Flash Towing Questions

[jobofly79]

Hey All, I did some research and couldn't find much. I have a 2024 Flash with the tow technology package, no max tow. I know the towing capacity is 7700lbs. My question is about towing close to max capacity. I am looking at buying a travel trailer that weighs 7300lbs dry. Now, we never travel with the tanks full or even half full as we only get full hook up camp sites. The only things in the camper would be bedding, clothing and food which would put us right at the max. Now, I don't want to damage my truck but wanted to know if anyone has hit the limit and what their experience has been.

Thanks

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[RickKeen]

The load from the travel trailer absent significant elevation changes is going to be primarily due to air drag, not so much the weight. Headwinds will also really impact a trailer like that. The weight will matter more if you have any steep elevation changes.

Combine the two and you could be maxing out the available power/cooling available for the motors and battery.

Its all going to depend on how fast you want to try and go. The truck will protect itself from overheat, but it might mean limited available power/speed during an uphill slog into the wind.

 

[RickKeen]

...wanted to know if anyone has hit the limit and what their experience has been.

Even if you do not hit heat limits, you will quickly hit range limitations when towing a large travel trailer at highway speeds. Expect mileage of somewhat under 1.0 m/kWh. Translates into a range between charging of under 100 miles. Less in the winter.

Expect over a full hour to recharge at each stop.

Your max rate of travel is going to be under 100 miles every 150 minutes for an average under 40 miles/hr.

 

[Grease Lightning]

I would look at a different trailer personally. I wouldn’t want to be that close to the limits with the assumption that I will be always dry, always able to keep my clothing, bedding, and food below the max towable rate.

The second reason is less “damage” to your truck, but even just potential tickets from the motor carrier police. Keep in ming that your GCVR is only 15,000 and the lightning is one thick girl, so really you can only max out the 7,700 and have 8-900 lbs in the truck, so that is gear and a person or two.

Again, if I was buying the trailer I would look for a lighter one to give a bigger buffer.

 

[RickLightning]

I think your estimate of your wet weight is low, most end up with 1,000 or more pounds. Trailer is too heavy for the truck.

 

[jobofly79]

Yea my gut says that it is too close to the max. It is a good deal on a camper thats why i wanted to try to make it work.

Not sure why i would have 1000 pounds worth of food bedding and clothes lol we only go on weekend trips to full hookup sites.

 

[RickLightning]

Pots and pans, dishes, towels... Tools, jack, chairs, umbrella, ...

Do a search and you'll find estimates of 1,000, 1,500, ...

 

[Maquis]

Yea my gut says that it is too close to the max. It is a good deal on a camper thats why i wanted to try to make it work.

Not sure why i would have 1000 pounds worth of food bedding and clothes lol we only go on weekend trips to full hookup sites.

Don’t forget to count “we.” 2 adults and a couple kids can get to 500# pretty easily.

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