Our Top 6 EV Pick-Ups for Towing Trailers

We’re inundated with new EV trucks promising a greener life, but which one is best for RVers?

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Words by Perry Mack 

Let’s begin by looking at the features of a truck that make it great for towing an RV. Automotive technology may have changed but towing needs have not. We appreciate the importance of reducing emissions but frankly, whether it’s an internal combustion engine (ICE), battery electric vehicle (BEV), hydrogen electric vehicle (HEV) or even the ‘flux capacitor-powered DeLorean’ from the Back to the Future movie franchise, it still needs to meet an RVer’s demands.

Power, torque, handling, safety, comfort, ride, reliability, and range are the seven qualities of a great RV tow vehicle. One that isn’t as important is the much-touted acceleration of BEVs. Do we need to get from 0-100 kph (60 mph) in 3.0 seconds towing a trailer? The fact is the range of an EV decreases dramatically with hard acceleration (just like gas mileage) and can drop by half while towing a trailer – so dragstrip driving is counterproductive.

Aside from the Atlis truck, none of the BEVs that were reviewed discuss fifth wheel tow capacity. We suspect the skateboard design, where batteries are based on the foundation of the truck may be to blame. For the most part, the current crop of BEVs can manage hitch trailering and some can fit truck campers. 

For Class A RV enthusiasts, some of these manufacturers are building trucks on a modular platform that can be expanded to commercial truck or Class A size applications, which we may see in years to come. Class Bs are already here and two heavy-duty BEVs are coming in the near future for larger truck camping enthusiasts.  

Since it’s challenging to evaluate the reliability of a new truck, we resort to a manufacturer’s previous history of reliability. Most of us rely on personal experience and are biased toward trucks that we’ve had ‘good luck’ with, which is often related to the dealer we purchased it from – a good truck is a great truck when the service is stellar.

Battery warranties are challenging to compare. Although most offer eight years or 160,000 km (100,000 mi), you need to read the fine print to determine what qualifies for a claim. Typically, it’s 70 percent of the original charge, but not always. What happens when batteries qualify for a warranty claim? Do you get a prorated cost for replacement?

Finally, will they deliver? Electric vehicle start-ups seem to be raining from the sky like solar power on a sunny day. Promises are big but usually unproven and when the money dries up, the BEV pickups are no more than dust in the wind. Some examples include the Bollinger B2, Nikola Badger and Lordstown Endurance.

Every EV truck manufacturer will offer a roughly equivalent suite of driver assist, tow assist, and connectivity features, all with Over The Air (OTA) updates, which may come at a cost and are only available when you take it to the dealer. So as much of a tow vehicle is computer-driven, many trucks and automotive technologies are now revealed at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) instead of auto shows.  

Aside from the environmental benefits, BEV trucks make better RV tow vehicles. The driving experience while towing with an EV is much better than a traditional pick-up as the weight and placement of the batteries and motors create a lower centre of gravity for better handling. 

Additionally, electric motors have a wider powerband than an ICE. They generate 100 percent power as soon as they start turning and can rev up to 20,000 rpm compared to 6,000-7,000 rpm in a traditional engine. There’s less shifting and it’s smoother and quieter.

Another benefit of BEVs is regenerative braking. In your ICE, a great deal of fuel is expended going uphill and then your fuel consumption is reduced going down. In a BEV, you still use more energy climbing hills, but then you get some back going downhill. 

The motors become charging generators by putting power back into the batteries and the force required slows the vehicle at the same time, saving wear and tear on brake systems. We fully expect RVs of the future to be equipped and function the same way, charging the RV and truck batteries whenever braking is required. 

Aside from the specs, choices that may affect your choice of a BEV from the Big Three (Ford, GM and Stellantis) include whether you already own a recent model. The first is you’ll find the use of the electronics more intuitive if you continue with the same manufacturer. The second is the price you pay for the features you want in a particular truck. 

The features that are advertised are most often only found in the top model and trim. Shop carefully so you’re not driving away in a BEV only to find ‘basic’ connectivity or an assist feature that isn’t in that array of icons on the hypnotizing console display.

