The first video I saw for a power trunk, I thought that is super convenient and wish it was installed as a factory option. But my initial view was that these kits were just too expensive so I ended up with the stronger struts that force the trunk/frunk lids to raise up on greater pressure. I did recognize this was for up only. The stronger struts were nice but very first thing I noticed was the additional effort needed now to close the frunk/trunk and whether this would cause any long-term issues. I decided I would just live with that and then seasons/temperatures change and then these struts became less effective in popping the frunk/trunk open to the point they didn't open automatically anymore. Also, if I didn't open the frunk/trunk for a while, it also affected the effectiveness. With all these issues, it was time to rethink the power frunk/trunk mod.
First and foremost, the kits are expensive so you have to be prepared for that. For many, it's not good value but at the same time there are also many that like the convenience. In my research, I did not come across anyone who installed one of these kits feel regret for their decision.
My next decision was to decide between these 2 major sellers. I also noted that there are some available on AliExpress but those did not seem any more affordable so thought the best choice was either of these 2 sellers who both seem to have a strong online presence and provide good customer support.
Here are the differences I found between the two:
Cost: If you get the full set up from both companies, seems Hansshow is about 10% less money - win Hansshow.
Flexibility: both appear to open and close through the Tesla app, Tesla fob, optional foot sensor, and buttons located at frunk/trunk but Tesla Offer can close the frunk on the onboard screen. Tesla Offer appears to do this through built-in Homelink or recently just by touching the hood icon on the onboard screen. I really appreciate this functionality in this pandemic situation where I can pull up an online order for curbside pick up and I have the option of having someone load it into the frunk where I can open/close remotely. I guess you can do this through the phone app for the Hansshow but I like the additional convenience of using the onboard screen. - win Tesla Offer.
Quality: from what I've seen, the component quality is very similar in appearance but Tesla Offer chose to encase the rear strut in a soft material (silicone or rubber) cover. As the rear struts are mounted near the weather strip in the back, the contact of the hard strut on the Hansshow kit may cause more wear and tear to the weather stripping - win Tesla Offer.
Usability: Both units do what they are supposed to do which is open and close your frunk/trunk. From what I've seen, the Hansshow implementation of the trunk has this toggling of status between open and opened which means 1/2 the time (if in the wrong status) you cannot close the trunk so you would have to make additional attempts. Again, seems not to be an issue for many but I like it to be able to close by making a single attempt whether by foot-switch,app, or fob. Personally I would find it really annoying that I'd have to either wait for the right status or make more than 1 attempt to close my trunk but that's just me being picky and liking things to work as close to OEM as possible. - win Tesla Offer
Install: both appear to be similar for the install process which appear to be doable but I wouldn't describe as simple. The v3 Hansshow is reportedly more difficult to install than their previous versions due to wiring under the rear parcel shelf. The Tesla Offer system, being able to read status of the trunk, involves tapping into the canbus. Although this serves a purpose, doing so may make some nervous but at least this is an optional step. Doing the extra tap gives you the correct trunk status and eliminates that toggling issue previously mentioned. I know many either find it difficult or just uncomfortable to tap the canbus. What I did find out from contacting Tesla Offer is that on newer cars (2019 and 2020) there is a way to do a plug and play canbus tap at the very back/bottom of the console. There's a panel there that's easy to access and newer cars have a 26 pin molex whereas older cars (like mine) have a 20 pin. You can tap the canbus with the 26 pin connector. This is really a matter of preference. V3 Hansshow is now harder to install compared to before and professional installers are actually charging more to install the v3 Hansshow than their previous versions. Tesla Offer requires tapping canbus but at least some cars will be easier. Winner - tie.
Overall, at least for me, the positives of the Tesla Offer system providing smoother operation by being able to read via canbus, more protective rear strut assemblies, screen option to close the frunk, etc, outweighs the negatives of slightly extra cost and complexity of tapping the canbus. The better protection of the weather-seal could mean the price difference for the two systems if it gets damaged.
