So just to be clear, towing with the Model S is not approved by the manufacturer, so anyone involved in an accident while towing is potentially liable for any property damage, as well as any bodily injury to those involved in the accident, because they were towing with the Model S. Insurance companies would not accept liability, as the driver was intentionally operating the vehicle unsafely.
I know I won't be risking everything I have to tow a trailer. I doubt the wisdom of your continued quoting of towing capacity numbers. I hope you have passed this by your legal representation.
Hi BerTX,
We understand where you are coming from and appreciate your insight. As a trailer hitch manufacturer celebrating 40 years this year we take the safety of our customers and those out on the road very seriously. We couldn’t agree more with you that we should all be aware that any vehicle towing a trailer must do so having taken into consideration state by state regulations as well as any regional statutory requirements. Beyond that regarding questions related to liability with insurance it is best that anyone with this concern that is planning to tow where a vehicle manufacturer has omitted that possibility may want to reach out directly to their respective insurance company for specific clarification. In the case of the Model S, it shares essentially the same drivetrain as the Model X (with the exception of AWD) which is factory rated at 5000lbs towing. We offer a towing capacity for all of our hitches, but it remains the sole discretion of the owner of the vehicle to make a determination as to whether or not they wish to investigate and consider the reasonableness as to their particular vehicles capability when a vehicle manufacture omits towing/capacities.
From the reasonableness perspective, it is reasonable to assume that all motor vehicles have some sort of towing ability, including motorcycles, which are another class of vehicle that generally have no manufacturer specific tow ratings but safely tow small trailers and it is assumed are covered by their respective insurances. Here is a very conservative method to look at reasonably determining a vehicle’s potential tow capacity. In the case of the Tesla Model S that has a scale weight of 4,600 pounds and a gross vehicle weight rating of 5710 pounds.
Empty vehicle scale weight: 4,600 lbs
Driver weight: 200 lbs
Additional passengers: 600 lbs
Luggage and other items: 310 lbs
Total: 5,710
Typically a passenger vehicle can accommodate five passengers and their belongings. Now lets say it is just the driver in the car:
Empty vehicle scale weight: 4,600 lbs
Driver weight: 200 lbs
Total: 4,800 lbs
When you no longer have the passengers and their belongings in the vehicle, you now have a difference of 910 lbs. (5,710-4,800=910)
This would be a very conservative method to determine a reasonable and safe towing capacity of a vehicle where no ratings were available. As previously stated in the case of the Model S it is known that the Model X carries a factory tow rating of 5000 lbs. and that both vehicles share essentially the same drive trains. In regard to braking capability of a tow vehicle from a statutory standpoint most states do not require trailer brakes when trailers are below 1000 lbs (state by state statutes very from 1000 and up)
State and Province Towing Laws
However in an instance where braking is a potential concern trailer brakes can be added to the trailer.
We manufacture the EcoHitch for bike rack, cargo tray and towing applications. We rate each hitch based upon its design, the specific vehicle frame configuration and installation. We have seen many folks safely and happily enjoy their vehicle while also towing even though we do not, nor can we give a rating, to a vehicle when a vehicle manufacturer has omitted that capability.
In the end it is always up to the discretion of the vehicle owner to make that decision based upon their specific circumstances. Please let us know if you have any product questions or if we further assist you in any way. Thank you.
