Interesting, so if I'm looking at that correctly, the stock hitch is actually higher than the Draw-Tite by about 7/8". Does that sound right? Yet another example of how eyewitness memory can be terribly wrong.. I felt certain it was lower. Thanks much..
The Draw-Tite is definitely lower. The stock Bosal receiver opening is just a bit under 3/4 inch below the fascia lip edge. By my eye 11/16" below the lip to be more exact.
This question made me really look at my hitch receiver and it looks like my measurement is about 1 1/2 inches. My receiver is very different than jamtek's as mine is not anywhere near flush with the bumper but extends several inches in back of it. Different receiver?
Very interesting. That's how I remember mine being as well - it projected out past the fascia. My wife even commented this morning how it looked more tucked in.. hmm. are there two installations going around?
Very interesting! My factory hitch was installed by the Boston SC (Watertown, MA) in April. The part numbers used are as follows: TRAILER HITCH - NA (1027581-00-D) TRAILER HITCH ADAPTER - NA (1027582-00-A)
I have the original one clip cover too. Here's some measurement pictures. Waiting on the new hitch here as well. Glad it's an easy install.
Easy answer is that the Eco Hitch has the removable receiver, while the Draw-Tite does not. Could very well be a ground clearance issue (or aesthetic issue for some). I need to get a hitch for my soon-arriving S85. I inquired a while ago in a thread as to if anyone had gotten the Draw-Tite and had an opinion on it. It went unanswered. Perhaps you could provide a review once you put it in? Draw-Tite Hitch?
New hitch showed up. It will be a few days before I can install it. I don't think my WD hitch will fit, as it's probably going to hit the rear bumper cover now so I'll have to come up with something new.
So, for an X not originally equipped with tow package, are those 4 bolts/studs on each side already there? I would assume the 7-way plug would not be there as well or is that common harness across all Xs? Lastly, on the software side of the things, service center would still need to activate the tow mode, correct? If so, I wonder how much fuss they would put up on non-OEM installed hitch.
Yep, they should be there. There is a bumper reinforcement panel that would be unbolted and removed. The 7-way plug won't be there, but the harness is, and you can buy the plug from the SC. The SC will activate the trailer software for a fee, but I wouldn't expect them to install the non-OEM hitch. It does look rather straightforward, so I'd wager a competent area shop would for a reasonable rate if you don't want to.
@ohmman you have a clone on the TESLARATI forum in Quebec Tesla SVP spotted entering Model 3 with rumored "key card" instead of fob
Will TESLA reimburse you for the defective unit? Will this hitch VOID some type of TESLA warranty? Will the open gap incur debris, causing issues with electric sensors and such? Will TESLA be examining and repairing the standard tow package? Have you reported to federal government the potentially unsafe rear-hitch issues you encountered? Best, T
I'm not sure it's fair to call it defective. Perhaps used out of specification, where specification was weakly defined at the time. Tesla states that damage caused from towing is already not covered under warranty. I'm not sure how that would stand up to a test but it's in the manual. Therefore, seems like there's little to lose. Yes, and I plan to make a grommet as suggested above. Turns out you're not supposed to drive with the removable receiver atteched when not towing, either. The cover should be in place at all times when possible. I think they'll just be updating the specification. I already found some changes to the manual recently. I prefer to work with Tesla towards more robust towing guidance. It's early in their towing learning curve.