Here Are 4 First-Time Mistakes to Avoid
Towing with an electric truck isn’t the same as towing with a gas truck. It delivers instant torque from a standstill, which can make a heavy trailer feel more manageable off the line. Regenerative braking changes how the truck slows down with a loaded trailer attached.
Added curb weight from the battery pack also shapes towing performance, even before a trailer is hitched. With these subtle shifts, first-time haulers must beware of and avoid the following mistakes.
1. Underestimating Battery Thermal Strain While Towing
Electric trucks rely on a built-in thermal management system to keep battery cells within a safe operating range. It draws on the same energy source used for propulsion, so power is diverted away from the motor to help regulate temperature.
Anyone who doesn’t anticipate this energy trade may be caught off guard by range dropping faster than expected, or by brief power limiting on long climbs. Prepare for the possibility by planning routes around manageable grades and moderate temperatures where possible. Building in an extra charging buffer to offset the added strain also helps.
2. Improperly Securing or Hitching the Trailer
A trailer that isn’t fully latched or properly chained can shift, sway or even disconnect partway through a drive. This creates a safety hazard and risks damage to both vehicle and trailer.
Even small oversights during setup can cause tow-related wear and tear. Skipping a thorough hitch inspection or leaving cargo loosely secured can lead to scratches, dents and other damage well before the trailer even reaches the highway. Prevent these scenarios by running through a short pre-departure checklist every trip, regardless of experience level. Double-check the hitch, chains, brake status and load security before pulling away.
3. Disregarding How Added Weight Cuts Into Range
Many first-time haulers plan their trip around their truck’s standard range estimate without accounting for how a loaded trailer changes that number. The extra weight adds resistance. It forces the battery to supply more energy per mile than it would under normal, unloaded driving conditions.
That extra load in the bed or on the hitch can affect range more significantly than most expect, sometimes cutting it down well before the halfway point of a planned trip. Thermal management and highway speeds can contribute to this effect. To avoid falling short of the destination, build a wider buffer into range estimates whenever a heavy load is involved.
4. Skipping Charging Stop Planning on Long Hauls
A hauler sets out on a multi-hour trip, assuming their usual charging routine will hold up. Partway through, they realize that the towed load has reduced their range so much that the next charger is farther away than the remaining battery can cover.
Range reduction while towing tends to be more severe than many first-time haulers anticipate. Limited infrastructure in certain areas can compound this issue. Long-distance hauls require careful planning for charger locations before departure because it’s risky to rely on the same routine used for unloaded trips. Map out charging stops ahead of time, including a backup option along the route.
Hit the Road Prepared for Your First Heavy Haul
Electric trucks are capable haulers once these details are accounted for ahead of time. The confidence gained from a well-prepared first tow tends to carry over into future hauls, and each subsequent trip will feel more routine than the last.
The instant torque and smooth handling that make electric trucks enjoyable to drive day-to-day are the same qualities that make them rewarding to tow, once the groundwork is in place.
