LightShip 4 Now Starting Customer Evaluation

[Rory (Lightship Team)]

Add to the discussion with the alternate (but approximate) formula:

FD = 1/4 AV^2

hey @redbaron , no simplifying our CdA! It took us years to make it worth breaking out )

 

[Rory (Lightship Team)]

The LightShip attracts attention. As people walk up to it I am using a new approach to initiate a discussion about this new RV.

I had a window cling banner made up at Signs.com and stuck it on the entry door of LightShip 4. When the question arises by a newby showing interest in the LightShip I ask them to consider the equation. The Q & A flows so easily from the equation.

Interesting how the window cling reflects around the LightShip windows.

View attachment 31290

View attachment 31291

@turbopilot , do you experience a noticeable performance difference in your plane between dry cold conditions and humid hot conditions? Theoretically there could be a small percentage point reduction in air density (“p”) from cold desert to hot coastal but curious if it translates into noticeable efficiency gains…

 

[redbaron]

hey @redbaron , no simplifying our CdA! It took us years to make it worth breaking out )

Of course your formula is the most accurate.

For my current inventory of Diesel pushers, 1 ton dually and various large trailers, approximate satisfies curiosity.


In all seriousness though, I like the approach @turbopilot is taking because that will definitely be a conversation starter.

 

[Rory (Lightship Team)]

Of course your formula is the most accurate.

For my current inventory of Diesel pushers, 1 ton dually and various large trailers, approximate satisfies curiosity.


In all seriousness though, I like the approach @turbopilot is taking because that will definitely be a conversation starter.

Haha yes!

 

[turbopilot]

@turbopilot , do you experience a noticeable performance difference in your plane between dry cold conditions and humid hot conditions? Theoretically there could be a small percentage point reduction in air density (“p”) from cold desert to hot coastal but curious if it translates into noticeable efficiency gains…

Humidity has a small impact on air density. Altitude and heat are the major variables. Every aircraft has a section in the manual about adjusting performance for density altitude. Density altitude not only impacts aerodynamics but also has a big impact on efficiency and power of most internal combustion engines. Pure EVs and turbocharged ICE engines are not significantly impacted by density altitude.

 

[turbopilot]

Haha yes!

It definitely works for the "liberal arts" majors. They have no idea what it means.

 

[turbopilot]

Continuing to baseline LightShip 4. I am ramping up road testing in the lower deserts of the SouthWest. For next week we are going to have temperatures in the 90's, so Summer time conditions for the testing over this period.

I took LightShip 4 to the CAT scales for the first weigh in. I will do a more detailed weigh in later looking at before and after weight distribution weights but for now I wanted a base line before loading in all the cargo associated with typical camping use.

So here are the conditions for this weigh in.

1. No cabin load, just as It was from the factory.
2. 480 lbs of water, 400 in the water tank and 80 in the hot water tank.
3. Factory Curt load distribution hitch set up with 5 chain links used.
4. Hitch weight before hook up was 680 lbs.
5. For PowerBoost Platinum empty weight 6,063 lbs, giving max load of 1,237 lbs.
6. Estimated Powerboost bed and cabin load for CAT weigh in 350 lbs.

So backing into the empty weight of the LightShip you start with the CAT scale weight on the four LightShip tires of 7,440 lbs. Next subtract 480 lbs of water to equal 6,960 lbs. Next add back 680 lbs of hitch weight and the empty weight is around 7,650 lbs.

But there is one more adjustment. I know from experience that weight distribution hitches will move about 200 lbs from the truck back to the trailer wheels, that would come to 7,450 lbs empty weight of the LightShip. And finally there is the 100 weight distribution hitch whose weight is shared by both the LightShip and the PowerBoost.

Bottom line, I know for sure before adding cargo the LightShip and PowerBoost combine gross weight is 14,420 lbs rolling down the road. I think the stand alone LightShip empty weight for this Cosmos model is probably pretty close to the specification of 7,300 lbs, maybe a bit more.

 

[turbopilot]

My F-150 PowerBoost is equipped with a rear web camera. It updates every 60 seconds anytime the Powerboost is in motion.

Here is a link to live web page when the PowerBoost is in motion.

F-150 Rear Reolink Camera

 

[Porterhouse]

You really need a 3/4 ton truck for this trailer. An F-150 won't be totally safe. I understand the attraction of the powerboost 7.2 KW generator feature, though. The good news is that it should be available in an F-250 sometime in 2026.

 

[Holdmybeer]

You really need a 3/4 ton truck for this trailer. An F-150 won't be totally safe. I understand the attraction of the powerboost 7.2 KW generator feature, though. The good news is that it should be available in an F-250 sometime in 2026.

“Girl, you in trouble”

 

[redbaron]

“Girl, you in trouble”

Gotta agree….talk about not knowing your audience or subject.