Tesla Towing a Generator? (Tesla With a Generator On Back)
If you are going to do this, be prepared to face a lot of ridicule and taunts. These will take place even though it is a good idea to use the generator for warming up the engine and interior. But the conflicting message one is sending is undermining any good this situation will bring.
It is possible for a Tesla to tow a small trailer or have a trunk rack with a generator on it. The generator helps cold morning starts as well as provides energy at other times of the day. However, you will lose range due to the extra weight.
To learn more about this topic, just continue to read our article. It explores the subject matter to see if this is a good idea or not. It may be great when recharging stations are few and far in between
Can You Drive a Tesla Towing a Generator?
Yes, you can. As far as we can see, the Tesla is just like any other car and it will have a tow rating you should not exceed. The models Y, X, & 3 all have tow packages built for them.
The tow rating is close to what a gas-powered vehicle can tow in the same class and weight categories. You would have to check the manual to see the specific weight you can tow with these Tesla models.
The biggest problem you will have when towing a trailer is not the tow rating. It will be range and your range will be lower depending on your speed, weight, and road conditions.
The Model X can tow up to 5000 pounds, and the Model 3 can tow only 2000 pounds, so towing a generator behind the Tesla model will fit into those ratings. The Model S is not rated for towing and there is no word on the Model Y even though a tow package is made for it.
Of course, when you tow a generator, you also have to tow the fuel with it. That can be a dangerous situation if the generator is gas-powered. Diesel fuel is safer to have in the trailer than gas.
Tesla With The Generator on The Back
Everyone understands that there are not enough charging stations in the country. Tesla and other EV owners know they need an alternative energy source to keep their cars powered during those big gaps.
This is the solution they have come up with. It may be practical but it puts the Tesla owner in a position to face ridicule. The reason for that ridicule is that using a fuel-powered generator is going to be as polluting as any gas-powered vehicle on the road today.
In other words, they are not solving the environmental problem but adding to it with this setup. The good news in all of this, if you can handle the jokes, etc., is that it is possible to recharge your Tesla using a generator.
The requirements are- you will need a generator that produces electricity with a clean sine wave and a generator that is at least 1500 watts or greater. The weight of the fuel and the generator should lower your range somewhat although the exact amount is not known at this time.
Not only is this option inefficient, but it would also be better to drive and own a hybrid. That way you can avoid the ridicule and pull up to a gas station with your head held high. Hybrids will cover you in those gap times and make sure you have the fuel to get to your destination.
Will You Lose Range Towing a Generator?
It will not matter if you are towing a generator or camping supplies. The fact that you have a trailer on the rear of your Tesla does. All results will vary but once you hook up that trailer, you will not get the range under normal circumstances.
The weight of the trailer, its contents, and the amount of drag that is created by towing, will greatly influence how far you will go. There is a built-in trip planner that will help you calculate the distance you will get.
The trip planner is found in the trailer mode feature, which is always active when you tow a trailer. Here is what trailer mode will do for you:
- Traffic-Aware Cruise Control increases the following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- Side collision warnings are active but automatic steering interventions are disabled.
- The braking force provided by Automatic Emergency Braking may be limited. Therefore, the stopping distance may increase.
This information comes directly from Tesla. Click here to read the web page.
How To Charge a Tesla With a Generator
The best way to do this is to go slowly. Once you meet the above requirements and the generator is grounded correctly, you can start charging your Tesla. After your generator has warmed up, set the amp output at its lowest setting first.
Then using the dashboard monitoring system, add more power slowly. If you go too fast, you can damage the generator. The first objective is to slowly reach 28 to 30 amps. The next objective after that would be to go to full generator power.
We must point out that you need to go slowly. Also, it can take up to and more than 24 hours to charge the Tesla’s batteries with a 4000-watt generator.
Some Final Words
While trying to save the environment is a good idea, it won’t work that well when you are using a gas-powered generator to recharge your electric vehicle. This is an interesting idea but it is not the best option you have at your disposal.
If you are going on long trips, you might want to re-think using your Tesla and either go with a gas-powered vehicle or a hybrid. You lose too much range when you tow with an electric vehicle.
Plus, you will get a lot of laughter when people see the generator in that trailer.
