Make the Trailer an EV!

[DonTom]

"The battery should last 300 miles in typical towing, after which it’s on the tow vehicle."

See here.

I do not tow anything, but this seems like a poor idea to me without having more info. A battery in the trailer will make it weigh more, but isn't it preferable for most of the weight NOT in the toad? Or does the fact that it is powered too make up for the possible stability problems?

OTOH, I would think the regen in the trailer will be a very nice plus when going downhill or slowing down.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[Joezeppy]

Hi-Lo's younger, high-tech brother.

 

[Lou Schneider]

Looks like an oversized coffin on wheels.

I fail to see the point - you're basically talking about building an electric motorhome on a custom chassis, then replacing two wheels and a cockpit with a trailer's A-Frame. The worst of both worlds - a motorhome's cost and complexity combined with the inherent instability of towing a large and heavy mass behind a vehicle not designed for the task.

 

[Oldgator73]

Looks like an oversized coffin on wheels.

I fail to see the point - you're basically talking about building an electric motorhome on a custom chassis, then replacing two wheels and a cockpit with a trailer's A-Frame. The worst of both worlds - a motorhome's cost and complexity combined with the inherent instability of towing a large and heavy mass behind a vehicle not designed for the task.

Other than that, how do you like it?

 

[TheBar]

Great idea! Pull a 10,000 lb trailer with your Honda Civic. Should be made illegal before killing innocent people.

What makes more sense is pulling a 4x4' trailer full of batteries that pushes your Tesla to a 500 mile range.

 

[Lou Schneider]

Other than that, how do you like it?

An expensive solution to what shouldn't be a problem in the first place. A large, heavy gimmick so owners can say "ooh, see what my big, strong electric car can tow!"

Basing the acceleration and braking of a 10,000 lb trailer on what is essentially a surge brake controller in the hitch is insane.

Then there's the limitations of the high-low design. It basically means nothing above counter height in the interior. No full height refrigerator, no full height wardrobe closet, etc. A shower and bathroom with two-piece walls and doors (or curtains).

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

There is probably a future place for a hybrid trailer with electric assist, but this isn't it. More Gee Whiz than practical improvement, and ridiculously expensive besides.

 

[bigbAZ]

Airstream has been working on this concept for a few years now. It can park itself too. (Although the whole thing is on the back burner right now)

eStream Concept Travel Trailer | Airstream Electrifying Adventure

A fully electric concept that brings to life multiple innovations.

www.airstream.com

 

[DonTom]

It looks like we are all in agreement that it is a stupid idea.

Looks like all disadvantages compared to putting more battery up front, other than perhaps the regen in the trailer for down the hills, which should more than make up for the extra battery weight.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[DonTom]

Looks like an oversized coffin on wheels.

That was also my first thought when I saw the photo of it.

-Don- Reno, NV