[Not trying to be disrespectful]. I think you are trying too hard to find fault with the idea of a DIY tow package. I understand you are interested in knowing if the FMVSS regs cover it, I don't think they do. I don't think it matters.
Hmmm. That's interesting. According to the original specs at launch, Slate listed the curb weight as 3,602 lbs. Since inception the truck has already gained ~200 pounds. However, the payload has only dropped by 33 lbs. One would expect that the payload rating would drop by a similar amount. Looks like there was some margin in the original estimates.
Yup. When I saw that it reinforced the thought that base battery will be LFP.Hmmm. That's interesting. According to the original specs at launch, Slate listed the curb weight as 3,602 lbs. Since inception the truck has already gained ~200 pounds. However, the payload has only dropped by 33 lbs. One would expect that the payload rating would drop by a similar amount. Looks like there was some margin in the original estimates.
The June announcement will disclose not only price, but also the details on the battery. If the standard battery chemistry changes to LFP, then the 150 miles range is more credible as dally charging is now possible to 100%. And that explains the vehicle weight increase by 200 pounds!
The key to note in the above is that in order to go from 2k# to 4k#, they are not updating the frame or breaks in any way. It's all about upgrading the cooling system to keep the engine from overheating.
In an EV context, to satisfy passing the SAE J2807 trailering test to determine a normalized trailer towing spec (comparative within the industry) additional cooling may be necessary to keep the traction battery from overheating. Most EV share the heating/cooling system between the battery and the cabin. Because the J2807 test requires the hill climb at maximum AC cabin cooling, an EV may need additional cooling to control the heat (thermal) load across both the cabin requirements and the battery requirements. More work means more heat load to shed.
Uhaul has aluminum trailers in a few sizes. Much lighter, but still not a lot of load left.
Munro on the Ford? Or have they looked at the Slate? Towing ratings gotta be tricky. Towing in hilly/mountain places is a whole nuther world from towing in the flat midwest where I am.
This^
On the Slate. There is a Munro video on the Slate that deep dives into the chassis. It's up on a lift and they go through the entire underside with the engineers who designed it.
Why not just load the 800 pound street bike directly in the bed and eliminate the need for the trailer altogether?For my case their motorcycle trailer weighs 870 pounds. Both of my street bikes weigh nearly 800 pounds, so it exceeds the Slate's capacity by nearly 700 pounds. I have had on occasion a need to rent a local motorcycle trailer to get one of my bikes to a shop for tires (in December).
I think you misunderstand my use of the trailer. It'll be for hauling drywall / wood / cabinets / etc. I have a house that needs to be remodelled after my kids move out, not rebuilt from the ground up.
