1.35 mi/kWh for all the trips. It calculates the trailer weight between 4500 to 5000 pounds.
You probably get a little better efficiency with the roofline of the R1S matching up with the top of the TM versus my truck. I've travelled with just two of us or even fully loaded with 5 of us and didn't see much difference. The 20 gal of water is only 167 pounds of added weight. I'll leave the tank empty if there is a water source at the campsite.
Longest trip was from the Bay Area to Joshua Tree, 951 miles round trip, averaging 1.33 mi/kWh. Also went up to Susanville, near Lassen Volcanic Park, totaling 712 miles and averaging 1.38 mi/kWh.
Next up is Yosemite next week and Death Valley during Spring Break.

 

[badger4149]

Weight DOES makes some difference, but AERO makes the most difference

Agreed. I do not have a trailer but I have found that a headwind will significantly reduce range, while a tailwind will noticeably boost it. Same for even the slightest up or down grade.

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