A Tesla Model 3 set up to pull a retro Airstream caravan has impressed a pair of diehard Youtube-ing pickup (ute) fans, with its display of solid handling.
The Long Range Model 3, which sells in Australia for $81,900 before on-road costs and optional extras, and has 568km driving range based on the US-based EPA rating, was set up by Canadian tow specialist Andy Thomson, who wanted to see how the electric vehicle’s driving range and power would stand up to pulling the 8 metre, 2.7 tonne caravan.
According to Thomson, who fitted the Model 3 out with an equaliser hitch to pull the van, it has had no trouble pulling the Airstream (although it did reduce its driving range significantly).
Reactions to the towing experience by the Truck King vloggers include that it was “incredibly smooth”, that they were “surprised by the lack of sway”, that the “torque is amazing” and the handling (particularly heading onto the highway) was “absolutely wild”.
By the way, we must note that we don’t recommend readers try this at home: the Model 3 is only rated to pull 910kg braked and 750kg braked in Australia.
Check it out for yourself:
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.