Tesla Model 3 and a glider

Steve Leonard wrote on 12/16/2019 9:45 AM:
On Monday, December 16, 2019 at 11:30:12 AM UTC-6, Eric Greenwell wrote:

My dream is a self-driving motorhome that can tow the glider while I hang out on
the couch, sipping a glass of wine, catching up on RAS postings...

Or, pulling the trailer to your next destination while you are soaring there!

Oh, sure, during the day! But at night, a little wine, some whining on RAS, then
off to bed, while RoboHome takes us to the next soaring area.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to email me)
- "A Guide to Self-Launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorg...ad-the-guide-1

Alan Garside wrote on 12/16/2019 10:08 AM:
The electric Rover (I don't know the model) takes 38 hours to recharge on a
single phase supply but only 4 hours on a three phase supply. Is the Tesla
3 similar?

I assume so, but it also charges fairly fast on a single phase 240VAC, 50A
circuit, like you find in RV parks. That's good for 30 miles/hour; a single phase,
120VAC 15A wall receptacle can only charge at 4 miles/hour. I really don't know
the best choice for a generator to put in your trailer, but you do have 240VAC
single phase in most homes. It's what the city utility delivers.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to email me)
- "A Guide to Self-Launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorg...ad-the-guide-1

Ah, Americans and their overcompensation trucks.sad.

Charlie Quebec wrote on 12/16/2019 2:20 PM:
Ah, Americans and their overcompensation trucks.sad.

Why is the same trailer stable in Europe, but not in America?

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to email me)
- "A Guide to Self-Launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorg...ad-the-guide-1

On Mon, 16 Dec 2019 15:22:44 -0800, Eric Greenwell wrote:

Charlie Quebec wrote on 12/16/2019 2:20 PM:
Ah, Americans and their overcompensation trucks.sad.

Why is the same trailer stable in Europe, but not in America?

Speed possibly?

In the UK towing with a car at more than 60mph makes you eligible for a
speeding ticket. I haven't towed in Europe, but I'd expect a towing speed
limit below the standard motorway limit there too.


--
Martin | martin at
Gregorie | gregorie dot org

Martin Gregorie wrote on 12/16/2019 4:23 PM:
On Mon, 16 Dec 2019 15:22:44 -0800, Eric Greenwell wrote:

Charlie Quebec wrote on 12/16/2019 2:20 PM:
Ah, Americans and their overcompensation trucks.sad.

Why is the same trailer stable in Europe, but not in America?

Speed possibly?

In the UK towing with a car at more than 60mph makes you eligible for a
speeding ticket. I haven't towed in Europe, but I'd expect a towing speed
limit below the standard motorway limit there too.

It's a big country, and we do have some impatient pilots, so that's certainly some
of it. Some western states have 80 mph speed limits on the interstate highways.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to email me)
- "A Guide to Self-Launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorg...ad-the-guide-1

On Mon, 16 Dec 2019 17:00:40 -0800, Eric Greenwell wrote:

Martin Gregorie wrote on 12/16/2019 4:23 PM:
On Mon, 16 Dec 2019 15:22:44 -0800, Eric Greenwell wrote:

Charlie Quebec wrote on 12/16/2019 2:20 PM:
Ah, Americans and their overcompensation trucks.sad.

Why is the same trailer stable in Europe, but not in America?

Speed possibly?

In the UK towing with a car at more than 60mph makes you eligible for a
speeding ticket. I haven't towed in Europe, but I'd expect a towing
speed limit below the standard motorway limit there too.

It's a big country, and we do have some impatient pilots, so that's
certainly some of it. Some western states have 80 mph speed limits on
the interstate highways.

Thinking back, I remember that in the early '90s California had a lower
towing speed on freeways than for unencumbered cars, so from what you
said I guess this type of restriction no longer exists.


--
Martin | martin at
Gregorie | gregorie dot org

On Monday, December 16, 2019 at 6:22:47 PM UTC-5, Eric Greenwell wrote:
Why is the same trailer stable in Europe, but not in America?

I know! I know!
1) The Europeans use much stiffer suspension
2) Which is SO uncomfortable, they drive at wuss speeds.

Have I got it right R?

Martin Gregorie wrote on 12/16/2019 5:31 PM:
On Mon, 16 Dec 2019 17:00:40 -0800, Eric Greenwell wrote:

Martin Gregorie wrote on 12/16/2019 4:23 PM:
On Mon, 16 Dec 2019 15:22:44 -0800, Eric Greenwell wrote:

Charlie Quebec wrote on 12/16/2019 2:20 PM:
Ah, Americans and their overcompensation trucks.sad.

Why is the same trailer stable in Europe, but not in America?

Speed possibly?

In the UK towing with a car at more than 60mph makes you eligible for a
speeding ticket. I haven't towed in Europe, but I'd expect a towing
speed limit below the standard motorway limit there too.

It's a big country, and we do have some impatient pilots, so that's
certainly some of it. Some western states have 80 mph speed limits on
the interstate highways.

Thinking back, I remember that in the early '90s California had a lower
towing speed on freeways than for unencumbered cars, so from what you
said I guess this type of restriction no longer exists.

It still exists in California: 55 mph towing speed for any vehicle towing a
trailer. Most states do not have restrictions for automobiles, pickups, and
motorhomes, but only for commercial vehicles ("semis" towing trailers [aka 18
wheelers]). Even those are at least 60 mph, usually 65, sometimes higher.


--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to email me)
- "A Guide to Self-Launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorg...ad-the-guide-1

On Friday, December 13, 2019 at 1:19:35 PM UTC-8, bertvaneyken wrote:
Is there anyone using a Tesla Model 3 to tow his/her glider regularly?

Curious about the impact on range and usability to go on (European) gliding holiday.

More importantly, how long until the Tesla Model 3 is autonomous? No more need for ground crew!