Tesla Killed My Plans To Pull An RV With My Cybertruck, It Doesn’t Have Enough Range To Do the Job, So I’m Selling It

If the Tesla Cybertruck just had more range to pull my travel trailer, I would keep it. I love the truck, but it doesn't have enough range to do the job.

Jaime Rook, in a post on the Tesla Cybertruck Owners Facebook page, says he's selling his absolutely mint condition Tesla Cybertruck. It has always been hand-washed, and it has been kept in the garage every night since he purchased it.

Why is he selling it? The answer is simple yet heartbreaking for Jamie: Tesla canceled the extended-range battery.

Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a vehicle, treating it with the utmost care, only to discover it can't fulfill its primary purpose. That's the bittersweet reality for Jaime Rook, a devoted Tesla Cybertruck owner who's reluctantly selling his "absolute mint condition" truck. 

His pride and joy, which he always hand-washes and garages every night since he bought it, is now on the market.
 

Jamie, like many Cybertruck owners, took great pride in his vehicle. It wasn't just a truck; it was a head-turner, a conversation starter, and a symbol of innovation. He envisioned open roads, remote campsites, and the freedom of the great outdoors, all powered by the future. 

"If only," Jamie sighed, running a hand over the cold, stainless steel fender, "if only it had just a bit more range."
 

The Promise That Vanished

When Jamie pre-ordered his Cybertruck, Tesla had hinted at and even promised an extended-range battery option. For Jamie, this wasn't just a luxury; it was a necessity. 

His passion is his travel trailer, an Rpod RP-195, which serves as his home away from home. He dreamed of hitching it up and embarking on cross-country adventures, confident in the Cybertruck's ability to tow without constant range anxiety. 

The extended battery was the missing piece of his puzzle, the answer to his towing needs.
 

Then came the devastating news: the extended-range battery was canceled. Just like that, his grand plans for electric RVing evaporated. The standard range, while impressive for daily driving, was insufficient to reliably pull his RV over the desired distances he wanted to travel. 

He couldn't risk being stranded or constantly searching for charging stations in remote areas.

The Numbers Don't Lie

To confirm his fears, Jamie performed a real-world trailer pull test:

• Trailer: Rpod RP-195 (empty tanks)
• Trailer Weight: 3,580 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 365 lbs
• Cold Tire Pressure: Front 50 psi, Rear 65 psi, Trailer 80 psi
• Truck Passenger Weight: 350 lbs

Jamie drove from Oceanside, California, to Temecula and back, maintaining speed limits on ancillary roads and setting cruise control at 60 mph on the freeway. 

The temperature was 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and the climate control was set to 72 degrees. With an altitude change of roughly +/- 300 feet, he attained 778 Wh/mi, resulting in a full battery range of just 157 miles when towing.

"It pulled wonderfully," Jamie noted, though he did encounter a software glitch: 

The traffic screen thought there was a large truck behind me (it was the trailer) and kept flashing a picture on and off every half second. 

That was very annoying, an issue that needs to be addressed in the software. 

The Range Is a Big Concern

Despite this, he praised the "software trailer brake actuator," saying it "works well. Overall, it is an incredible experience, but the range is a big concern."

Jamie had been willing to invest an additional $16,000 for the auxiliary battery to gain more range.

Confirmation of Cancellation

Reports from reputable sources confirm Tesla's decision. Kelley Blue Book stated, "In a move rumored since early last month, Tesla appears to have ended plans to build a range-boosting second battery for its Cybertruck pickup." 
 

Electrek reported that Cybertruck owners have begun receiving refunds for the battery booster, accompanied by an email explaining, "We are no longer planning to sell the Range Extender for Cybertruck."

KBB detailed the promised solution: "Essentially a second battery half the size of the first, it would mount in the Cybertruck's bed. It would occupy some of the truck's bed space, and only Tesla technicians would be able to install or remove it. But it might boost the truck up to a more competitive range."

A Costly Farewell

Now, Jamie is faced with selling his cherished Cybertruck and finding a vehicle that can reliably pull his RV. He's considering traditional options, such as a Ford F-250 or a Chevy Silverado Diesel.

The financial hit is significant. Jamie has invested over $2,000 in Tesla accessories and an $8,000 ALSET wrap that's in perfect condition. 

His additional upgrades include:

• Tesla Cybertruck cover ($300, unopened box)
• Extra L-Track Hooks ($25)
• 2 tailgate jump seats ($200, unopened box)
• Door projection lights ($75)
• Bumper protectors ($95)
• Frunk cargo net ($85)
• Under-seat storage bins ($250)
• Tailgate shield for mountain bikes ($300, unopened)
• Vault cargo divider ($350)
• Cyber wheel cap kit, wheel covers (unopened)

Jamie is willing to sell his Cybertruck for $75,000, with 13,200 miles on the odometer.

Conclusion
 

With a heavy heart, Jamie is parting with his futuristic beast. It was a wrenching decision but a practical one. He needed a truck that could do the job, and sadly, his beloved Cybertruck, despite all its virtues, just couldn't pull off his dream. 

The emotional toll of this decision is significant, as he's not just selling a vehicle but a dream and a part of his identity as a Tesla owner. 

Needless to say, he's taking a significant financial hit on his Cybertruck. If he wants to go camping, he'll need a different truck. 

The financial implications of this decision should not be underestimated, as Jamie has invested a substantial amount in his Cybertruck and its accessories, only to find that it cannot meet his needs.

What would you do in Jamie's situation?

Which truck would you recommend he buy next? Your input could be valuable to Jamie and other Cybertruck owners facing similar dilemmas. Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know your thoughts.

Check out my Tesla Cybertruck story: I Tried To Test Drive A Tesla Cybertruck Over the Weekend, and the Dealer Says All 48-Hour Test Drives Are Stopped Because People Are Abusing the Program

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 Jamie Rook