As campsites become filled with electric vehicles, the traditional sounds of car engines starting up may be noticeably absent at dawn. According to a survey by Kampgrounds of America, about 4% of regular campers own electric vehicles, compared to only 1% of the general American population. While still a small minority, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular among campers, who appreciate the benefits they offer and recognize the need for improved infrastructure in remote areas.
Electric motors have distinct advantages when it comes to towing camper trailers, as they can pull strongly at low or high speeds without straining or needing to shift gears. Despite concerns about range, campers like Matt Linn, who camps with his Ford F-150 Lightning and a camper trailer, find that their electric trucks still provide enough driving range to reach their favored campsites without the need for charging stops. Similarly, Mike Kowal, who camps with an Airstream trailer towed by his Rivian SUV, has learned to adjust his driving habits to conserve power when facing strong headwinds on his return trip.
A major concern for campers towing trailers with electric vehicles is range loss, especially at highway speeds due to wind resistance. To address this issue, trailer companies like Airstream and Bowlus are focusing on improving aerodynamics to reduce drag on electric vehicles. Bowlus has even equipped its trailers with enough lithium batteries to charge an electric tow vehicle in an emergency or can self-drive short distances to a campsite location using an onboard electric motor. Implementing more aerodynamic designs is crucial for electric vehicle manufacturers to maximize efficiency and range.
Charging infrastructure is a significant challenge for electric vehicle campers, both at campsites and on the road. Campgrounds like KOA are working to install more EV chargers to accommodate the growing number of electric vehicle owners while educating campers on the limitations of using household power outlets for charging. Rivian, a maker of electric trucks designed for off-road use, is expanding its own network of chargers in addition to enabling customers to use existing charging networks for a seamless camping experience. The goal is to make charging convenient for campers with trailers without the need to unhitch vehicles.
One advantage of electric vehicles for camping is their ability to provide power through multiple outlets, including those in the bed of the truck and front trunk. This eliminates the need for noisy gas-powered generators, creating a quieter camping experience. EV owners like Matt Linn utilize the additional power outlets to run appliances like coffeemakers and ice makers from their vehicles, reducing noise pollution in campsites. As more campers switch to electric vehicles, the outdoor spaces they explore are expected to have reduced noise pollution, providing a more peaceful and sustainable camping experience for all.
