Can I Tow?

[K-MTG]

I ordered my X in January while the accessory hitch was free and soon took delivery in May after I got the call to upgrade my 70D to a 90D for faster delivery (in March).

Like other early owners, I believe I got the tow hitch. I have the hitch adapter that came in the lunchbox. I also opened up the hitch cover in the rear and found the tow hitch connection and a connector.

However, I do not have the tow mode option on the 17-inch so I don't know if I can actually tow. What does tow mode do? Can I tow without it? Also, what does this wire connector do?

If I can tow, do you recommend any trailer?

I never towed anything but now I have to transport some large items so either I can buy a Honda Ridgeline or get a trailer. I should have listened to @ohmman's advice.

 

[Uncle Paul]

Quick stop into a service center might give you the most accurate answer.

Looks like you got the entire tow package.

 

[ohmman]

I believe you got the tow package less software. However, I think this is a great time to verify with Tesla whether or not that's the case. This question has been asked a number of times and I think it's really valuable to know what the car is capable of towing. There is no benefit to Tesla to keep this information secret. I would also argue that they should include the tow package software on vehicles with the tow package, because without it you could theoretically use AutoPilot and SAS while towing. My car disables those things for safety reasons.

@K-MTG, reach out to Tesla directly and see if you can get an official answer. I would also lobby for the full software suite if you have the package because of the reasons I listed above.

 

[systemcrashed]

I ordered my X in January while the accessory hitch was free and soon took delivery in May after I got the call to upgrade my 70D to a 90D for faster delivery (in March).

Like other early owners, I believe I got the tow hitch. I have the hitch adapter that came in the lunchbox. I also opened up the hitch cover in the rear and found the tow hitch connection and a connector.

However, I do not have the tow mode option on the 17-inch so I don't know if I can actually tow. What does tow mode do? Can I tow without it? Also, what does this wire connector do?

If I can tow, do you recommend any trailer?

I never towed anything but now I have to transport some large items so either I can buy a Honda Ridgeline or get a trailer. I should have listened to @ohmman's advice.

View attachment 192159

Looks like you can tow. Onscreen tow mode disables Autosteer, SAS, and rear ultrasonic sensors. I believe it also enables an anti-sway mode. They may be able to enable it for you on a SC visit.

 

[K-MTG]

Sounds good, I will check with Tesla on my next SC appointment? Also, I cam across this on the manual: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/28450795/Tesla Tow.pdf

It shows that a brake controller needs to be connected under the carpet, I hope my dashcam installer didn't interfere with that as he found constant always on power in that area.

Thanks

 

[systemcrashed]

Sounds good, I will check with Tesla on my next SC appointment? Also, I cam across this on the manual: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/28450795/Tesla Tow.pdf

It shows that a brake controller needs to be connected under the carpet, I hope my dashcam installer didn't interfere with that as he found constant always on power in that area.

Thanks

Brake controller would only be needed if your trailer has electric brakes. if it's a light cargo trailer you probably wont need it.

 

[K-MTG]

Brake controller would only be needed if your trailer has electric brakes. if it's a light cargo trailer you probably wont need it.

Is tow mode still needed for a small trailer?

 

[systemcrashed]

I can't say from personal experience, but I can say others have done it without issue on local roads.

 

[ohmman]

Is tow mode still needed for a small trailer?

People tow with Model S, which doesn't come with a tow mode. You should be OK.

 

[K-MTG]

People tow with Model S, which doesn't come with a tow mode. You should be OK.

Thanks but will it void my warranty? Also, any special setting for air suspension.

I never towed anything before so I have no experience with it. I might just rent a uhaul if it becomes complicated as I don't even have a trailer

 

[suresv]

@K-MTG - I am in the same boat as you are. I didn't order the tow package on my P90D but seems to have all the necessary hardware (atleast the visible ones!). But the tow mode is actually visible for me on the screen - it only shows up when I put the car in park (I checked this a 3-4 weeks ago - hopefully they haven't disabled it since then). I am planning to rent a light trailer from u-haul (who assure me that what I have should be fine for towing that light trailer) this coming Monday to transport a drum set. I will let you know how it works out for me.

