EV Camping & Towing

EV Towing Test with the Adventure Package

Bowlus Adventure Package vs. Standard: EV Range Efficiency Test Results

In this video, we compare the 2025 Bowlus Endless Highways with the Adventure Package to the standard Endless Highways model. The Adventure Package includes a 3″ lift and all-terrain tires, ideal for off-road adventures, but how does it impact energy efficiency?

Key Differences

Adventure Package (Lifted Model)

3″ higher ride height

Wider, lower-pressure Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac all-terrain tires (50 psi)

Open fender design

Standard Model (Non-Lifted)

Lower frontal profile for improved aerodynamics

High-pressure Goodyear Endurance tires (65 psi)

Enclosed fender skirts to optimize wind flow

Test Results

Lifted Bowlus: Consumed 26 kWh for a 48-mile loop

Non-Lifted Bowlus: Consumed 25 kWh for the same loop

This reveals a 4% increase in energy consumption for the lifted model.

Test Methodology

The test was conducted on a 48-mile round trip between Santa Barbara and Gaviota. Both trailers were towed in both directions to account for wind conditions.

Insights

The Adventure Package’s design adjustments, including increased height and tire type, slightly reduce aerodynamic efficiency. This test suggests a 4% energy consumption increase for electric tow vehicles like the Tesla Model X. Results may vary with other EVs.

Watch the full video for more details and insights on how the Adventure Package performs in real-world scenarios.

FAQs

Recent testing shows that the Adventure Package—which includes a 3-inch lift and all-terrain tires—results in a minimal reduction in efficiency. In a side-by-side comparison using a 48-mile loop, the lifted Adventure Package Bowlus consumed only about 4% more energy than the non-lifted, standard Endless Highways model.

The non-lifted Endless Highways model features three primary elements designed for maximum mileage:
Lower Front Profile: A lower height reduces the frontal area exposed to the wind above the tow vehicle.
High-Pressure Tires: It uses Goodyear Endurance tires at 65 PSI, which offer lower rolling resistance.
Enclosed Fender Skirts: These assist with smooth wind flow around the wheels.

The Adventure Package is optimized for off-road capability, which involves slightly different aerodynamic and mechanical profiles:
Increased Height: The 3-inch lift creates a larger frontal surface area exposed to the air.
All-Terrain Tires: It uses Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires at a lower 50 PSI for better traction.
Open Wheel Wells: It does not utilize the full wheel fender skirt covers found on the standard model.

The test was conducted on a 48-mile loop between Santa Barbara and Gaviota using a Tesla Model X. Each trailer was driven in both directions to account for wind variability:
Non-Lifted Bowlus: Consumed 25 kWh.
Lifted Adventure Package Bowlus: Consumed 26 kWh. This 1 kWh difference represents a roughly 4% increase in energy consumption for the lifted version.

No, 4% is considered a very small reduction in efficiency. Even with the Adventure Package, the Bowlus maintains the best EV range of any travel trailer currently in production or in the concept stage. This is due to the inherent aerodynamics and lightweight construction of the Bowlus design.

Absolutely. Because the Bowlus is already extraordinarily aerodynamic, even the added 3 inches of surface area on the Adventure Package remains highly efficient. Both models provide more than enough range to comfortably travel between charging stations.

Video Transcript

Hi, I’m Geneva Long, CEO of Bowlus. We’ve recently been receiving a lot of questions regarding the difference in EV range between our Adventure Package Bowlus—which features a 3-inch lift—and our non-lifted models. We just finished testing these two configurations, and I’m excited to share the results with you.

For our testing, we compared a 2025 Endless Highways equipped with the Adventure Package against a standard 2025 Endless Highways. The Adventure Package includes a 3-inch lift and all-terrain tires, whereas the standard model features a lower profile, high-pressure Goodyear Endurance tires at 65 PSI, and enclosed fender skirts to assist with wind flow. In contrast, the lifted Bowlus sits 3 inches higher, creating a larger frontal area exposed to the air above the tow vehicle. It also utilizes wider, lower-pressure Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires at 50 PSI and lacks the full wheel fender skirt covers.

To get the most accurate data, we conducted a 48-mile test loop from Santa Barbara to Gaviota and back using a 2020 Tesla Model X. Each trailer was driven in both directions to account for wind variability. The results were impressive: the lifted Bowlus consumed 26 kilowatt-hours of energy to complete the loop, while the non-lifted Bowlus used 25 kilowatt-hours. This means the Adventure Package resulted in an energy consumption increase of only about 4%.

While figures may differ slightly from one EV to another, a 4% reduction is not a significant loss for electric vehicle towing. Even with the lift, the Bowlus maintains the best EV range of any travel trailer—whether in production or in the concept stage. This efficiency is a testament to the Bowlus’s extraordinary aerodynamics and lightweight design. Because the frontal surface area is already curved, the additional three inches of exposure has a minimal impact on overall performance. Both versions are phenomenal choices for EV owners, no matter where your adventures take you. Let us know if you have any other questions in the comments!

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.