new 2021 Model S - can you install a ski rack?

[PeteM]

Hi guys,
I'm new to the forum but have been a tesla x owner since 2016 and a tesla fan for longer. I ordered a new model S earlier this summer but was recently told it may not have mounting points for a roof rack to hold a ski rack, which is important to us. I talked to tesla 2 times asking this question and one person told me yes, it does have a mounting system and the other person said no it doesn't... so i'm unsure.
Does someone who's take delivery of the new model S know if they have the capability to install a ski rack? I'm guessing if it does, it will be like the system on the model 3 where there are no visible mounting brackets but you can still install one.
Thanks for your help! If we can't get a ski rack on, we'll have to go with a different car which would be unfortunate.
Thanks!

 

[jeff1323]

I can tell you that it definitely does not have a ski rack mount. I was a bit disappointed by this, but because the top is all glass, you can use the newer suction mounted racks that work just as good Hope this answer helped!

 

[Watts_Up]

You can add any Yakima accessories to the roof rack than you can find in the Tesla accessories web page.

2012-2020 | Model S Roof Rack - Glass Roof

Model S Roof Rack – Glass Roof was designed and engineered from the ground up for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, minimal interior noise and impact to range. The ultra-sleek attachment mechanism featuring die-cast towers and integrated locks makes for easy installation at home. The aluminum...

shop.tesla.com

See the Yakima Snow section Web page.

Snow

Snow

yakima.com

 

[DerbyDave]

The roof rack is specified in 2021.12.4.2 North America Owner's Manual. Page 207 says Model S equipped with a glass roof can carry up to 165 lbs (75 kg) using a Tesla approved roof rack (see Parts and Accessories on page 204).

 

[PeteM]

I can tell you that it definitely does not have a ski rack mount. I was a bit disappointed by this, but because the top is all glass, you can use the newer suction mounted racks that work just as good Hope this answer helped!

Thanks, Jeff - I appreciate it! I imagine it's not but do you think it's possible that there's a mounting system that's not visible like on the Model 3 where you pull back the gasket between the glass roof and the side and insert a bracket? Here's a link for the model 3 rack manual showing this:

https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/downloads/model-3-roof-rack-owners-manual-en-us.pdf

when i look at a model 3, to me it looks like there's no way you could mount a rack but it looks like you can. Talked to tesla again today - the 3rd call - and this time they said they were pretty sure there's rack capability but they weren't 100% sure. And the rails aren't yet available for purchase
The reference from DerbyDave to the new owners manual mentioning rack capability is encouraging. thanks, Jeff!

 

[PeteM]

The roof rack is specified in 2021.12.4.2 North America Owner's Manual. Page 207 says Model S equipped with a glass roof can carry up to 165 lbs (75 kg) using a Tesla approved roof rack (see Parts and Accessories on page 204).

DerbyDave - thank you very much! That's encouraging news. I'm hopeful that they'll release a rail system that we could install on a new S soon. Talked to tesla again today and the person said they thought there is rack capability (as your find in the manual would indicate) but the person wasn't sure and they didn't know how to find out for sure.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[DerbyDave]

One doesn't know if the capability is truly included until the car is delivered, but the roof is probably the same as last year, which supported the rack. The rack will also PROBABLY be the same as sold last year.

 

[kj71109]

In for results. I really hope we have rack access, if not I’ll be buying more sea sucker racks the way it looks.

 

[jeff1323]

I’m going to go into my local SC and get a straight answer from my SA, which always seems to keep up to date on the latest releases. I’ll come back with more news on this.

 

[Aleks0404]

According to the Car Manual you can fit a Roof Rack.

 

[PeteM]

I’m going to go into my local SC and get a straight answer from my SA, which always seems to keep up to date on the latest releases. I’ll come back with more news on this.

Awesome - thank you so much, Jeff! That's great. I've tried talking to mine and they don't seem to know either way. And, as I mentioned, I've called tesla a couple times too without convincing results. Please let me know what you find out. Thanks a lot!

 

[PeteM]

According to the Car Manual you can fit a Roof Rack.

View attachment 688731

Thanks, Aleks. That's definitely good news. From what i can tell, they don't yet sell the system to utilize the roof rack on the new S which still makes me a little nervous. But one would think that hopefully is shortly on the way? Thank you!

 

[PeteM]

Hi guys, just wanted share a little news on this topic. I was at a supercharger the other day that was at the Tesla dealer in salt lake city. On the lot was a Model S Plaid with a roof rack on top so I think, unless this was something super custom, that it is possible to install a ski rack on the new S. The mounting system looks similar to the way it is on the model 3. So good news. Thanks!

 

[RobInAZ]

How easy is it to install and remove the roof rack? I would probably only use it 4x per year on road trips, so I'd like to take it off when not in use.

 

[phecda]

Hey guys. Just wondering what ski rack are you using on the oem roof rack?

 

[HP Man]

Hey guys. Just wondering what ski rack are you using on the oem roof rack?

Any ski rack will work that is designed to mount to aero bars. The Tesla roof rack is made by Yakima, but Thule ski racks will fit as well.