Now, in order of notoriety,  here are the best fully battery electric pickup trucks for RVers followed by our best-in-show awards at the end. 

Tesla Cybertruck

Few manufacturers have the experience in manufacturing EVs that Tesla does. While they have certainly had their share of stumbles, it’s much like politics. It’s easy to beat up on the party currently in power as the opposition isn’t doing anything. We like the projected 6,350 kg (14,000 lb) tow capacity, 1,580 kg (3,500 lb) payload, 800 km (500 mi) range and we expect good handling and safety.

Adaptability is a sticking point for us in the interior. The Cybertruck has eliminated physical dials and switches so the vehicle is solely controlled by a touchscreen and the steering wheel is replaced by a yoke (think airplane).

We’re nonplussed by 0-100 kph (0-60 mph) in 2.9 seconds acceleration and the looks are certainly a matter of personal preference. What’s not personal is the design of the truck bed. The 2 m (6.5 ft) long bed has high sloped sides, which is similar to, but more expansive, than the old Chevy Avalanche, making it difficult to access the bed behind the cab. This also means it's an impossible choice for existing camper and fifth wheel owners. 

For instance, existing truck campers won’t fit with the bed rail design and fifth wheels will hit the bed rails while turning. The fact that it floats and has bulletproof windows are also bewildering. It seems we’re paying for abilities that RVers will never use – hopefully. Computer-generated imagery (CGI) of truck campers, fifth wheels and travel trailers litter the internet like leaves in the fall but the real RV and towing tests are scarce.

Like all truck manufacturers, they promote their highest specifications and their lowest starting price. Be aware that the base model, which comes in at a projected $40,000 USD, doesn’t enjoy the above specifications. To get them, you’ll have to spend more than $70,000 USD. Tesla has continually pushed delivery dates forward and now claims it won’t begin until mid- to late 2023. 

One Cybertruck benefit is not specific to the truck and Tesla’s charging network, which far exceeds any other manufacturer. However, this is a moving target as charge stations are being added by the thousands every year. Time will tell if Tesla’s proprietary Supercharging stations will maintain its lead.

Ford F-150 Lightning

What Ford lacks in EV experience, they make up for in truck experience. As a result, there are features that RVers will appreciate including an EV truck that looks like a truck. We expect good handling, safety, comfort, ride, and reliability from this well-known consumer truck manufacturer. 

The Extended Range battery option takes the range to 480 km (300 mi), although payload capacity actually drops from 900 kg (2,000 lb) to 816 kg (1,800 lb), while  the towing capability rises from 3,500 kg (7,700 lb) to 4,500 kg (10,000 lb). While the figures aren’t staggering, they are in line with most ½-ton full-size trucks. It’s currently only available with a 1.7 m (5.5 ft) bed, but we hope to see a future Lightning with a 2 m (6.5 ft) and 2.4 (8 ft) bed.

Most RVers are always looking for more storage and the Lightning’s ‘frunk’ delivers 400 L of room. For the uninitiated, a frunk is a trunk up front where the engine used to be. Ford has outfitted their frunk with multiple power outlets, including USB-C and USB-A ports as well as four 110-volt residential power outlets. 

This is a great feature since going green means ditching your gas/propane/diesel generator. Ford touts the Lightning’s ability to power your home (with available two-way charging) for three days in the event of an electric grid failure, so it should be able to power your RVs A/C for a few days when boondocking.

The Lightning is currently available in Canada and the US - if you can find one. It recently won the 2023 North American Truck of the Year as chosen by 50 professional automotive journalists based on innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, user experience, driver satisfaction and value. 

Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept

Unfortunately, the parent company of Ram, Stellantis (until recently FCA – Fiat Chrysler Automotive), is trailing the pack when it comes to delivering a BEV truck. On January 5, 2023, they revealed it at the CES. The truck’s styling, badging, and lighting certainly look impressive but they essentially showed us nothing more than a cardboard cut-out.

