Tesla did not offer a trailer hitch for their vehicles in the past but now there are some options that can be ordered ex vehicle production. But still, a tow bar is not available for every Tesla model. This article shows an overview of the possible variants with their advantages and disadvantages:
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Model S
Original Tesla Model S trailer hitch ordered ex works
Tesla does not offer a trailer hitch for the Model S.
Retrofitted trailer coupling on Model S
Third-party manufacturers offer various retrofit table couplings for the Model S. Evannex, for example, has a product offer for a coupling useful for bikes in the US.
Model X
Original Tesla Model X trailer hitch ordered ex works
Until about mid-2018, the trailer hitch had to be selected as an option for the Model X. Since then, it is standard equipment. A field reports.
Retrofitted trailer coupling on model X
Tesla’s tow hitch can be added afterwards. Check this thread on TMC-Forum.
Model 3
Original Tesla Model 3 trailer hitch ordered ex works
The trailer hitch for Model 3 has been available as an option when ordering the vehicle since 8.5. 2019. However, this only applies to Model 3 “long range” and “Standard range plus”. Model 3 Performance drivers unfortunately have to do without a real trailer hitch. However, certain Model 3 Performance base vehicles are also designed for an optional coupling with a towing capacity of up to 500 kg. These vehicles are performance models only available on request and are sold without performance packages such as 20-inch wheels, performance brakes, spoilers etc. It is basically a Model 3 “long range” with the performance of the performance model. And it is exactly this model that allows a reduced coupling with 500 kg towing capacity.
Retrofitted trailer coupling on Model 3
There are also Model 3 aftermarket offers.
Model Y
Original Tesla Model Y trailer hitch ordered ex works
When the model Y was launched in the USA, it was not yet available with a trailer coupling. But meanwhile it can be selected in the configurator. In contrast to the Model 3, there will also be a trailer hitch for the normal performance version.
Retrofitted trailer hitch for model Y
Nothing is known about this yet.
Trailer tongue weight and towing capacity of the official Tesla trailer hitch
| Model | Max trailer tongue weight | Towing capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 Standard range and long range (Europe only) | 100 kg, but according to the manual for vertical loads (e.g. bicycle carrier) this is reduced to 54 kg with 18 and 19" tyres. (20 kg with 20" tyres) | 910 kg (braked) 750 kg (unbraked) |
| Model 3 Performance (Base version in Europe only) | 25 kg | 500 kg (braked) |
| Model X | 90 kg. However, according to the manual, this is reduced to 54 kg for vertical loads (e.g. bicycle carrier). | 2250 kg (braked) |
| Model Y | 19" : 159 kg 20" : 104 kg 21" : 159 kg However, according to the manual, this is reduced to 72 kg for vertical loads (e.g. bicycle carrier). | 19" 1,588 kg (braked) 20" 1,043 kg (braked) 21" 1,588 kg (braked) |
These are the default values, which may also change. The manuals provide the most up-to-date information. Of course, other factors also change the tongue load in addition. For example, a Model 3 “Long Range” or “Standard Range Plus” with 20-inch rims offers less draw bar load than such a vehicle with original 18 or 19-inch tires. If you do some internet research on this subject, you will find out that in the different Model 3 vehicle registration documents there are different values for draw bar load and trailer load. So far, I could not find out why the registration authorities handle this so differently.
Warranty
The disadvantage of a trailer coupling from a third-party manufacturer is the loss of the vehicle warranty. With these conversions, the warranty is void on all parts that are worked on during the conversion. Basically, Tesla sees a conversion as follows:
Any structural and/or electrical modification/intervention invalidates the warranty or even parts of the warranty.
In addition, you should pay close attention to a technical inspection agency approval of your country.
The alternative to the trailer coupling is maybe a roof rack for some field of application (for example for a bicycle rack).
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