I Learned a Few Things Towing With My Tesla Cybertruck, It Would Have Been Cheaper and Faster With My Ford F-350 Diesel Truck

Is it cheaper to tow a trailer with a Tesla Cybertruck or a Ford F-350 Super Duty Diesel? Here is Joseph's towing experience with his Cybertruck and why he thinks it would have been cheaper with his Ford F-350 Diesel that was in the shop. 

It took Joseph 4 hours and 20 minutes to go 185 miles in his Tesla Cybertruck, and he had to stop twice to recharge. 

Joseph Lee, on the Tesla Cybertruck Facebook page, says he has learned a few things about his Tesla Cybertruck after a trip to Wisconsin to tow a trailer. He owns a Ford F-350 Super Duty diesel truck and would have taken it if it weren't for being in the shop. 

So he had to take his Cybertruck. Joseph says it would have been cheaper and faster in his Ford diesel truck, which he has used to tow various trailers over long distances. 

He says, "I towed a dump trailer a few hundred miles with my Tesla Cybertruck and learned a few things. Going roughly 75 mph on the highway gives me about 100 miles of distance." 

"Not all Superchargers are trailer-friendly with straight-in or pull-through spots. I had to take up six spots at one charger. If my diesel truck weren't in the shop, I would have used it instead. I'd say it'd have been faster and cheaper to tow it with that. Otherwise, it was easier to drive with the Cybertruck."

It's Why Joseph Bought the Ford F-350 SD

First, Joseph's F-350 Super Duty diesel comes with a powerful 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine, offering best-in-class torque and towing capabilities. It boasts a robust 450 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, making it a reliable performer in towing and hauling, especially over long distances. 

Is it cheaper to tow a trailer with a Tesla Cybertruck or a Ford F-350 Super Duty Diesel?

Towing with a Ford F-350 diesel truck is generally more cost-effective than towing with a Tesla Cybertruck, especially for long distances or heavier loads. The F-350's diesel engine provides significantly better towing range and fuel efficiency than the Cybertruck's electric motor, even when towing. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Ford F-350 Diesel:

• Towing Capacity: The F-350 diesel, equipped with a powerful engine, can tow up to 23,200 pounds conventionally and 23,800 pounds with a fifth-wheel hitch, making it well-suited for towing heavier trailers and long distances.
• Fuel Efficiency: While towing, the diesel engine offers better range and fuel efficiency than the Cybertruck's electric motor.
• Range: The F-350's fuel tank holds more fuel, allowing for longer distances between refueling.
• Charging/Refueling: Refueling the F-350 takes a few minutes while charging the Cybertruck's battery can take a considerable amount of time, especially at public chargers. 

Tesla Cybertruck:

• Towing Capacity: The Cybertruck's dual and tri-motor models have a maximum towing capacity of 11,000 pounds, while the single-motor model is limited to 7,500 pounds.
• Range: While towing, the Cybertruck's range is limited, and it may be necessary to stop more often for charging.
• Charging: Charging the Cybertruck can take longer than refueling the F-350, especially if the trailer is significantly impacting the battery's range.
• Cost: While the Cybertruck is electric and may have lower fuel costs per mile compared to the F-350, the cost of charging (especially at public chargers) and the limited towing range can lead to higher overall towing costs, according to a Reddit thread.

What are Other Cybertruck Owners Saying?

Richard Tucker - "I just did 400 miles each way with my boat. Managed on the first charge at 100%, about 130 miles. Then, between 80-100 miles for the rest of the stops. Added about 1.5 hours in charging to the trip." 

"Only one charger had a pull-through, so I disconnected all the other stops. It took about 2 minutes to take off and then hook back up. One pro was I purchased. FS CT and got free charging, which was great. Also, it's the best towing truck I have ever owned, I have a diesel F-250 for towing work equipment, and it tows like shit compared to the CT. I'll start using it more for work."

What About Slowing Down?

Richard says, "I actually tried different things, but honestly, the best was to go the speed limit. That way, it matched the percentage of the estimated charge remaining. When I went 70 in a 65, I slowly lost that remainder. When it leaves you with only 7% to reach your next charge, that starts to give you anxiety: "Am I gonna make it?"

Conclusion:

Joseph's Ford F-350's diesel engine is a better choice for towing, especially over long distances or with heavier loads, due to its greater towing capacity, better fuel efficiency, and faster refueling times. 

The Cybertruck's electric motor is better suited for shorter trips and lighter loads, but its limited towing range and charging times can increase the overall cost of towing. 

Joseph says he has also occasionally towed a 1978 Land Yacht 31' Airstream trailer when he goes camping. 

He says, "My new Cybertruck and old Airstream. It tows well and quietly. Fortunately, I am not camping far and can reach in one full charge."

What I would like to know is, when he gets to the campsite, how does he recharge his CT in the middle of nowhere to get back home?

Do You Tow With Your Cybertruck?

Do you have your own towing experiences with a Tesla Cybertruck or a Ford F-350 Diesel? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and share your insights with the community.

Check out my Tesla Cybertruck story: Tesla Cybertruck Owner Says, “My CT Saved Me $5,226 In One Year, and It Outperforms My Ford F-250 Power Stroke, I’m Selling It and Buying Another Cybertruck”

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Joseph Lee