Ford Lightning disappointing update - Page 5 - Fiberglass RV
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-19-2022, 10:10 PM   #81
Senior Member
 
minke's Avatar
 
Name: alan
Trailer: looking
Colorado
Posts: 264
Quote:
Originally Posted by GWMattson View Post
I agree that the term solid state lithium batteries is confusing. But that's the term they use. Traditional lithium batteries, like older capacitors, use liquid electrolyte. Solid state refers to using solid electrolyte. It has longer life, better properties over the temperature range, and is safer. Based on my experience in the field, I firmly believe that going to solid electrolyte is a very good thing.

I think I follow what you're saying about the grid. I agree that it will be difficult to sell increased power generation and distribution to people. But if they want to go to 50% electric cars, there's no other option. If you're replacing gas (an energy source) with batteries (an energy storage device), you need to source the energy from somewhere else. You need more power plants, power lines, etc. You hear a lot of politicians talking about getting more electric cars. But they don't talk much about more power plants and power lines. I'm a conservative, but I will give Biden a plug here. He did mention that the Federal Government should have more power in approving new power lines (right now it's a local decision). That's a step in the right direction.

I'm in favor of renewable energy. But I know that we can't rely on it. Look at Texas last Winter. If we go to 50% electric cars, but rely on renewables to generate the extra electricity, we'll have many power outages. Renewables can reduce the use of fossil fuels. But we still need the ability to generate our electricity with fossil fuels during the times when we can't rely on solar and wind energy.

Not that I've been driving much for a while now, but large PV fields and wind generator fields make me smile. I am an old liberal who cringes at what "W" called "nucular" power. It has serious problems with depleted fuel storage that everyone (who is interested) knows about. It has serious problems with mining that seemingly few people know about. (I won't drink the water near Cañon City, Co.) Nevertheless,,, the old argument: perfect is the enemy of good, has convinced me that "W's" nucular power is a critical component to go with wind and PV.
minke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2022, 11:43 PM   #82
Member
 
Trailer: Casita 13 ft
Posts: 60
Things have certainly changed!

Dang! I can remember when we didn't even have electricity in our house!
Yvimij is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2022, 07:33 AM   #83
Junior Member
 
Name: Diane
Trailer: Snoozy2
Maine
Posts: 20
I for one didn't know any of the information you shared and I greatly appreciated your doing this research.
dbatley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2022, 08:11 AM   #84
Junior Member
 
Name: Dan
Trailer: Scamp
Colorado
Posts: 12
As I mentioned in a post about solar panels I use a 10 watt panel to charge my Scamp's house battery and it does not need a controller. I also have a 36 volt riding mower which works great on an acre or less. It is quiet running and recharges in 3 to 8 hours, and of course everyone has portable tools running on batteries. So electrics are great around the house because there is no hurry to recharge. Driving long distances is a whole different situation.
Dan Chapman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2022, 08:44 AM   #85
Junior Member
 
Name: Ron
Trailer: In the prototype phase...
Ontario
Posts: 3
Interesting that everyone is talking about solving the towing problem in front of the hitch (with the TV). I think a big part of the solution is behind it.

I have designed a trailer that takes half of the energy to pull at highway speeds. I am also working to reduce the weight significantly using composite materials. This can be done in a functional shape (NOT a teardrop) that actually looks like it belongs behind modern vehicles.

This makes towing a viable option for long range electrics and daily drivers that are already in the driveway.

Anything we can do to reduce the load on the TV just seems logical to me as part of the solution.
RonC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2022, 09:20 AM   #86
Senior Member
 
ShelbyM's Avatar
 
Name: Shelby
Trailer: Casita SD
Tennessee
Posts: 1,176
Great to hear! Please start a thread with pics when you have a prototype or completed trailer.
ShelbyM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2022, 10:33 AM   #87
Senior Member
 
Alex Adams's Avatar
 
Name: Alexander
Trailer: 1979 Boler B1300
New Hampshire
Posts: 1,143
The first mass production line for automobiles was created by Ransom Olds in 1901. That was 121 years ago and look how far internal combustion cars have come. The first mass production line for electric cars was in 2008 by Tesla. That's only 14 years ago. Imagine where they will be in another 107 years!
Alex Adams is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2022, 12:06 PM   #88
Senior Member
 
Radar1's Avatar
 
Trailer: 2020 Escape 19 (was 2005 16 ft Scamp Side Dinette and 2005 Fleetwood (Coleman) Taos pop-up)
Georgia
Posts: 1,254
Registry
One area that might help extend the range of electric vehicles when towing is to have the trailer help provide some of the motive power. Interesting concept. Here's an article of one companies attempt to do this
Attached Thumbnails
Screenshot_20220120-130147~2.jpg  
Radar1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2022, 01:04 PM   #89
Senior Member
 
David Tilston's Avatar
 
Name: Dave W
Trailer: Trillium 4500 - 1976, 1978, 1979, 1300 - 1977, and a 1973
Alberta
Posts: 6,936
Registry
Quote:
Originally Posted by RonC View Post
Interesting that everyone is talking about solving the towing problem in front of the hitch (with the TV). I think a big part of the solution is behind it.

I have designed a trailer that takes half of the energy to pull at highway speeds.
Interesting claim. However, without testing, it will remain just a claim.
David Tilston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2022, 01:10 PM   #90
Senior Member
 
David Tilston's Avatar
 
Name: Dave W
Trailer: Trillium 4500 - 1976, 1978, 1979, 1300 - 1977, and a 1973
Alberta
Posts: 6,936
Registry
Quote:
Originally Posted by ThomasC View Post
There is a new 3-wheel EV called an Aptera. It is available with up to 1000 miles of range and has a solar option that is good for between 16-40 miles of charge per day. It also has a tent option for $600. If I were younger, I would be interested.
Note, no view out the back, and no rear view mirrors. That black oval behind the door may be a rear view camera. Are those leagle alternatives to mirrors?
David Tilston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2022, 02:00 PM   #91
Junior Member
 
Name: Ron
Trailer: In the prototype phase...
Ontario
Posts: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by David Tilston View Post
Interesting claim. However, without testing, it will remain just a claim.