Full Tesla Offer kit ordered! My advice is don't look at price alone. Compare all the differences and figure out what's important to you before choosing. Also, look at lots of reviews but keep in mind some are from people that have been given free product and even when they provide full disclosure, there is still a bias.
First and foremost, the kits are expensive so you have to be prepared for that. For many, it's not good value but at the same time there are also many that like the convenience. In my research, I did not come across anyone who installed one of these kits feel regret for their decision.
My next decision was to decide between these 2 major sellers. I also noted that there are some available on AliExpress but those did not seem any more affordable so thought the best choice was either of these 2 sellers who both seem to have a strong online presence and provide good customer support.
Here are the differences I found between the two:
Cost: If you get the full set up from both companies, seems Hansshow is about 10% less money - win Hansshow.
Flexibility: both appear to open and close through the Tesla app, Tesla fob, optional foot sensor, and buttons located at frunk/trunk but Tesla Offer can close the frunk on the onboard screen. Tesla Offer appears to do this through built-in Homelink or recently just by touching the hood icon on the onboard screen. I really appreciate this functionality in this pandemic situation where I can pull up an online order for curbside pick up and I have the option of having someone load it into the frunk where I can open/close remotely. I guess you can do this through the phone app for the Hansshow but I like the additional convenience of using the onboard screen. - win Tesla Offer.
Quality: from what I've seen, the component quality is very similar in appearance but Tesla Offer chose to encase the rear strut in a soft material (silicone or rubber) cover. As the rear struts are mounted near the weather strip in the back, the contact of the hard strut on the Hansshow kit may cause more wear and tear to the weather stripping - win Tesla Offer.
Usability: Both units do what they are supposed to do which is open and close your frunk/trunk. From what I've seen, the Hansshow implementation of the trunk has this toggling of status between open and opened which means 1/2 the time (if in the wrong status) you cannot close the trunk so you would have to make additional attempts. Again, seems not to be an issue for many but I like it to be able to close by making a single attempt whether by foot-switch,app, or fob. Personally I would find it really annoying that I'd have to either wait for the right status or make more than 1 attempt to close my trunk but that's just me being picky and liking things to work as close to OEM as possible. - win Tesla Offer
Install: both appear to be similar for the install process which appear to be doable but I wouldn't describe as simple. The v3 Hansshow is reportedly more difficult to install than their previous versions due to wiring under the rear parcel shelf. The Tesla Offer system, being able to read status of the trunk, involves tapping into the canbus. Although this serves a purpose, doing so may make some nervous but at least this is an optional step. Doing the extra tap gives you the correct trunk status and eliminates that toggling issue previously mentioned. I know many either find it difficult or just uncomfortable to tap the canbus. What I did find out from contacting Tesla Offer is that on newer cars (2019 and 2020) there is a way to do a plug and play canbus tap at the very back/bottom of the console. There's a panel there that's easy to access and newer cars have a 26 pin molex whereas older cars (like mine) have a 20 pin. You can tap the canbus with the 26 pin connector. This is really a matter of preference. V3 Hansshow is now harder to install compared to before and professional installers are actually charging more to install the v3 Hansshow than their previous versions. Tesla Offer requires tapping canbus but at least some cars will be easier. Winner - tie.
Overall, at least for me, the positives of the Tesla Offer system providing smoother operation by being able to read via canbus, more protective rear strut assemblies, screen option to close the frunk, etc, outweighs the negatives of slightly extra cost and complexity of tapping the canbus. The better protection of the weather-seal could mean the price difference for the two systems if it gets damaged.
Full Tesla Offer kit ordered! My advice is don't look at price alone. Compare all the differences and figure out what's important to you before choosing. Also, look at lots of reviews but keep in mind some are from people that have been given free product and even when they provide full disclosure, there is still a bias.