Think you can’t tow a camper with a small EV like the Chevy Bolt? Think again.
Gail and Devin Thorpe are proving It’s not only possible, they’re doing it and have launched a YouTube channel to document their adventures.
The couple, who recently moved to Jacksonville from Salt Lake City, originally envisioned towing with an electric pickup. They placed reservations for a Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T and Chevrolet Silverado EV, figuring they’d buy the one that gets built first.
Post your comments or questions about the Thorpes’ Bolt and Aliner here.
At this point, it’s looking like the Rivian will end up being the one they get but it’s not expected to be delivered until December 2023.
Rather than put their camping dreams on hold, they decided to see if it was possible to tow their Aliner A-Frame with their front-wheel-drive Bolt. After a lot of research, they decided the answer was yes – despite the Bolt not being rated to tow by Chevrolet.
Editor’s Note: Chevrolet says the Bolt is not designed to tow and advises against it. Although EV Rider is sharing the Thorpes’ story, the video and this post do not represent an endorsement of towing with vehicles that are not tow-rated or specifically designed for towing.
Not only are they towing with the Bolt, their Aliner has 500-watts of self-installed solar power and a 2.5 kWh battery, allowing them to power a refrigerator and air conditioner off the grid for hours at a time.
For all the details, watch this week’s episode of EV Rider at the top of this post. And, check out Gail and Devin’s Our Solar Electric Trailer Journey YouTube channel for an episode on the EV Rider Zero SR/F electric motorcycle.
If you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition of EV Rider please give it a like and subscribe to my YouTube channel so I can bring you more adventures in EV motoring.