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Accessory Hitch Tongue Weight

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MACCA

New Member
Feb 20, 2016
2
0
Oregon
Ready to confirm my order, but does anyone know the tongue weight of the 2" accessory hitch? I have a rather heavy Thule bike rack and with 3 bikes the weight is 160+ pounds. The X owners manual still lists the 1.25" hitch with its 120 pound restriction. The tow package hitch will work but I really don't have a need for it. Is the accessory hitch the same as that on the tow package except without the wiring?
 
I don't have an answer, but I do have a remedial question, if a minor thread hijacking can be forgiven. I don't think I need the accessory hitch, but if I change my mind in the future, am I out of luck or would I be able to get it at that time? I.e., is something manufactured differently when you get the accessory hitch, precluding adding it later?
 
TowingOptions.jpg
MACCA, also Google trailer hitch class rating
Ready to confirm my order, but does anyone know the tongue weight of the 2" accessory hitch? I have a rather heavy Thule bike rack and with 3 bikes the weight is 160+ pounds. The X owners manual still lists the 1.25" hitch with its 120 pound restriction. The tow package hitch will work but I really don't have a need for it. Is the accessory hitch the same as that on the tow package except without the wiring?
 
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ModelXsig1100 - I have now seen three MX up close. Two had factory hitches and one did not. While you can always have an aftermarket hitch installed, the ones from the factory are quite cleverly designed and there is a small plastic door built into the underskirt. When not in use, the hitch is removed and the door secured in place and there is no sign of the trailer hitch mount and the mount and wiring are secure and protected from road debris. Again, it is a clever design.
I don't have an answer, but I do have a remedial question, if a minor thread hijacking can be forgiven. I don't think I need the accessory hitch, but if I change my mind in the future, am I out of luck or would I be able to get it at that time? I.e., is something manufactured differently when you get the accessory hitch, precluding adding it later?
 
No the two inch towing hitch is a totally different animal and is secured and braced to handle a 5,000 pound load (less with 22 inch wheels). In addition there is different software you get if you choose towing package.
 
(posted on the Model X Manual Update thread too: Model X Manual Update Regarding Towing )

The current Tesla Model X Owner's Manual (2018.12 dated March 22 2018 Tesla) "Towing and Accessories" section on page 75 states:

Carrying Accessories

The Model X towing package has a 2" hitch receiver that can support an accessory carrier.

The hitch receiver is designed to support vertical loads of up to 120 lbs (54 kg). When carrying bicycles or other items on the Model X hitch, always check to ensure that the maximum weight is not exceeded. When calculating weight, remember to include the weight of the accessory carrier. For example, assuming the carrier weighs 40 lbs, the weight threshold is sufficient for carrying two bicycles weighing approximately 40 lbs each, or four bicycles weighing approximately 20 lbs each.

Caution: The Model X hitch is designed to support up to 120 lbs (54 kg). Exceeding this maximum weight can cause significant damage.

Caution: Do not attempt to install a carrier on a Model X that is not equipped with the towing package. Doing so can cause significant damage.​

Of course, on the next page, it also talks about a Maximum Tongue Weight of 350-500 lbs (SAE Class II & III), in the Towing section (I thought tongue weight and vertical load support were supposed to be the same thing). It also states:

Note: If the towing capacity on the hitch label conflicts with the information provided in this owner's manual, this owner's manual takes precedence.​

If I'm hauling 4 "normal" bikes (not ultra-light, but also not very heavy/electric)...I'm wondering if I'd run into the 120 lbs limit. Also, some of those hitch platforms look appealing for events such as camping or tailgating....but would they end up exceeding the limits....