With EVs could we eventually see self-propelled trailers?

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With EVs could we eventually see self-propelled trailers?

Postby Betonhaus » Fri Jan 28, 2022 1:00 pm

What I mean is a trailer that connects to a compatible EV with a complete data bus so it communicates with the car's computer, has front steerable wheels and onboard batteries and electric motors to power it's own wheels (possibly a range extender that can recharge the driving car)?

The end result is that you could tow the trailer with pretty much any sized compatible electric vehicle as the trailer pretty much tows itself, accelerating when the car does and turning when the car does, and feeding data to the car systems such as backup cameras and 360 degree cameras, power levels, etc.

Is this something that is theoretically possible? I feel like it is, but it would need to be supported by an electric vehicle who's frame and computers were designed with it in mind.
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Re: With EVs could we eventually see self-propelled trailers

Postby Tom&Shelly » Fri Jan 28, 2022 1:37 pm

It probably could be done, but the trailer would need a motor, and a transmission, as well as the steering mechanism. The battery bank would have to be on the order of the size of the electric tow vehicle's. So the trailer would likely cost about as much as the tow vehicle.

There's probably an application for your idea, but it doesn't seem like a small camper is it. Maybe something where a small car is "piloting" a very heavy load, to usurp 18 wheel trucks? :thinking:

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Re: With EVs could we eventually see self-propelled trailers

Postby MtnDon » Fri Jan 28, 2022 5:05 pm

That would presently be called an RV. It would have to meet all the safety rules as any RV sold today so I don't expect to see big changes any time soon.
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Re: With EVs could we eventually see self-propelled trailers

Postby S. Heisley » Fri Jan 28, 2022 6:22 pm

They already have motorhomes. It would just be a modification from that.

Supposedly, a true story:

A woman named Mrs. Grazinski bought herself a brand-new Winnebago. She was excited and took her first trip to an Oklahoma football game. On the way home, she set the cruise control to 70 as soon as she got onto the freeway. She then walked to the back to make herself a sandwich, leaving the Winnebago to drive itself. The resulting crash was spectacular. It’s hard to believe that someone would actually do that, but she did not feel at fault. In fact, she sued Winnebago for the crash because the owner’s manual didn’t tell her she couldn’t leave it to drive itself. The jury agreed with her and she was awarded $1,750,000 plus a new motorhome. This is why Winnebago manuals now warn people that they must actually drive the vehicle at all times when it is moving.

Worth a chuckle, anyway.
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Re: With EVs could we eventually see self-propelled trailers

Postby Betonhaus » Fri Jan 28, 2022 7:11 pm

Self driving motorhomes would be neat. Imagine being able to go about your day and sleep while driving across the country.
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Re: With EVs could we eventually see self-propelled trailers

Postby QueticoBill » Fri Jan 28, 2022 7:12 pm

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Re: With EVs could we eventually see self-propelled trailers

Postby Greg M » Fri Jan 28, 2022 11:34 pm

Not a true story, just another false claim to whip up public support to enact tort reform. https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/stella-awards/

S. Heisley wrote:They already have motorhomes. It would just be a modification from that.

Supposedly, a true story:

A woman named Mrs. Grazinski bought herself a brand-new Winnebago. She was excited and took her first trip to an Oklahoma football game. On the way home, she set the cruise control to 70 as soon as she got onto the freeway. She then walked to the back to make herself a sandwich, leaving the Winnebago to drive itself. The resulting crash was spectacular. It’s hard to believe that someone would actually do that, but she did not feel at fault. In fact, she sued Winnebago for the crash because the owner’s manual didn’t tell her she couldn’t leave it to drive itself. The jury agreed with her and she was awarded $1,750,000 plus a new motorhome. This is why Winnebago manuals now warn people that they must actually drive the vehicle at all times when it is moving.

Worth a chuckle, anyway.
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Re: With EVs could we eventually see self-propelled trailers

Postby S. Heisley » Sat Jan 29, 2022 3:21 am

Still a fun read, though. :D
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Re: With EVs could we eventually see self-propelled trailers

Postby QueticoBill » Sat Jan 29, 2022 9:17 am

Truley autonomous RVs would allow you to sleep while traveling. Visit a national park, leave in evening, wake up at another. Interesting concept.
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Re: With EVs could we eventually see self-propelled trailers

Postby Tom&Shelly » Sat Jan 29, 2022 9:29 am

S. Heisley wrote:Still a fun read, though. :D


Absolutely! It's a joke, not a social commentary!

The version I heard involved an Arab prince who was a pilot on an exchange program with the US Air Force back in the 1970's. Soon as he arrived in Arizona, bought a big RV. Confusing the cruise control with an auto-pilot, he went back to the bar to mix himself a martini...

The details evidently are a product of the times.

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Re: With EVs could we eventually see self-propelled trailers

Postby S. Heisley » Sat Jan 29, 2022 5:23 pm

Tom&Shelly wrote:
S. Heisley wrote:Still a fun read, though. :D


Absolutely! It's a joke, not a social commentary!

The version I heard involved an Arab prince who was a pilot on an exchange program with the US Air Force back in the 1970's. Soon as he arrived in Arizona, bought a big RV. Confusing the cruise control with an auto-pilot, he went back to the bar to mix himself a martini...

The details evidently are a product of the times.

Tom :)


If this were on Facebook, I'd post a heart! But this is the best I can do here: :ilovecamp:
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Re: With EVs could we eventually see self-propelled trailers

Postby S. Heisley » Sat Jan 29, 2022 5:27 pm

QueticoBill wrote:Truley autonomous RVs would allow you to sleep while traveling. Visit a national park, leave in evening, wake up at another. Interesting concept.



That would be interesting. However, part of camping is sometimes the journey.
A lot of memories, both good and the bad (that you tell and laugh about later) are made then. :)
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Re: With EVs could we eventually see self-propelled trailers

Postby QueticoBill » Sun Jan 30, 2022 8:13 am

S. Heisley wrote:
QueticoBill wrote:Truley autonomous RVs would allow you to sleep while traveling. Visit a national park, leave in evening, wake up at another. Interesting concept.



That would be interesting. However, part of camping is sometimes the journey.
A lot of memories, both good and the bad (that you tell and laugh about later) are made then. :)


I agree. I enjoy the camping experience as much as the destination and sights.
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