Do you have a Tesla and are curious whether you should tow it or not? Towing an electric vehicle like Tesla is slightly more complicated than towing a traditional internal combustion engine. But the answer is that yes, you can tow a Tesla.
Tesla, an electric car, has a unique design, modern baking system and advanced drivetrain, which makes the travel eco-friendly. So, understanding how to tow a Tesla is essential to minimize the risk of damage.
In this article, we will provide you step by step guidance to tow a Tesla efficiently and safely. So that your electric vehicle will be in excellent condition after towing.
Understanding Tesla’s Design
Before moving towards Tesla towing and how to tow a tesla, it is essential to understand its components, which make its towing different from traditional vehicles.
- Body: Tesla cars are light weighted, made of durable aluminium and are corrosive resistant.
- Motors: electrical motors in tesla are directly connected to axles which provide mechanical power to wheels.
- Batteries: Tesla uses rechargeable lithium ion batteries which are placed under the floor of the car.
- Braking system: Tesla has a regenerative braking system which converts the kinetic energy to electricity when the car is moving.
- Low ground clearance: The distance between the ground and the lower part of the car is less than 6.5 inches for easy handling, which makes towing Tesla complicated.
Towing Equipments Needed for Tesla
Towing a Tesla requires some specific equipment because of low ground clearance. To tow a Tesla, receiver hitch, trailer harness and tow bar is necessary. The Adapter ensures that the lights of the trailer are working properly. Use of trailer braking controller and ball mount is also recommended.
How to tow a Tesla Safely?
This step by step guidance will ensure the efficient and safe towing of tesla.
Prepare Tesla for Towing
Before towing a Tesla, preparation is necessary for the safety of your vehicle. To prepare your vehicle follow these steps.
- Check the Owner’s Manual for guidance that comes with Tesla cars.
- Activate the Tow or Transport mode by selecting Control>Service>Towing on the touchscreen.
- Release the Parking Brakes
- Turn off the Autopilot.
- Fold in the mirrors
- Use a properly installed tow eye
- Use tow bars that suit the tesla.
- Maintain speeds under 70 mph
- Check the tire pressure
Connect Tesla to the Towing vehicle
When tesla is prepared for towing, the next step is to attach the vehicle with the towing truck. After making proper connections don’t forget to cross check it. Make sure that the lights of the trailer are working properly.
Driving Concerns of Towing Vehicle for Tesla:
Following these considerations will enhance the safety of your vehicle.
- Stopping distance from the car in front of the towing vehicle should be maximum.
- Avoid sudden sharp turn or maneuver
- Use lower gear of the towing vehicle on slopes
- Check the battery level of Tesla and charge it if needed
- Do not connect the brakes of the trailer and braking system of the vehicle.
- Ensure the safety of your things in car
Tesla Towing Packages for Different Tesla Models:
Towing packages are the set of accessories and equipment for the safe towing of vehicles. It may include a hitch receiver, harness, trailer lights, trailer brake control, etc.
These towing packages make towing of different models of Tesla easier than you think.
Tow package for Model Y: It will include a high-strength steel tow bar fitted with a 2-inch hitch receiver, a harness for the trailer lighting circuit, and the relevant Tow Mode software.
Tow package for Model X: The Model X Towing Package includes wiring to operate an accessory carrier with lights and Trailer Mode software. Its hitch is designed specifically for towing purposes.
Tow package for Model S: As discussed earlier, this model is not designed for towing. However the package includes a trailer hitch ball neck, keys, and a storage bag.
Tow package for Model 3: This model is also not suitable for towing. In this model the package comes with a high-strength steel tow bar with a tow ball which can be separated and a 13-pin electrical trailer socket.
Common Issues while Tesla Towing:
Even after following the proper guidelines and providing proper equipment and safety while towing a Tesla, you might still have to face these problems.
Discharge rate of Battery
While towing a tesla the battery will discharge more quickly. To avoid any stressful situation, charge the vehicle after 150-200 miles. Also use slow charging speed to prevent the overheating of the vehicle.
Legal and Warranty Issues
Improper towing equipment or non approved towing method can lead to the cause of legal action against you. So always check the owner’s Manual and use proper equipment and accessories.
Damage to the Electrical System
As tesla is an electric vehicle, improper towing can cause damage to the electrical system. So ensure that all the connections are proper. Wirings and trailer lights should be working appropriately.
Handling the Towing Truck
Towing trailer should be stable. Otherwise it will cause damage to the Tesla. For this purpose hire a professional driver and try to maintain the speed of the truck. Also, do not overload the trailer.
Overheating of Tesla
Towing can lead to the overheating of the vehicle. Overheating can cause damage to the electrical motor. So, don’t forget to activate the towing mode of the vehicle. Do not tow the vehicle with the wheels on the ground.
Towing Methods Preferred for Tesla:
To tow a Tesla it is always preferred that all the wheels of the car must be off to the ground. For this purpose, a flatbed trailer or dolly that lifts up all the wheels of Tesla is recommended.
Following are the advantages of using these methods for towing a tesla.
- Preventing Battery Damage
- Keeping Your Drivetrain Safe
- Protect Your Transmission from Damage
- Prevent Wheel Alignment Issues
Towing Capacity of Different Tesla Models:
Do you know Tesla also has the ability to tow? Well, different Tesla models have different towing capacity. Here is the list of towing capacity of different models of tesla.
- Model X: It is the most preferable model of tesla for towing. Its maximum towing capacity is 5000 lbs (2267 kg).
- Model Y: Its towing capacity is less than model X. Its towing capacity is limited to 3500 lbs.
- Model S and Model 3: These models of Tesla are not rated for towing
- Tesla Cybertruck: It is an electric pickup truck with a towing capacity of 11,000 lbs.
Conclusion:
So, towing a Tesla is not as difficult as you think. All you need is a better understanding, proper guidance and use of appropriate equipment. Must remember that while towing a Tesla, all the wheels of the vehicle should be uplifted.
If you are still confused about how to tow a Tesla safely and efficiently, call the professionals. They will do it perfectly for you.
FAQs:
How is Towing a Tesla Different From Towing a Regular Car?
Because of the electric motor, rechargeable batteries, regenerative braking system and low clearance, towing a Tesla is different from a regular car.
Why can’t you tow a Tesla traditionally?
Tesla can not be towed traditionally because of electric drivetrain and lower ground clearance.
What is the towing capacity for different Tesla models?
The towing capacity of model X will be 5,000 lbs, and that of Model Y will be 3,500 lbs. Model S and Model 3 are not rated for towing.
How does towing affect Tesla’s battery?
Towing a Tesla speeds up the rate of battery discharge. So, it requires charging after 150-200 miles. Use slow charging speed to avoid overheating of vehicles.
What equipment is needed to tow a Tesla?
Tow bar or dolly, lighting adapter, safety chain, and auxiliary trailer brakes are needed to tow a Tesla.
How to Tow a Tesla ? Tesla Towing Guide