Today, I finally got to see Bruce’s Tesla Model X all set up in towing mode with his custom camping trailer, “Campy McCampface”.
The Tesla Model X is the only current BEV ready for towing straight out of the box. Other vehicles, such as the Tesla Model S certainly COULD tow, but without an already installed wiring harness, even connecting the wiring for the trailer lights brings up potential warranty issues.
At today’s National Drive Electric Week event in Madison, Wisconsin (right at the State Capitol) we caught up with Bruce and he gave us a quick showing of his car and custom camping trailer.
Bruce’s trailer is a custom aluminum frame, torsion axle, and canvas and foam construction. This style trailer is sometimes called a “Foamie” and is prized for being light-weight and simple construction. There’s plenty of information about them at the Teardrops and Tiny Travel Trailer Forum.
Our camping trailer is a teardrop and is towed with a 2012 Mitsubishi iMiEV. With easily accessible lighting wiring in the back, and just being a cheap car to boot, there’s no worries about modifying the car. It’s mounted up with a Torklift Central 2″ hitch. Read more about electric car camping at The Joy of Towing!
Even without actually towing, a 2″ receiver on the back of a car can be super-handy for accessories such as a bike rack. One of the Tesla Model 3’s at the event was set up for doing exactly that.
Electric cars are already a blast, but towing a camping trailer is just one more great thing they can do!
Until next time, stay charged up!
-Ben
