How It Started vs. How It’s Going: 5 Years of Towing a Winnebago with an Electric Vehicle

How It Started vs. How It’s Going: 5 Years of Towing a Winnebago with an Electric Vehicle
Plus, why we are excited for the future of EV/RV life!

By: Brian & Becca Roy (@superchargedcamper)

Hey there, happy campers! Brian and Becca here, and for the past five years, we’ve been doing something that once raised a lot of eyebrows: towing our Winnebago Micro Minnie exclusively with electric vehicles.

Back in 2020, we kicked things off with a Tesla Model X—one of the first EVs that made a serious case for towing, thanks to its then-impressive capabilities. Fast forward to today, and the EV landscape looks very different. The range of options (pun intended) has exploded, with manufacturers rolling out electric trucks and SUVs that far surpass the Model X’s specs. One standout for us was the Ford F-150 Lightning. 

After upgrading to a 2023 Winnebago Micro Minnie FLX 2108DS, we paired it with a Ford Lightning Lariat with the Extended Range battery and max tow package. This setup lets us tow up to 10,000 pounds—nearly double what we could do with our first EV tow vehicle.

Why Tow with an Electric Vehicle?

Like many of you, we balance full-time jobs with our love for the outdoors. We consider ourselves weekend warriors, and we needed vehicles that could serve us Monday through Friday while still being adventure-ready come the weekend. Both our Tesla and Ford fit the bill—and then some. They’re quiet, quick, low-maintenance, and versatile. (See our recent off-road boondocking adventure!)

Let’s talk real-world benefits:

• Instant Torque: Electric vehicles are incredibly responsive, especially when towing. That instant torque off the line makes merging, passing, and climbing grades feel more confident and controlled—even when pulling a fully loaded trailer.
• Smooth Towing Experience: With no gear shifts and regenerative braking, the ride is smoother and more predictable. The regen braking especially comes in handy on long descents and in stop-and-go traffic, helping preserve brake life and reduce fatigue.
• Lower Operating Costs: We’ve noticed significant savings on maintenance—no oil changes, fewer moving parts, and less overall wear. Add in lower energy costs compared to gas or diesel, and the long-term financial benefits are hard to ignore.
• Everyday Usability: These EVs aren’t just tow rigs—they’re our daily drivers. From grocery runs to commuting, the 300+ miles of range each vehicle offers more than covers our day-to-day needs.

What We've Learned about Towing a Trailer with an EV

Planning is everything. Just like any road trip, it takes a bit of forethought—our route stops now revolve around charging stations instead of gas stations. The good news? Charging infrastructure has come a long way since 2020, and it’s only getting better.

One of the most unexpected perks we’ve discovered is how accommodating many campgrounds have become. As EVs grow more common, more sites are adopting EV-friendly policies. In fact, it’s now a regular part of our reservation process to ask about on-site charging. We've rolled into campgrounds nearly empty and rolled out with what we call a "full tank"—all without leaving the site.

Sure, not every campground has dedicated charging available or the infrastructure to support EV charging, but for us, it’s just part of the planning puzzle.

We recently had the chance to chat with campground owners at an RV expo, and their openness to supporting EV campers was refreshing. It’s clear that the industry is adapting … and fast.

Looking Ahead at Our Future EV/RV Adventures

In just five years, we’ve seen massive leaps in EV tow capabilities. We’re now talking about trucks with 450+ miles of range, 10,000+ lb towing capacities, and charging times that rival traditional fueling stops. The evolution has been incredible—and it's still just the beginning.

Automakers aren’t the only ones progressing with more capable electric options, the RV industry has taken note, releasing some encouraging prototypes as the technology continues to improve. We had the pleasure of testing out the all-electric Winnebago eRV2 prototype, a class B camper built on the Ford eTransit platform, over a two-week span last year.

Just as we had seen the impressive leap in technology from when we first started driving EVs in 2015 to now, the future options from Winnebago also look promising. The overall EV evolution has been incredible—and it's still just the beginning. 

We can’t wait to see what the next five years bring. One thing’s for sure: we definitely plan on continuing our EV/RV adventures. From gliding into a campground silently and being one with nature to that perfect boondocking spot with only the sound of tires on dirt, towing with an EV has not only been possible—it’s been downright enjoyable.