Aptera › Community › Aptera Discussions › Possible towing
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Possible towing
Posted by aaron-huffman on February 4, 2023 at 5:12 pmHey all, I’m considering the 250 mile model as a perfect secondary vehicle for me. I ride my motorcycle every day of the year and will be switching back to electric soon with the Energica Experia.
As I like to focus on reliable transportation, I’ve learned that I cannot ride my bike every day of the year due to service among other possible issues. I’m making a big comparison sheet for secondary vehicles of which I’m comparing the Aptera 250/Used Leaf/Used Chevy Volt/Used old Model S. One of the areas I’m looking at is the possibility to tow my bike if need be to a repair shop. I’m aware this would destroy all the Aptera stands for, however it would be a big point in practicality for me!
I, very much alike others really want to support all that Aptera stands for and will soon accomplish but a lot of it goes down to value for me.
william-hester replied 2 months, 4 weeks ago 12 Members · 12 Replies -
12 Replies
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Possible towing
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The Launch Edition vehicle doesn’t have any provision to tow.
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Like the Off Road Package, any kind of towing capability would likely involve an engineering/hardware change to the current design. Retrofitting that to the currently designed LE, might not be so easy.
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As currently designed, there’s nothing in the rear of the Aptera to which a tow bar can be attached: It can’t be attached to the rear wheel skirt and it can’t be attached to the swing-arm. The closest point of attachment would be to the castings that form the rear of the chassis, to which the swing-arm attaches.
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This whole towing issue has me a bit baffled. How hard would it be to incorporate an attachment spot at the backside of the aluminum frame then create access through the body? I might be wrong, but it seems like it should be fairly simple. A hit on efficiency? I doubt it. At most – insignificant. When a trailer is attached – from then on it’s the owner’s problem and responsibility. I live on a small farm and would love to be able to hook up a trailer now and then to cart things around (take garbage to the local dump; drive around the property picking up tree limbs; go to the local supply store to pick up some building materials). It seems stupid to have to keep a pickup around for the dozen or so times a year I would need it when my Aptera could easily take care of it. (Something to engineer while waiting for $50,000,000 to show up.) Was wondering how much maximum weight the Aptera might be rated to pull. Any guesses?
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Teardrops — not shedding any because I KNOW I’ll find a way to connect a custom, ultra-lightweight, teardrop camper to my future Aptera. Designing it in 3D modeling to fully complement the lines and finishes, add more solar collection, and enjoy a nationwide tour! 🌞⚡🏞✌🏼
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This reply was modified 5 months, 2 weeks ago by
Zaz.
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This reply was modified 5 months, 2 weeks ago by
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Towing a trailer behind a tadpole trike will necessarily adversely affect handling and lateral stability.
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I wouldn’t be surprised if aptera never develops a first party tow package. there might be an aftermarket kit or you can build one yourself.
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I don’t think anyone is expecting to tow much or for it to not impact efficiency but if a motorcycle can safely take a small trailer then no reason Aptera would have any issue. For me this is very critical because I intend Aptera to be my only vehicle and still need to transport kayaks or bikes (generally no more than 20-30 miles max so I don’t care about the range loss). Something like this: https://www.sylvansport.com/go-easy-kayak-trailer/
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I had good luck when towing a teardrop trailer with a model three. I think this one might be a good fit for Aptera: https://www.earthtravelerteardroptrailers.com
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I had an ice vehicle that a National rental company added a tow hitch onto for a camping fold down trailer. There wasn’t any frame in the back of this car, and that little trailer tore the hitch off in less than 150 miles.
So I agree there is not a easy way to put a hitch on an Aptera.
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