Stellantis made many claims but provided no specifics. Intriguing features on display included the ‘grand salon’ style entrance without a B-pillar and the pass-through storage from truck bed to frunk of 5.5 m (1.7 m). Features that benefit RVers include four-wheel steering for better maneuverability and a fast charge, which can add 160 km (100 mi) of range in 10 minutes.

Then came the vague promises without specifics:

  • The leader in range, towing, payload and charge time.
  • Advanced technology that will reinvent the customer experience.
  • A fully connected customer experience and advanced mobility features.
  • Seamless connectivity to transform the experience for drivers and passengers.

More details are promised in the coming months with a projected production in 2024. This usually means we might see one on the dealer lot in 2025.

Rivian R1T

This is one of the smallest BEV pick-ups and is just slightly larger than the Ford Ranger, making it the most maneuverable. We use the Ranger comparison since Rivian has partnered with Ford. 

With a payload capacity of 800 kg (1,760 lb) and a towing capacity of 5,000 kg (11,000 lb) it is a contender for RVers, keeping in mind the small truck bed at just 1.37 m (4.5 ft). You do have some extra storage space in the 0.3 cu m (11 cu ft) frunk. There’s also a unique 0.4 cu m (13.8 cu ft) Gear Tunnel with exterior access behind the cab.

After connecting the trailer, a towing option appears and buttons on the steering wheel allow you to adjust the integrated brake controller. This is when you’ll discover the hard truth about trailering with electric vehicles. 

You’ll discover that your range will drop by 50 percent (or more) with a mid-sized trailer that tips the scales at 2,700 kg (6,000 lb). When shopping for any BEV, budget for the largest battery offered, or calculate the range you need most often while towing, and then divide the promoted range by two.

The R1T has solid off-road abilities. It’s best suited for adventure tent camping or RVers with a teardrop, tent, or small travel trailer with a love of off-grid experiences.

Chevrolet Silverado EV

Not quite as late to the game as Ram, the 2024 Silverado EV has moved from concept to testing with ‘anticipated’ availability in late 2023. Specs so far include a top end range of 640 km (400 mi) and the equivalent of 754 hp and 785 lb ft of torque in the RST trim (an abbreviation for ‘most expensive’). 

The top trim also boasts a 4,534 kg (10,000 lb) max tow and Chevy teases us with a future Work Truck (WT) model with up to 9,071 kg (20,000 lb). For those unfamiliar with WT trims, they are as the name suggests, outfitted as a pickup for job sites and stripped of the luxury amenities to be more cost-effective. These base models are typically only available for fleet purchases and seeing one on a dealer lot is as rare as a Sasquatch sighting.

The frunk supplies a somewhat standard 0.3 cu m (10.6 cu ft) of storage space and the truck bed is 2.4 m (5.11 ft). However, the Midgate is an impressive storage feature. The rear of the cab opens to the truck bed, creating  2.74 m (9 ft) of storage length with the tailgate closed (good while trailering). It also has 3 m (10 ft) of bed space with the tailgate open – think kayak or paddleboard storage without a drag-inducing roof rack. 

We also like the four wheel steering for making tight turns and adjusting the trucks’ location when backing a trailer into a tight space. Granted, this will take some practice but once it's mastered, an RVers social media posts will go viral.

The tailgate, called a Multi-Flex Tailgate, is the most functional tailgate on any pickup truck. We’ve admired them on Chevy and GMC trucks for a few years. Although the Multi-Flex tailgate isn’t an RV-specific feature and neither is the available panoramic fixed-glass roof, both are exceptional options that make long hauls and accessing the bed while RVing worthwhile features.

Atlis XT

The specifications of this truck bests all of the others. You only need to ask yourself if it’s the truck you need. It offers ‘up to’ 800 km (500 mi) range, a 15-minute charging time with their proprietary 1.5 MW Atlis Advance Charging System (AAC), almost 16,000 kg (35,000 lb) towing capabilities with a gooseneck (or another fifth wheel-compatible connection) and 7,700 kg (17,000 lb) on the hitch. 