It is a little more than just a claim - but I appreciate your skepticism. It is backed up by hundreds of CFD simulations that confirm that the drag force can be reduced significantly by a more aerodynamic design. Of course, the real proof is on the highway... but it is a starting point for justifying spending more time and resources pursuing it.



BTW, there was a first generation prototype that was tested. It was towed over 60,000kms behind a Prius while still getting better mileage than any truck without a trailer.
RonC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2022, 02:44 PM   #92
Senior Member
 
David Tilston's Avatar
 
Name: Dave W
Trailer: Trillium 4500 - 1976, 1978, 1979, 1300 - 1977, and a 1973
Alberta
Posts: 6,936
Registry
Quote:
Originally Posted by RonC View Post
It is a little more than just a claim - but I appreciate your skepticism. It is backed up by hundreds of CFD simulations that confirm that the drag force can be reduced significantly by a more aerodynamic design. Of course, the real proof is on the highway... but it is a starting point for justifying spending more time and resources pursuing it.



BTW, there was a first generation prototype that was tested. It was towed over 60,000kms behind a Prius while still getting better mileage than any truck without a trailer.
Any pictures of the prototype?
David Tilston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2022, 02:51 PM   #93
Senior Member
 
Jon in AZ's Avatar
 
Name: Jon
Trailer: 2008 Scamp 13 S1
Arizona
Posts: 12,293
Registry
Quote:
Originally Posted by RonC View Post
Interesting that everyone is talking about solving the towing problem in front of the hitch (with the TV). I think a big part of the solution is behind it.

I have designed a trailer that takes half of the energy to pull at highway speeds. I am also working to reduce the weight significantly using composite materials. This can be done in a functional shape (NOT a teardrop) that actually looks like it belongs behind modern vehicles.

This makes towing a viable option for long range electrics and daily drivers that are already in the driveway.

Anything we can do to reduce the load on the TV just seems logical to me as part of the solution.
I agree there is a lot of room for research and improvement in recreational travel trailer aerodynamics. I look forward to seeing what shape you came up with.
Jon in AZ is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2022, 04:30 PM   #94
Senior Member
 
Alex in LA's Avatar
 
Name: Alex
Trailer: 1999 Casita 16' "Snufkin"
California
Posts: 104
Electric Propulsion in trailer could be closer than you think

Check out this article about Airstream Trailer concept that has dual electric motors on it's axle and batteries in the floor or just google "Estream".
https://www.autoblog.com/2022/01/19/...fbrL8tbvEWlzXm

This would help Ford Lightning's towing range! Is it a coincidence that it is the Ford's truck that they show towing the Estream?
On a separate note, how much would that Airstream cost? Haaaa
Alex in LA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2022, 04:44 PM   #95
Senior Member
 
Jon in AZ's Avatar
 
Name: Jon
Trailer: 2008 Scamp 13 S1
Arizona
Posts: 12,293
Registry
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex in LA View Post
Check out this article about Airstream Trailer concept that has dual electric motors on it's axle and batteries in the floor or just google "Estream".
https://www.autoblog.com/2022/01/19/...fbrL8tbvEWlzXm

This would help Ford Lightning's towing range! Is it a coincidence that it is the Ford's truck that they show towing the Estream?
On a separate note, how much would that Airstream cost? Haaaa
That raises some interesting questions about how such a trailer would be classified and regulated by motor vehicle departments.
Jon in AZ is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2022, 05:19 PM   #96
Senior Member
 
Glenn Baglo's Avatar
 
Trailer: Escape 17 ft
Posts: 8,317
Estream? Then, what is a motor home?
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
Glenn Baglo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2022, 09:33 PM   #97
Senior Member
 
ThomasC's Avatar
 
Name: Tom
Trailer: BigFoot 25B25RT
Massachusetts
Posts: 595
Quote:
Originally Posted by David Tilston View Post
Note, no view out the back, and no rear view mirrors. That black oval behind the door may be a rear view camera. Are those leagle alternatives to mirrors?
They may be getting away with it because as a trike it is considered a bike. The rules are different for bikes.
ThomasC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2022, 05:40 AM   #98
Senior Member
 
John in Santa Cruz's Avatar
 
Name: John
Trailer: Escape 21, behind an '02 F250 7.3 diesel tug
Mid Left Coast
Posts: 3,027
Quote:
Originally Posted by John Nazarnko View Post
I have a Tesla Model Y and have been towing my Boler with it for a year. Yes it is true that my range is almost half towing my Boler. About 270 km vs 500km....
250 km is about 150 miles. It would take 4 days minimum to go north to Oregon at that daily distance, and that assumes we could find campgrounds with hookups at thos intervals. 3 days south to LA, at least another day to San Diego.
John in Santa Cruz is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
light


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Update on new Ford Flex - nearly good to go BatDude Towing, Hitching, Axles and Running Gear 3 01-12-2017 05:55 PM
Awning Disappointing cannibal53 Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 11 08-18-2014 08:30 AM
Question regarding lightning damage. davidvalente Care and Feeding of Molded Fiberglass Trailers 4 01-01-2014 08:47 PM
Lightning and rv's.... cpaharley2008 General Chat 8 06-17-2011 10:22 AM
Lightning Strike General Chat 0 01-01-1970 12:00 AM

» Upcoming Events
No events scheduled in
the next 465 days.
» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:37 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.