Don't make the same mistake I made...

[W.Petefish]

(Maybe we need a "Things I always carry in the trunk" thread)

I have in the trunk currently:
UMC, TM J1772, The CAN, NEMA 14-50 extension (10' of 6GA SO cable), Tesla Tool Kit, Fix-a-flat

Emergency Supplies that I carry regardless of which vehicle I am in:
Fire Extinguisher (ABC rated, small), Large First Aid Kit (with a small tube of CA for sealing medium sized cuts.), Duct Tape(small roll)

 

[ggr]

I have in the trunk currently:
UMC, TM J1772, The CAN, NEMA 14-50 extension (10' of 6GA SO cable), Tesla Tool Kit, Fix-a-flat

Why both the TM J1772 and the CAN?

 

[W.Petefish]

The TM cable has a longer reach, for when someone takes the EV spaces. I can park within reach of one of the cords.

 

[smorgasbord]

Here is one in a neat box from Amazon

Do you also carry a compressor? Seems that pulling a nail out will let out a lot of air. Here's a kit from Griot's that, while not cheap, includes a nice bag and a small air compressor:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/tire+repair+kit+with+12-volt+air+compressor.do

 

[wiztecy]

Do you also carry a compressor? Seems that pulling a nail out will let out a lot of air. Here's a kit from Griot's that, while not cheap, includes a nice bag and a small air compressor:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/tire+repair+kit+with+12-volt+air+compressor.do

Yes, I also have a small air compressor as well. Looks like a nice little setup in that link. I found a compact compressor that fits in my bag at Ross.... never know what pops up at that place!

 

[sprediletto]

In my first few months as an owner, I made a similar mistake 200 miles from home. It was not my proudest moment. I carry the spare connector and the "short and sweet" J.1772 connector at all times. Everything is secured with a piece of Velcro strap connected to the left platform. The Velcro and removable platform top; also secured to the car with Velcro, have plenty of hooks and loops to form a good bond.

 

[tennis_trs]

Do you also carry a compressor? Seems that pulling a nail out will let out a lot of air. Here's a kit from Griot's that, while not cheap, includes a nice bag and a small air compressor:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/tire+repair+kit+with+12-volt+air+compressor.do

The few compressors I saw in stores required more current than the Roadster is rated for on its 12V outlet. The info at the link doesn't seem to indicate the maximum current draw.

 

[doug]

You then use the Mennekes cable to reach the charge port where you have the Mennekes to Tesla connector.

Looks like a Type 2 (Mennekes) to Type 1 (J1772) cable. Then "the Can" J1772 to TSL01 connector to the car.

 

[smorgasbord]

The info at the link doesn't seem to indicate the maximum current draw.

Yeah, I grabbed the brand name off the photo and looked it up on Amazon. It draws 15 amps and the Roadster is rated for only 12 amps.
What about a decent foot operated pump?

 

[cinergi]

I use a portable rechargeable compressor since I couldn't find any that were rated <=12 amps.

 

[wiztecy]

Good point and thanks for the heads up about the compressor and overdraw on the AMP current on the roadster's cigarette lighter. Anyone know why it was set so low at 12 amps? The lowest amp draw for a DC based air compressor is 15 amps which I'm sure will blow the fuse.

Looks like I'll be searching for a small rechargeable one. Have to pay attention at the reviews, it appears some of these rechargeable units don't have enough amp hours in the battery to really do the job if you're stuck on the side of the road. I see that some people are modifying and upgrading the battery packs on these things, and after that mod they work pretty well. I may just use my spare motorcycle sealed gel battery and one of my battery clamp on style air compressors.

Worse case is that I keep the 20AMP compressor in the car as an emergency, if I really was in a pinch and cars are around I could borrow their DC outlet for a few minutes. Something is better than nothing.

Now that I'm thinking of it, why can't I tap off a 20 AMP direct DC connection or custom connection to the dedicated 12 Volt battery that's housed in the front of the roadster? I may just go that route. Makes sense to me, not limited to burning up under-rated circuits, unknown roadster wiring, and can wire and be limited to my own direct fused circuit. I just built my battery pack and high output compressor up in my emergency duffel bag and I don't like the extra weight at all as well as the space it takes up....

 

[cinergi]

FWIW this is the one I got. Runs plenty long. Never have any worries about it ...
Amazon.com: Black Decker ASI500 12-Volt Cordless Air Station Inflator: Home Improvement

 

[wiztecy]

Thanks Cinergi! I ordered that compressor, came in yesterday and it looks very solid and appears to work well. I like the digital readout for the PSI and battery level too. Surprisingly lightweight and fairly compact... plus you can be the savior at kids sports games and pool parties since it has the large port inflation tube as well

 

[dwegmull]

Since we are talking about being stranded on the side of the road...
Before TM last changed their website, the phone number for their US roadside service was listed. At the time I copied it into my phone "just in case".
Anyone knows if that phone number still work? I cannot find any mention of roadside assistance on the TM website...
The number ended with 52.

 

[wiztecy]

Tesla Emergency Roadside Assistance: (866)998-3752

I was handed a Business Card with this info by a Local Tesla Technician which was nice. I keep this card with all my charge point, blink, and other various charge charge-cards in a mini-wallet that's in the roadster at all times.

 

[smorgasbord]

I'm thinking of getting a Viair unit and then also carrying around a small AGM motorcycle battery. Any thoughts on how to spec the battery size-wize? This would be for emergency fills only.

I have a Battery Tender that I bought for motorcycles, and recently bought this battery for my wife's Vespa. It was under $25 and it's as compact as possible. I could get a Jump Starter unit, but that's more money and more importantly size than I want, and this way I can take the Viair with my other vehicles. Space is precious on Roadster.

I was considering getting the unit that Cinergi referenced, even outside of B&D quality, it seems like it might be bigger/harder to stow than the Viair + battery. From interviewing with B&D decades ago I also have quality concerns, but that's another story.

Again, any ideas on battery size to run a Viair?

 

[jerry33]

Again, any ideas on battery size to run a Viair?

A calculator is here.

Odyssey batteries come in just about every size imaginable and have a good reputation for quality.

I agree that B&D quality isn't.

 

[smorgasbord]

I use a portable rechargeable compressor since I couldn't find any that were rated <=12 amps.

This one is rated at 10 amps.

 

[Botbldr45]

Yes, I also have a small air compressor as well. Looks like a nice little setup in that link. I found a compact compressor that fits in my bag at Ross.... never know what pops up at that place!

I have used that compressor on my roadster with success topping off my tires............ BUT ............... one time i was adding about 10lbs to a rear tire and it blew the fuse. I now carry a spare fuse with my trunk kit just in case i need to access the Roadsters 12 volt outlet.

Thats the griotsgarage version i'm talking about.

 

[AltPowr]

I have the Griots charger also, and ran into blowing fuses when I used it with my Lotus Evora a few years back. So I carried extra fuses and just ignored it. I have since put it in my Roadster, but didn't really think about testing it in the lighter socket, but I would assume it may be the same issue based on what others are saying.

Would it make sense to carry something like the following?
battery-cigarette-lighter-extension on Amazon

I don't know how easy or difficult it is to get to the small 12V battery under the front passenger fender, but this seems like it might work much better getting the power directly from that battery. Thoughts?