Technology and the Tow-Behind: The Inside Story of the New Echo3

Editor: This informative article has been provided by Rex Halbeisen of Echo3.energy

Red Echo3 tow-behind photo

Technology is always evolving to improve and make things better. And, technological changes have now come to Tow Behind solutions for RV owners.

Introducing small, affordable electric vehicles that truly are game changers on fuel economy and economics.

Before we dive into the electric vehicle solutions, let’s look at the factors and options in previous and current technologies for tow-behinds. 

Tow-Behind Efficiency

There are a few elements that contribute to efficiency of an RV Tow Behind and these include number of axles with tires on the ground, total weight, and trailer hitch tongue weight. 

The number of axles on the ground is important because this contributes to the drag and friction coefficient. Really simple: the more tires you have on the ground, the more drag and resistance. This impacts your fuel economy. Many people like a 4-down solution where they use a front bumper and tow a vehicle without a trailer. Others like a single-axle tow solution: one axle on a trailer and one axle on the ground. While this may seem like a good solution, it’s worse than a 4-down because not only do you still have 4-down but now one has added tongue weight.

Motorhome towing an SUV photo
A typical 4-down tow-behind

Tongue Weight and Total Weight Considerations

There is the saying “nothing is free” and that holds true to tongue weight. The greater the tongue weight, the more stress and weight is added to the rear axle of the RV or other pulling vehicle.

Then total weight comes into play. Simple physics: the heavier the pull behind, the worse fuel economy. We all know once an object is in motion it takes less energy to keep it in motion. A heavy trailer has greater stress and fuel economy on starts and stops, and hill climbing.

photo of Echo3 with women

At Echo3, we have specially designed solution for the RV owner. Let’s first look at the vehicle. These are brand new, so let me give you a few highlights as an introduction. The Echo3 is a 3 passenger, 100% electric vehicle. The vehicle will go 50 miles on a single charge. It charges with a standard 110v extension cord so there is no need to find charging stations. The charging can even be done while driving.

The units have all the features of a standard car with features like Bluetooth, USB, AC/Heater, power windows, backup camera and much more. The 50 mile range makes it easy to do all your short trips after you have camp set up. Who wants to break down camp because you need more ice? Ok, back to efficiency. 

The Echo3 unit weighs only 830 pounds and that is generally about 1/4  the weight of a 4-door sedan. Such a lightweight vehicle makes a huge impact with efficiency on total weight and tongue weight. 

We designed a complete solution so we have a custom designed tip on/off single axle trailer that adds to the efficiency. The total trailer weight is 645 pounds. This means the entire solution is 1,475 pounds. The combination of the Echo3 and companion is absolutely the lightest tow-behind solution on the market thanks to improvements in technology.

Echo3 trailer photo
Echo3 Trailer
Photo of Green Echo3 on trailer

Now let’s talk tongue weight, this will make you excited. With a total weight of 1,475 and properly designed trailer, the totally tongue weight is an amazing 140 pounds. With such a light tongue weight your RV will have virtually no impact on fuel economy.

Let’s wrap this up by examining the biggest decision influencer: economics. To get a real comparison one must examine the cost of the vehicle being towed, the amount to insure it, fuel, maintenance and  how much to register with the DMV in your state. This can be a very costly solution.

The Echo3 starts at $6,995. It costs $100 a YEAR for insurance and less than $10 in every state to register them. You have zero cost in gas, oil and transmission fluid. Windshield washer fluid is a wash (pun intended ) but a smaller windshield means less fluid. Add it up and you can’t find a more economical solution. Based on analysis, total cost to operate is about 1/8th of standard tow-behind based in a combustion engine solution. 

Technology changes at breakneck speed. I hope you found this article educational and that it will help you in your selection process for a tow behind. Learn more at www.Echo3.Energy (yes Energy is a new internet extension just like good old .com)

Oh, wait, one last thing so you understand where I am coming from: I am a Colorado native and camp all over, living the outdoor lifestyle. I tell people MY mountains are my sanctuary. I hope I cross your path in the great outdoors. 

If you would like to continue the conversation, please feel free to reach out.

Safe travels,

Rex Halbeisen Email

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