Model X Roof Rack|Hitch Rack|Trailer|Toys

[chickensevil]

We can’t wait to get our hands on the X to fabricate an EcoHitch for it. Tesla dealers have been suggesting the EcoHitch to Model S owners who would like to use bike racks and small cargo trays. In regards to voiding your warranty, under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act installing our hitch or anyone else’s for use with a rack application should not void your warranty, as long you operate within the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer.

Does Tesla actually have hitching recommendations on the car? Just trying to clear this up. If it doesn't void the warranty then that is pretty great news. You seem better educated on the subject so I would lean on you for your input here, I was basing what I said off of vague comments from Tesla about putting a hitch on the S. I still would like something "official" from Tesla, since it would make me feel more comfortable about having it done to my vehicle (even if it is done 3rd party).

 

[4SUPER9]

Does Tesla actually have hitching recommendations on the car? Just trying to clear this up. If it doesn't void the warranty then that is pretty great news. You seem better educated on the subject so I would lean on you for your input here, I was basing what I said off of vague comments from Tesla about putting a hitch on the S. I still would like something "official" from Tesla, since it would make me feel more comfortable about having it done to my vehicle (even if it is done 3rd party).

I installed the Ecohitch a couple of weeks ago. Though no "officially" sanctioned mod, I do have an email from a Tesla SC rep who recommended the installer for me. Regardless, I certainly do not intend to tow anything (though the recommendation in the first post is really cool). I am using it solely for my bike rack.

 

[JRP3]

In this video around the 30 minute mark I think Elon talks about a "triangular" space between the open falcon doors that would allow skis and such to be carried. I don't see it.

Maybe he meant partially opened doors.

 

[brianman]

@JRP3
I thought the same thing, but my interpretation was that they've changed something in newer designs that we haven't seen yet.

 

[EchoDelta]

@JRP3
I thought the same thing, but my interpretation was that they've changed something in newer designs that we haven't seen yet.

My interpretation was that they may have seen the roof panes don't need to open so deep towards the center, (torque, more seams, etc) made them shorter and open to > 90 degrees (say 120, 135); the outer arc of the door doesn't change that much.
And maybe has the added benefit of maybe having the opening doors require less height.

The most logical explanation is that Elon himself read my thread about my poorly/stupidly built garage with the structural beam crossing through the middle right where the doors would open, said "this won't do", grabbed a pencil (the gesture controlled CAD thingie is still too slow yet to design straight from the heart) and sketched the new configuration right there and then. Snapped a pic with his phone and emailed to the team entitled "let it be done".

I'm sure others will make up all sorts of convoluted logic to explain possible changes-- but *i know*

Merry weekend to all. I'm glad I didn't start demolition yet

 

[Tedkidd]

Looking at that picture and thinking about this....

Maybe they shortened the top portion of the door, leaving a larger gap between the two top hinges. This would allow a lower opening height. Since the doors "know" when to stop, when their is no impediment the lower portion could continue to raise beyond horizontal to more of an X wing position if needed.

Allows for greater roof strength too. In the picture above its a pretty narrow piece of roof. (is this kinda what you were suggesting Echo?)

 

[EchoDelta]

Allows for greater roof strength too. In the picture above its a pretty narrow piece of roof. (is this kinda what you were suggesting Echo?)

I was thinking more like this but with the short span opening more towards the center (ie go beyond the 90 degrees).

 

[aronth5]

Echo Delta, interesting. Of course this means Elon would have to duck, no more standing:smile:

So Bonnie what do you think?

 

[JRP3]

Maybe they could do something like this

 

[sjoshuaj]

he said in the center would be a space available for some storage in the shape of a triangle. So I'm guessing it'll look something like this.

 

[EchoDelta]

Thanks! Exactly my interpretation I couldn't edit the image as desired w Preview alone

 

[aronth5]

Thanks! Exactly my interpretation I couldn't edit the image as desired w Preview alone

While I agree it is an interesting idea you still don't get much storage. Ski's, a few javelins and other assorted skinny items but not much else.

 

[EchoDelta]

But you can carry your javelins!

 

[JRP3]

How about a rack with a mechanism like this that can lift your load above the doors when they open?

 

[bonnie]

Echo Delta, interesting. Of course this means Elon would have to duck, no more standing:smile:

So Bonnie what do you think?

View attachment 42970

I think the design must be finalized by now, so everything we post is more speculation as to what the production version will look like, rather than suggestions on what they could do.

I'm good with anything. Just get an X parked in my garage, dammit!

 

[NigelM]

While I agree it is an interesting idea you still don't get much storage. Ski's, a few javelins and other assorted skinny items but not much else.

The video where Elon described the space was during his visit to Oslo; Norwegians don't carry anything other than skis. ;-)

 

[100thMonkey]

I'm getting the feeling, from hearing Elon, that they simply don't have a solution that will make those of us looking for an actual full function SUV, happy and that's why they are not revealing what they have come up with. we may be stuck with a PHSUV as a placeholder till the market matures and someone comes out with a solid range, full function EVSUV (tow capability and full roof rack-ability). the other option is to try and squeeze SUV function out of the S by adding a roof rack (though AWD would be sorely missed) and stick with a smaller EV placeholder till the market matures. ...it's a bit frustrating.

 

[TD1]

 

[Tedkidd]

Slick work!

 

[scoosba]

I ski about 3 times a week. You ski and have an X simply use a hitch mount system. Softride, Inc. || Hitch mounted bike rack || Ski-Snowboard Rack
If you must have something on the roof ie kayak or extra storage simply leave one of the falcon wings closed. The other door is still huge and egress would be easier than minivans of the 80 and 90s that only had one sliding door.