EV Camping & Towing

Top Tips for Camping with EV Tow Vehicles

In this video, we’re sharing our top tips for towing with electric vehicles, based on our experiences towing a Bowlus across the country and into Canada with various EVs.

Range is Key: A Tesla Model X towing a Bowlus can reach up to 235 miles per charge, far surpassing other electric vehicles towing trailers of comparable length and weight. The Bowlus’ ultralight design, rooted in aircraft construction, makes it the ideal partner for an EV. With excellent aerodynamics and stability, it provides a smooth towing experience at 65 mph. We’ll break down energy consumption stats for the Tesla Model X, Cybertruck, and Rivian R1S to give you a clear picture of what to expect when towing.

Effortless Hitching/Unhitching: The lightweight Bowlus makes charging stops a breeze. If the charging station lacks space, you can easily unhitch and move it in under a minute—something most trailers can’t offer. Plus, its narrow design allows you to tow without extension mirrors, saving you range and making tight spaces a non-issue.

Charging at Campsites: We’ll also discuss how you can charge both your EV and Bowlus at campsites with ease. Whether it’s a 50A or 30A service, the process is straightforward, ensuring you can enjoy zero-emission camping while staying comfortable and well-rested in the luxurious Bowlus interior.

FAQs

Absolutely. We have taken Bowlus trailers coast-to-coast and across Canada using the existing charging network. Because a Bowlus is ultra-lightweight (3,500–4,000 lbs GVWR) and aerodynamic, it is the only travel trailer capable of achieving the 200+ mile range threshold required for a stress-free electric road trip.

Based on our real-world testing (towing at 55–65 mph), here are the performance metrics for leading electric tow vehicles:
Rivian R1S: 550 Wh/mile (1.81 miles/kWh) | Total Range: 244 miles
Tesla Model X: 419 Wh/mile (2.39 miles/kWh) | Total Range: 238.5 miles
Tesla Cybertruck: 538 Wh/mile (1.86 miles/kWh) | Total Range: 228.5 miles
Note: Most other travel trailers of comparable length struggle to exceed a 50 to 95-mile range.

The Bowlus is exactly 80 inches wide—the same width as most luxury EVs. This narrow profile allows you to tow without bulky extension mirrors, which would otherwise detract from your range and handling. It also makes it much easier to navigate narrow bridges and find parking in tight spaces.

Most EV charging stations are not yet designed for trailers. However, a Bowlus can be hitched or unhitched in under a minute. Because it is so lightweight, it can even be moved by hand into a parking spot once unhitched, allowing you to move your EV to the charger and use the Bowlus as a comfortable lounge while you wait.

Yes. For the best experience, choose a site with 50A service. You can plug the Bowlus into the 120V outlet and your EV into the 240V outlet (set the current to 28A or less). Even a standard 30A/120V site can work for both if managed correctly.

Experienced owners recommend starting your day driving about 5 mph under the limit on surface routes and at 62 mph on highways. After 20–30 minutes, you will have a clear idea of your energy consumption for the day based on terrain and weather.
Under 500 Wh/mile: You can comfortably match the speed limit.
Over 600 Wh/mile: Consider slowing down to preserve range unless your next charger is within 100 miles.

Initially, you can estimate range by doubling the distance and adjusting for elevation (add or subtract 12 miles per 1,000 feet of change). However, after a few hundred miles, most EV trip planners will “learn” the aerodynamic characteristics of the Bowlus and provide highly reliable range estimates.

The instant torque of an EV allows you to hit 60 mph in about 5 seconds and maintain highway speeds even on steep mountain passes. Unlike internal combustion engines, you don’t have to worry about overheating or power throttling, even in 110-degree heat with the air conditioning running full blast.

Video Transcript

Hi, I’m Geneva Long, CEO of Bowlus, and today we’re going to be talking all about EV towing. Here at Bowlus, we have nearly 10 years of experience in this space, and we’ve taken our trailers coast-to-coast and across Canada using existing charging networks. EV towing for camping vacations is very possible if you select the right RV. Range is the most critical factor when using an electric vehicle, and it becomes even more important when you’re towing.

To start with some stats, a Tesla Model X towing a Bowlus achieves about 235 miles per charge. Most vehicles of comparable length and weight rarely make it past the 50 to 95-mile range. This efficiency is due to our aircraft-inspired construction and lightweight design; the Rivet has a GVWR of 3,500 lbs, while the Endless Highways is 4,000 lbs. In our testing, the Tesla Model X consumed about 419 Wh/mile (2.39 miles per kWh), giving it a total range of 238.5 miles. We’ve also seen excellent results with the Tesla Cybertruck at 228.5 miles per charge and the Rivian R1S at 244 miles per charge.

One of my top tips for EV camping is prioritizing easy hitching and unhitching. Many charging stations don’t have the space to stay hitched up, which can be a hassle with traditional trailers. However, a Bowlus can be hitched or unhitched in under a minute, and you can even move it by hand to clear a charging stall. Additionally, because the Bowlus is only 80 inches wide—the same width as your EV—you don’t need extension mirrors that would otherwise detract from your range and handling. This narrow profile makes it easy to navigate narrow bridges and parking options.

You can also charge both your EV and your Bowlus at your campsite. We recommend opting for a site with 50A service so you can plug the Bowlus into the 120V outlet while your EV uses the 240V outlet (setting the current to 28A or less). Even a standard 30A, 120V site works well for this duo. For the best road performance, I suggest starting your day driving about 5 mph under the speed limit on surface routes and at 62 mph on highways. After 20 to 30 minutes, you’ll have a good sense of your energy consumption based on the terrain and weather.

If your consumption stays under 500 Wh/mile, you can comfortably match the speed limit, but if it climbs over 600 Wh/mile, you may want to slow down unless your next charger is close. One of the joys of EV towing is the immediate power; you can reach 60 mph in 5 seconds and tackle steep mountain passes in high heat without worrying about overheating or power throttling. While headwinds and cold can impact performance, your EV trip planner will eventually learn your towing characteristics and provide reliable estimates. If you have any questions, reach out to our team at sales@bowlus.com or visit us at www.bowlus.com.

Geneva Long

Founder & CEO

Geneva Long has redefined the RV landscape since 2011, establishing the ultra-luxury travel trailer category. Drawing from her passion for adventure, she leads with a vision for user-centric design. Geneva ensures that every Bowlus delivers supreme comfort and innovative performance, built with a level of craftsmanship designed to last for generations.