I Couldn’t Decide Between My Ram 1500 or Tesla Cybertruck to Tow My Boat, But After Putting the Cybertruck to the Test, I’d Feel Comfortable Selling My Ram

Towing stories give us a clear glimpse into whether an electric truck can match the confidence people place in traditional gas pickups, and one story in the “Tesla Cybertruck Owners” group on Facebook recently stood out to me. Chris Evert explained how he was torn between taking his Ram 1500 or his Tesla Cybertruck on a boat-towing trip from Illinois to Canada, but he ultimately decided to give the Cybertruck a chance to prove itself. What followed was a trip that not only exceeded his expectations with smooth charging stops and stress-free range management, but also outperformed his Ram on rough unpaved roads thanks to regenerative braking and handling.

Here’s how Chris put it: “I was undecided on whether or not to drive my Ram 1500 or Cybertruck from Illinois to Canada while towing my boat for a fishing trip. I decided to put the CT to the test. I am pleased to report that the Cybertruck did an amazing job and exceeded my expectations. The true benefit was the Tesla navigation/network telling you when and where to stop and for how long. I never had any range anxiety. It was an extremely relaxing way to travel. Drive for 2 to 2 1/2 hours then a quick stop to recharge for a bit. The longest it had me drive was 192 miles and I still had 10% remaining. Sure—it added a few hours onto my trip but the drive was broken up into parts which made it not seem like it was taking longer. The last 7 miles was an unpaved bumpy road, again, while towing my boat. It handled way better than my Ram. Especially the regen braking.
After this trip, I would feel comfortable selling my Ram."

Why Navigation and Charging Matter

One of the most underrated features of Tesla’s system is the built-in navigation that tells you exactly when and where to stop to recharge. Chris highlighted how this eliminated range anxiety, and that’s not something every EV brand can say yet. For someone hauling a boat hundreds of miles, having the peace of mind that your route is planned around charging is game-changing. What could feel like a hassle turned into a natural rhythm that made the trip more relaxing than exhausting.

It’s a reminder that long-distance towing with an electric truck isn’t just about the size of the battery or the raw range numbers. It’s about how intelligently the system guides the driver to use what they have. Chris drove nearly 200 miles at one point with charge to spare, showing that even with a heavy load, the Cybertruck delivered results that would surprise skeptics. It's also stories of owners who report the cost of supercharging a Cybertruck that give a glimpse into how real-world usage balances cost and convenience.

The Advantage of Regenerative Braking

Where the Cybertruck really surprised Chris was on the final stretch. The unpaved roads are typically where traditional trucks often shine, yet Chris noted the Cybertruck outperformed his Ram thanks to regenerative braking. That’s a huge benefit for drivers who regularly tow in varied terrain. The safety of regenerative braking while towing heavy loads is not only about conserving range, but it also adds control and stability. For anyone who has felt a trailer pushing against them on a downhill slope, the difference this can make can’t be overstated.

This moment also speaks to a bigger point that electric trucks like the Cybertruck aren’t just trying to match their gas counterpart but are introducing new ways of handling that can make traditional trucks feel outdated.

Community Reactions to Towing With the Cybertruck

Other Cybertruck owners chimed in under Chris’s post to add layers to this discussion.

Henry Polo wrote, “Congrats. It does make me nervous pulling up to a charging station and having to take up 3 to 4 stalls due to the camper or boat in the back. Did you encounter any issues?” 

Chris responded: “No. There was one place where all the stalls were empty so I blocked three of them to charge. Then every Tesla in the area decided to swing by and charge once I started charging. Luckily one guy finished when another Tesla pulled up with no spot available. I had to disconnect my trailer two times on my trip. Not a big deal.” 

His response highlights one of the biggest logistical hurdles of charging an electric truck while towing a trailer. It may not always be seamless, but owners are finding ways to make it manageable.

Jeff Kincaid added more depth to the conversation: “I loved both my recent Ram pick-ups and my Cybertruck. Overall, I love the CT more. I wasn't planning on getting FSD; I upgraded to Foundation mainly for the free lifetime supercharging. 13,000 miles have cost me $1 thus far & about 9 or 10,000 miles have been FSD. I don't think I could go back to tedious manual driving. The RAMs rode great, but the CT is better. The RAMs had good power, especially the V8, but the CT is better. The CT is significantly easier to maneuver and park in tight spaces. I haven't towed yet with the CT, but it was good with the Rams & I think the Rams would win that battle based on towing range. Talking about range, that is a significant advantage of the Rams over the CT. I could fill up in Michigan and make it to my home in Maryland without ever stopping if I wanted. There are a few areas where the Rams were better in my opinion. Overall, so far I’m super happy with my CT!”

Jeff’s comment is valuable because it balances praise with realism. He admits the Ram still has an edge in gas truck towing range on long interstate drives, but he points out how cost-effective the Cybertruck can be with free supercharging. Not every owner will have that perk, though, and road-tripping in an EV without it can be costly. That’s why Tesla’s Foundation package, which includes perks like free charging, is such a hot topic in the community.

Then there was Ju Baba’s short but telling remark: “This thing just sells itself.” 

That line captures what Tesla has long aimed for with its vehicles. The Cybertruck isn’t for everyone, and that's okay. But once owners actually put it through tests like Chris did, the truck often wins them over on its own merits.

And beyond performance and towing, Cybertruck ownership also sparks cultural reactions. Some owners have even mentioned experiences like being told to get something American made while driving a Cybertruck, highlighting how the truck challenges perceptions of what an American pickup can be.

The Bigger Picture of EV Towing

Chris’s experience and the comments that followed point to a bigger trend. While EV trucks may not rival heavy-duty diesels like a 2500, towing has long been seen as their weak spot. That's why stories like this are beginning to shift that perception by proving their real-world capability.

At the same time, it’s worth remembering that EVs are still developing. Charging infrastructure, trailer-friendly stall designs, and range limitations remain hurdles. But those hurdles don’t erase the fact that trucks like the Cybertruck are already proving themselves in demanding situations, from towing boats across borders to handling rough off-road paths. Just recently, one 87-year-old driver called a ride in the Cybertruck as the most amazing drive of his life, showing how this vehicle resonates across generations.

Key Takeaways

• Tesla’s built-in navigation eliminates towing range anxiety by scheduling smart charging stops.
• Regenerative braking offers safety and comfort advantages that traditional trucks can’t match while towing.
• Charging with a trailer attached can still be inconvenient, but owners are adapting by disconnecting when necessary.
• Cost of ownership varies significantly, depending on perks like free supercharging or paying out of pocket for road trips.
• Gas/diesel trucks still hold the edge in nonstop towing range, but EV trucks are closing the gap in many areas.

Share Your Thoughts on the Cybertruck

Do you think a trip like Chris’s shows that the Cybertruck is ready to take the place of a traditional gas truck?

And if you’ve already towed with an electric truck, how did your experience compare to the one Chris described?

Don't hesitate to share your thoughts in our comments below. 

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Tesla’s gallery.