The shortlist depends on your route
The Cybertruck is the only option here backed by a Recharged long-distance trailer test, while the Rivian R1T is the used-price alternative supported by our retail data. That doesn’t make either truck ideal for every job: your loaded trailer, speed, weather, terrain, charging access, and stop layout can all change the result. If you’re comparing used trucks, pair towing requirements with a complete used-EV inspection rather than choosing on headline range alone.
Electric-truck towing choices at a glance
The right choice depends on whether firsthand towing evidence, used pricing, or local-trip convenience matters most.
| Truck or path | Best for | Recharged evidence | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Cybertruck | Charger-rich routes | 2,500-lb road test | Major range loss |
| Used Rivian R1T | Price-focused shopping | $52,998 sold median | Tow range not tested |
| Any EV pickup | Short local hauling | Route planning matters | Trailer-unfriendly stalls |
Recharged evidence available as of September 22, 2026.
The practical takeaway is simple: choose around the towing trip you’ll actually make. The Cybertruck completed Recharged’s long drive with the trailer intact and ample charging along the route, but the extra stops transformed the schedule. The R1T deserves consideration from used shoppers, although Recharged’s available data supports a price comparison, not a claim about its loaded range.
What did towing do to Cybertruck range?
Towing cut the Cybertruck’s practical road range to about 130–140 miles between charges during Recharged’s Richmond-to-Jacksonville test. The trailer and its equipment weighed approximately 2,500 pounds, and the truck was typically charged to a displayed 280–290 miles before returning to the road. The team usually sees about 310–315 miles without that tow load, so the trailer changed both energy use and stop frequency dramatically.
At the first documented stop, the truck used roughly 200 miles of displayed range to travel a little over 120 road miles and arrived with just under 50 miles remaining. Charging became necessary every hour and a half to two hours, with approximately seven to 10 stops on the southbound trip instead of the one or two stops the team typically makes on the return drive without the trailer. A journey normally completed in under 10 hours took about 15 hours.
We could complete the trip and find plenty of charging, but towing turned a drive we normally make in under 10 hours into about 15 hours. The truck did the work; the range loss and charging schedule were the real problems.
Don’t plan from the dashboard estimate alone
What Recharged pricing says about the used R1T
Recharged’s retail data positions the Rivian R1T as a serious used-market alternative, but it does not establish the truck’s towing range. Across 14 R1Ts sold by Recharged during the trailing 12 months, buyers paid an average retail price of $56,711 and a median of $52,998. Final retail prices ranged from $44,998 to $75,847, reflecting the different vehicles included in that sales slice.
Among 15 matching R1Ts listed on Recharged on September 22, 2026, asking prices averaged $68,171 and had a median of $62,998; listings ranged from $52,599 to $98,997. These current asking prices and historical retail sale prices describe different groups at different times, so the difference should not be treated as a discount or guaranteed savings. Use the sold figures as retail context, then compare the condition, equipment, mileage, and verified battery health of the specific truck you’re considering.
The takeaway is that an R1T can occupy a broad used-price range, giving you choices beyond buying a new electric pickup. Recharged has not supplied an equivalent R1T trailer test here, however, so you should verify the truck’s tow rating and plan loaded-range needs independently before choosing it over the Cybertruck.
Recharged data
Used Rivian R1t prices at Recharged
$62,998
median list price
Current list prices for matching inventory at Recharged.
- Lowest
- $52,599
- Average
- $68,171
- Highest
- $98,997
Based on available listings
Recharged data
Recent Rivian R1t sold prices
$52,998
median sold price
What buyers actually paid through Recharged, not list price.
- Lowest
- $44,998
- Average
- $56,711
- Highest
- $75,847
Monthly median sold price
Based on Recharged sales in the last 12 months
Every EV is battery-tested with a Recharged Score. Nationwide delivery.
Charging access can decide the trip
A trailer-compatible charging stop can matter as much as the charger itself. During Recharged’s trip, one location offered 16 chargers but lacked a trailer-friendly parking arrangement; the team managed because the site was nearly empty late at night. At better stops, the truck could pull up and charge without complicated trailer maneuvering.
Before leaving, inspect satellite views and recent site photos, identify backup stations, and check whether you can approach a stall without unhitching. Don’t assume a large charger count guarantees room for a truck and trailer. For the basic differences between home and road charging, review Recharged’s EV charging guide, but remember that home charging won’t solve trailer access during a long-distance journey.
What should you check before towing?
You should verify the truck, trailer, route, and charging layout before hitching up. A used electric truck also needs a careful mechanical and battery review because towing places sustained demands on the vehicle. Start with the manufacturer’s documentation for your exact configuration, then work through these practical checks.
Pre-tow electric-truck checklist
Confirm the exact limits
Check the tow and payload ratings for the truck’s specific configuration rather than relying on a model-wide claim.
Inspect towing hardware
Examine the receiver, hitch components, wiring connection, safety chains, trailer tires, and trailer brakes.
Verify battery condition
Review battery-health diagnostics and begin with enough charge to preserve a practical reserve.
Map conservative legs
Plan for substantially less range than the unloaded estimate and identify at least one backup charger.
Check trailer access
Use site photos and maps to determine whether the charging stalls can accommodate an attached trailer.
Allow extra time
Budget for more charging stops, possible detours, and maneuvering or unhitching at crowded stations.
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Electric-truck towing FAQ
The verdict favors realistic trip planning
The Cybertruck is Recharged’s evidence-backed choice for an electric tow vehicle on a route with plentiful, accessible fast charging, but the endorsement comes with a major range warning. It hauled the 2,500-pound load to its destination, yet practical range dropped to about 130–140 miles and travel time increased sharply. For local towing, that compromise may be manageable; for repeated long-distance hauling, calculate the charging schedule before you decide that any electric truck is the right tool.