You’ll also appreciate the payload capacity of 2,267 kg (5,000 lb), and a unique front and rear steer-by-wire and independent brake-by-wire. This truck is designed to challenge the dominance of one-ton diesel trucks.

The 0.45 cu m (15.9 cu ft) frunk is on all models and contains multiple power outlets. The Atlis XT is available in 500, 650, and 800 km (300, 400 and 500 mi) ranges with either a 2 m (6.5 ft) or 2.4 m (8 ft) bed. Pricing on the cheapest trim, which features a 500 km (300 mi) range, 2 m (6.5 ft) bed, 4,500 kg (10,000 lb) hitch rating, is $45,000 USD. The top trim, which includes the top specs from above, is expected to be roughly $85,000 USD.

Unfortunately, at the time of writing, Atlis had not produced a consumer-drivable prototype, even though they originally forecasted production to begin in late 2022 (yes, last year). On paper, it’s an automotive juggernaut that easily surpasses other BEV pick-up trucks, but there’s the rub, ‘on paper’. Currently, this truck won’t get you out RVing any more than a paper plane will take you on vacation. So, don’t sell your one-ton diesel yet, we certainly won’t.

Final Analysis - The Best Truck for RVers

The Atlis XT delivers the top specifications and is the only truck that addresses fifth wheels and full-size truck campers. They’ve raised a great deal of support for their battery pack and charging systems, which from their videos appear to be their main focus. However, without a forecasted production date, they appear to be a long way from delivering a truck. For this reason, we rate them in the sixth position.

Tesla Model 3 is now the top-selling mid-size car in Australia. However, for all their success in the automotive market, we feel the Cybertruck design is weak for RVing with poor access to the bed and a design that excludes existing truck camper models. This places it at number five.

We look forward to driving and towing with the Rivian R1T. We place it fourth given the poor towing range. This could change with better batteries but the smaller size of the truck means whatever improvements there are in battery design, the larger trucks will always benefit more - especially compared to Ford’s Lightning. Given the hundreds of millions they’ve invested in Rivian no doubt means it will never have a range advantage.

The third spot goes to the Ram Revolution. We love the unique design features and have always been a fan of Ram for its safety, styling and forward-thinking in engine design like the 48V hybrid system. We wish they were farther along in production. By the time they are ready for purchase, the competition will be able to deliver better trucks and a greater choice of trim levels (like the Silverado EV Trail Boss and Silverado EV WT).

The next available-to-buy BEV pickup gets the second spot. We love everything about the Silverado EV and must give points to General Motors for building some of the most reliable and functionally featured trucks in the business under both Chevrolet and GMC banners. The Silverado EV’s design appears to provide a seamless transition for ICE RV owners, especially current GMC and Chevy owners.

We’ve owned Toyota, GMC, Chevy, and Ram trucks, but not Ford, for no other reason than interior styling – and that is solely personal preference. We’ve extensively driven Ford trucks while towing and enjoyed the Ranger, F-150 (with EcoBoost, diesel and the iconic 5.0L V8 engines), and F-350 Super Duty with the 6.7L Power Stroke. We especially enjoyed driving the Ford Raptor off-road at high and low speeds in the Nevada desert.

The Lightning delivers the aforementioned seven qualities of a great RV tow vehicle - power, torque, handling, safety, comfort, ride, reliability, and range. Ford has done their homework testing the Lightning while towing and in winter conditions (the other bane of BEVs). Although some others may currently have better specs, Ford has never been a company to rest on their laurels, so we fully expect the Lightning to improve as their competitors play catch-up getting trucks into driveways. For all these reasons and more, we’ve chosen the Lightning as the best BEV pickup truck for RVers.

Related Podcasts and Articles:

EV Range Anxiety Eliminated - https://suncruisermedia.com/Home/podcast/s01-e31/

Will BEVs Replace Diesel Engines (The Challenges BEVs face) - https://suncruisermedia.com/4WDrive/trucks/will-bevs-replace-die-hard-diesel-engine/