A Tesla Cybertruck owner, Sherwin, recently put his electric pickup to the test, hauling his son’s drumline gear for a school competition. The round trip totaled 103 miles, with the truck consuming 81 kWh of energy and arriving at the charger with approximately 15% battery remaining.
Sherwin, who documents his vehicle experiences on YouTube, shared the journey in an April 3, 2025, video. His son’s school needed a parent to transport equipment to a winter drumline competition in Los Angeles, and he volunteered his Cybertruck for the task. The trailer, estimated at around 5,500 pounds, was loaded with gear, and Sherwin set off after charging his truck and picking up 120 chicken nuggets for the kids.
A Day of Hauling and Charging
The trip began with a visit to a Supercharger, where Sherwin raised the battery from 73% to 89%. By the time he attached the trailer and was ready to depart, the display showed 87%. In addition to the drumline equipment, Sherwin packed essentials like lights, a wagon, a portable battery, Starlink equipment, and an inflator.
The Cybertruck was part of a small volunteer operation, with another trailer being hauled by a Toyota Tundra. Sherwin, still learning the nuances of towing, appreciated the truck’s trailer light test feature, which allowed him to inspect the trailer’s lights via the touchscreen. However, he noted a pushing-and-pulling sensation while driving and had to adjust the trailer brake gain to suit the load.
The Outbound Drive and Return Journey
The 53-mile outbound drive was reassuring, with the truck consuming 35 kWh and arriving at the destination with 57% battery remaining. This was 20 percentage points higher than the initial navigation prediction of 37%. The encouraging result allowed Sherwin to focus on unloading and assisting with the event without worrying about charging.
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However, the return journey proved more challenging. The truck’s range display, based on EPA-rated consumption, showed 274 miles at departure, but this did not account for the loaded trailer and varying conditions like speed, wind, and hills. Sherwin’s attention shifted to the predicted arrival charge, which became a critical factor in his decision-making.
After handling a tight entrance at the school, Sherwin faced the anxiety of the return trip. The Cybertruck recommended a Supercharger stop, but he opted for a Whole Foods location along the way to monitor the battery. He eventually made it back, logging a total of 103 miles and an average consumption of 788 Wh per mile.
The experience highlighted the importance of planning, especially for the final stop. Sherwin’s day ended with dropping off the trailer and charging his truck at a local Supercharger, where he planned to charge only to 20-25% before heading to a faster charger the next day.
Planning for the Unexpected
He also emphasized the importance of checking the entrance and exit points of the destination. The tight school entrance, lined with parked cars, was a significant challenge. Confirming where the trailer can enter, unload, turn around, and leave beforehand can prevent unnecessary stress.
Lessons from the Return Journey
He also noted the limitations of the rear camera and mirrors during tight maneuvers. The camera primarily showed the trailer, and the mirrors’ automatic tilt was unhelpful. These observations suggest that drivers should be prepared to adjust settings or rely on external assistance when handling challenging spaces.
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After dropping off the trailer, Sherwin faced difficulty unhitching it, requiring help from a nearby friend. This final task, completed late at night, highlighted the physical and logistical demands of towing, even for short distances.
At the Supercharger, Sherwin logged the trip’s totals: 103 miles, 81 kWh, and an average consumption of 788 Wh per mile. He planned to charge only to 20-25% before visiting a faster charger the next day, prioritizing rest over a full battery.
Sherwin’s journey concluded with a practical reminder for other parents considering similar tasks: plan the entire day, including the post-event tasks. By midnight, the equipment was returned, and the truck was charging, but the experience was a full lesson in electric towing logistics.
Charging and Towing Considerations
Another Cybertruck owner reported energy consumption near 700 Wh per mile during a 350-mile boat-towing trip, with charging stops around 145 miles apart. A Rivian R1S driver avoided unhitching at major charging stops by using trailer-friendly sites during a trip between Phoenix and San Diego. For occasional tow drivers, easy entrance and exit at charging sites simplify the process.
Local hauling jobs, like a Rivian R1T owner’s trip to Prescott, may require alternative charging solutions when destinations prohibit EV charging. In such cases, nearby destination chargers can provide a workaround. Dropping off trailers before charging, as in Sherwin’s situation, can also streamline the process. A GMC Sierra EV owner completed a 224-mile Airstream trip with 14% battery remaining, emphasizing the need to consider mileage and consumption alongside percentage.
