Model 3 tow package in Australia

[taco]

One of the things that's held me back from buying a model 3 or used S is the lack of support for towing a small trailer, and I'd heard that it was being offered as a factory option in Europe and that it might be coming to Australia as a factory option too.
I emailed Tesla support asking about the availability and got this response

"We don’t have confirmation either way if or when the factory tow package will be available in Australia yet however there’s no reason why you wouldn’t be able to get an aftermarket bar fitted"

I'd heard that the aftermarket tow bar for the S was problematic with the risk of galvanic corrosion, but the 3 is less of a risk with aftermarket options with its steel frame?

Has anyone put a tow bar onto a 3 in Australia yet?

 

[PJF000]

Yes, I know of someone that has put on an Eco hitch. Not sold in Oz and would need to use a freight forwarder to get it here.
Also you can read Anyone get the Torklift Ecohitch installed? | Tesla

 

[spidey]

So for the record, When I spoke to Tesla about this a couple of months back (I was waiting also - expecting it to be a factory fit option only like for Europe versions) I was told that:

a) The European one is factory fit option only due somehow to regulations in Europe.
b) that the Tesla hitch will become available in Australia - fitted by Tesla service centres - they just don't know when - and don't know how much.

That was I would guess late June or early July. At that point I put my order in - and have since received the car. (I was a reservation holder).

To be honest in the 3 weeks I've had it, I haven't even thought about the tow hitch.

 

[corndog]

One thing we know for sure is that the Model 3 is rated/approved for towing in Australia.
Non-P: 750kg unbraked / 1000kg braked
P: 500kg / 500kg
This can be found here >> https://rvcs.infrastructure.gov.au/perl/50079_1316046_RVD_19Jul2019083223.cmd
I've also heard secondhand that it will be available for retrofit from Tesla, but again no ETA.

Fun fact about the RCVS approval; LR RWD has also been certified in Australia!

 

[Hovean]

Fun fact about the RCVS approval; LR RWD has also been certified in Australia![/QUOTE]

I'm patiently waiting!

 

[Daddy1971]

I would be keen to do this, I’m currently driving a Passat which I hitch a small single axle trailer too, for family holidays. (Bikes, etc). Really hope there’s a Tesla supported option.

 

[Priit]

One thing we know for sure is that the Model 3 is rated/approved for towing in Australia.
Non-P: 750kg unbraked / 1000kg braked
P: 500kg / 500kg
This can be found here >> https://rvcs.infrastructure.gov.au/perl/50079_1316046_RVD_19Jul2019083223.cmd
I've also heard secondhand that it will be available for retrofit from Tesla, but again no ETA.

Fun fact about the RCVS approval; LR RWD has also been certified in Australia!

I asked the Brisbane shop about when we can get the towing added to my car and they said, that though the car has been approved, the Tesla towing option has not yet been certified here, so once that certification comes through they can start being sold here. So I suspect that may take some time still.

 

[corndog]

i figure a tow bar for AU/NZ is low priority for them. No doubt it's somehow different to the EU one, so it's a hassle for them to do for our small market. No incentive while orders outpace deliveries.

 

[corndog]

I just saw a TOO video where Trevor installed an eco hitch. He said all 3's in North America are being shipped from factory with the trailer wiring loom already installed. A grey 3 pin connector was tucked in behind the rear bumper. Can any AU owners confirm if ours are coming like this yet?

Dropbox - 2019-10-23 20.33.16.jpg - Simplify your life

 

[Hungry Mile]

Well, my time is nigh! I’m picking up my car on Monday and the first questions I’ll have are, “when can I order the tow hitch, is the wiring loom already there, (and as I expect “I dunno”, (shrug)), can I speak with the manager?

Has anyone managed to get any information about this in the past two months?

 

[taco]

Saw someone on Facebook installing a stealth hitch on their AU model 3 today Tesla Model 3 Australia

 

[doggy1]

Does anyone have any updated news on tow bar availability for Model 3 in Australia?
Regds,
Dave

 

[one4spl]

Saw someone on Facebook installing a stealth hitch on their AU model 3 today Tesla Model 3 Australia

*waves* thats me.

Let me know if you have any questions.

The car does have a 3 pin plug ready for the OEM trailer module that supplied a large-ish 12V, earth and CAN bus wire. I used the 12V and earth for the Ark relay box I used.

More posts about it:

Tesla Model 3 Australia

Tesla Model 3 Australia

Tesla Model 3 Australia (includes the BoM and prices landed).

 

[Hungry Mile]

*waves* thats me.

Let me know if you have any questions.

The car does have a 3 pin plug ready for the OEM trailer module that supplied a large-ish 12V, earth and CAN bus wire. I used the 12V and earth for the Ark relay box I used.

More posts about it:

Tesla Model 3 Australia

Tesla Model 3 Australia

Tesla Model 3 Australia (includes the BoM and prices landed).

Regrettably I’m not using FB. Did you purchase it from Tesla?

 

[doggy1]

I don't use FB either (but do not regret it!)
Would be interested in any info that could be posted here. Such as:

price
how long it took
any major challenges
where to obtain tow bar

I put an imported stealth tow bar on my PUG last year and it was a huge job involving removing much of the rear of the car. But the result was fantastic. I did swear then "Never again!"

Thanks,
Dave

 

[one4spl]

I imported it from Stealth via MyUS. Came to about $1500AUD for all the bits I needed for the complete Tow+Rack package.

You'll need to get these locally:

trailer parts, boat trailer parts, camper trailer parts, caravan parts, horse trailer parts box trailer parts. Ark Corporation - to protect the car from the trailer. I powered it from the OEM trailer module socket.

trailer parts, boat trailer parts, camper trailer parts, caravan parts, horse trailer parts, box trailer parts, towing gear. Ark Corporation - the included ball is 2" (50.8mm) so wont fit in many Australian trailers. You need a 1" shank as thats the size of the hole in the Stealth Hitch. The common shank here is 7/8".

For Aus/Euro cars with amber indicators the car wires are-

Left Turn - Purple
Right Turn - Red
Parking (Marker) - Yellow
Brake - Grey
Reverse - White

It took me most of a day to fit it. I'm a former Auto Electrician. Nothing particularly challenging about it.

I am part way through documenting the process on my blag, I should get time to finish that shortly.

 

[doggy1]

Thank you very much for the excellent information.
Cheers,
Dave

 

[Hungry Mile]

I imported it from Stealth via MyUS. Came to about $1500AUD for all the bits I needed for the complete Tow+Rack package.

Thanks for the info. Very useful.

A few years ago I did the same for my Lexus CT200h and while successful it involved a lot of stuffing around and expense, especially to source a suitable hitch. I said then, never again, which I why I’m sweating on the OEM one.

We’re waiting on the Australian certification to be given to the OEM towing assembly.

 

[doggy1]

We might have to wait until pent up demand for 3s drops sufficiently that tow bars, DAB+ et al rise up the priority chain. These are niche things that not everyone wants. In fact, the % requirement for tow bars is probably quite low. I definitely cannot put one on my Renault Zoe which means I hang onto my other ICE car for longer until one becomes available. I would also prefer a LR rather than SR+ but really cannot justify the extra $, a significant chunk of which goes to Luxury Car Tax and also Stamp Duties. So, my second EV purchase needs to wait a while longer. Here's hoping that the $AUS does not tank so far that the price hikes further and also that Govt plans for extra taxes on EVs do not eventuate.

Dave

 

[one4spl]

I've written a post about my tow bar installation - Tow Bar — TSL43.info