 

[K-MTG]

@K-MTG - I am in the same boat as you are. I didn't order the tow package on my P90D but seems to have all the necessary hardware (atleast the visible ones!). But the tow mode is actually visible for me on the screen - it only shows up when I put the car in park (I checked this a 3-4 weeks ago - hopefully they haven't disabled it since then). I am planning to rent a light trailer from u-haul (who assure me that what I have should be fine for towing that light trailer) this coming Monday to transport a drum set. I will let you know how it works out for me.

Nice, is it under driving? What is your VIN? Mine is in the 57xx range I believe I was one of the last ones to get it for free as I was one of the first to get a fixed spoiler

 

[suresv]

Nice, is it under driving? What is your VIN? Mine is in the 57xx range I believe I was one of the last ones to get it for free as I was one of the first to get a fixed spoiler

My Vin is 6xx - early one

 

[Gwgan]

Tow mode is under Settings/Towing and is for being towed.
Trailer Mode is under Controls/Driving as is for towing, but is automatic anyway so no toggle needed really. Is this the button you do not see?
If you connect a plug from the trailer into the socket near the hitch receiver you should see a blue trailer icon on the dash. As noted above, for safety reasons if you have towing then you should have the software enabled.

 

[K-MTG]

Tow mode is under Settings/Towing and is for being towed.View attachment 192509
Trailer Mode is under Controls/Driving as is for towing, but is automatic anyway so no toggle needed really. View attachment 192510 Is this the button you do not see?
If you connect a plug from the trailer into the socket near the hitch receiver you should see a blue trailer icon on the dash. As noted above, for safety reasons if you have towing then you should have the software enabled.

I have tow mode so someone can tow my X but I don't have trailer mode.

 

[Gwgan]

I have tow mode so someone can tow my X but I don't have trailer mode.

You don't have the button. Don't know if you don't have trailer mode until you plug in a trailer and start driving. Looking forward to the result.

 

[JWall]

I have reserved a Model X as I want to be able to Tow a boat up to 3500 lbs. But I'm not happy with the X's middle seats or the quality issues that have been reported. My wife has an early Model S and we loveit. Since I want to move stuff and not people, I'd consider moving to the Model S if I could tow with it. I saw above someone said people tow with the Model S. Can anyone give more info on the pro's and cons of adding towing capability after market to a model S?

 

[aesculus]

FWIW my late March car was ordered with the accessory hitch but came with the towing adapter too. I did not get a lunchbox but a plastic bag.

I also don't have the button but it sounds like the button only shows up if you plug the cable in?

When I got the car the delivery specialist told me they gave me the towing package but it was limited to 3500 lbs. Nothing in writing, just his words.

 

[ohmman]

I have reserved a Model X as I want to be able to Tow a boat up to 3500 lbs. But I'm not happy with the X's middle seats or the quality issues that have been reported. My wife has an early Model S and we loveit. Since I want to move stuff and not people, I'd consider moving to the Model S if I could tow with it. I saw above someone said people tow with the Model S. Can anyone give more info on the pro's and cons of adding towing capability after market to a model S?

Here is one report from @roblab, who might be able to expand on it. That said, 3500 lbs on the Model S is something I wouldn't even consider trying. If you want to tow your boat, you should get the X.

 

[K-MTG]

FWIW my late March car was ordered with the accessory hitch but came with the towing adapter too. I did not get a lunchbox but a plastic bag.

I also don't have the button but it sounds like the button only shows up if you plug the cable in?

When I got the car the delivery specialist told me they gave me the towing package but it was limited to 3500 lbs. Nothing in writing, just his words.

I will ask at my next SC visit about towing, if you go before me ask if we can get the button