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thelastdeadmouse
Member
When compared to a moat and drawbridge, a door lock isn't the best tool for the job of home security, but sometimes the best tool for the job is the one that fits the rest of your needs while still getting the job done.
SageBrush
REJECT Fascism
You forgot the per mile surcharge.
I agree with you when it comes to local use -- options exist. The hitch really shines though with one way, out of the city trips.
When I buy stuff from Ikea here they offer a free trailer rental. Super offer, but useless to all us electric car owners who don't have Model X.
I just don't understand this attitude that a pickup would be better for towing, therefore no hook is needed on the Model 3. The existence of a even better towing car on the market doesn't help me if I want a Model 3. Most people just have one or two cars here, and that fits most of their needs. They don't buy a different car for each use case. Here's a popular small (petrol) car with a hook - the image is from Fiat's own home page in Denmark. They know their customers: http://www.fiat.dk/panda
I really don't need Tesla to fit a hook on my Model 3, but they have to put it in the European vehicle registration so that it's legal for me to add an aftermarket hook. I queued up before the store opened to reserve one, but I won't buy a Model 3 before that happens. Luckily there's plenty of time for that, because my current estimated delivery date is Late 2018, so they have some time to get the paperwork in order.
I agree with you completely, I start to be tired on everyone that says that it doesn’t matter that Model S and Model 3 will have a hook because you can borrow another car when you need to tow. This means that we can’t go over completely to electric car and leave combustion engine behind us wish is Tesla’s goal because electric car can’t replace many cars here in Europe. It’s that same as Tesla said they would try to reach there goal in US and never realise a pick up truck and Tesla owners would try to tell every other American that you don’t need a pick up truck even if Ford F-series is one of the most popular cars in US. I would just say, good luck.When I buy stuff from Ikea here they offer a free trailer rental. Super offer, but useless to all us electric car owners who don't have Model X.
I just don't understand this attitude that a pickup would be better for towing, therefore no hook is needed on the Model 3. The existence of a even better towing car on the market doesn't help me if I want a Model 3. Most people just have one or two cars here, and that fits most of their needs. They don't buy a different car for each use case. Here's a popular small (petrol) car with a hook - the image is from Fiat's own home page in Denmark. They know their customers: fiat.dk - Panda
I really don't need Tesla to fit a hook on my Model 3, but they have to put it in the European vehicle registration so that it's legal for me to add an aftermarket hook. I queued up before the store opened to reserve one, but I won't buy a Model 3 before that happens. Luckily there's plenty of time for that, because my current estimated delivery date is Late 2018, so they have some time to get the paperwork in order.
I would say that for towing a medium size trailer like an Airstream 22FB a Model X is the "best" tool for the job because it offers a very usable towing range and an incredibly comfortable driving experience while producing zero emissions and can be "fueled" with sustainable energy.
There is no other mass production vehicle on the planet that can do that. Definitely "the best" in my opinion.
dhrivnak
Active Member
I think the jury is still out. I towed a 2000 lb ALiner camping traliler 13,000 miles now hitting many of the high passes in the Rockies. The Volt has more than enough power to tow.
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dhanson865
Well-Known Member
chicken and the egg.
I'd get the hitch if for no other reason to send the message to US car manufacturers that they should put the option on all US cars just like they do for the EU versions.
ModelNforNerd
Active Member
Why does this car have to be the Swiss Army Knife of cars? Why aren't people getting all up in arms because a Chevy Cruze can't tow?
It's a 300+ mile EV. It will be able to drive itself in the (hopefully) not too distant future.
What else are you expecting here? Is it going to make you coffee? Watch your kids? Water your lawn?
Temper your expectations, folks, it's getting ridiculous in here.
It's a 300+ mile EV. It will be able to drive itself in the (hopefully) not too distant future.
What else are you expecting here? Is it going to make you coffee? Watch your kids? Water your lawn?
Temper your expectations, folks, it's getting ridiculous in here.
ModelNforNerd
Active Member
Your part of America is typically seen as the Florida of the North, by other states in your area, FWIW.
On flat land I can see that. But after seeing Edmund's real world Model X camping trip towing test (in the exact locales I travel), I quickly decided to NOT wait for Tesla's pickup to replace my current ICE pickup. Low trip speed averages, range anxiety, and impractical supercharging would take all the fun out of it for me.
boiler81
Member
So as I understand the ICE world, manufacturers have been continually challenged for decades to increase fuel economy. In an effort to meet those goals they fine tune their car designs to lighten up chassis, body, suspension, HP ratings, brakes, etc. to meet the needs of moving the passengers, and some small payloads. If you look at the specs on many compact vehicles, the load of four adult passengers nearly max's out the total vehicle rate load.
So basically most US auto manufacturers aren't designing compact and midsized sedans to tow, as this requires greater strength and weight for the vehicle which is a fuel penalty for all use. Their answer to towing, is they all sell SUV's and trucks which are purpose built to have tow capacity, and have the torques, chassis, and brakes to withstand these extra loads.
We all know BEV's have great torque, but they also need the chassis, suspension, and brakes to be able to handle the demands of towing, without having to overbuild the vehicle for the minority who need to tow with a compact sedan. By putting a factory hitch on a sedan, a manufacturer warrantees that the vehicle can safely tow some capacity, and assumes product liability for same.
So basically most US auto manufacturers aren't designing compact and midsized sedans to tow, as this requires greater strength and weight for the vehicle which is a fuel penalty for all use. Their answer to towing, is they all sell SUV's and trucks which are purpose built to have tow capacity, and have the torques, chassis, and brakes to withstand these extra loads.
We all know BEV's have great torque, but they also need the chassis, suspension, and brakes to be able to handle the demands of towing, without having to overbuild the vehicle for the minority who need to tow with a compact sedan. By putting a factory hitch on a sedan, a manufacturer warrantees that the vehicle can safely tow some capacity, and assumes product liability for same.
We crossed the American and Canadian Rockies with that setup. I wouldn't even consider another tow vehicle.
Dude, when a Fiat Panda can tow a reasonable item from Ikea to home, I sure as hell expect the mother of all car companies Tesla to be able to do it. It's not that difficult.
fiat.dk - Panda
ModelNforNerd
Active Member
I haven't once considered complaining to Audi about the lack of a hitch in my A3, because....I fully understand....IT'S NOT....THAT...MARKET....SEGMENT.......
DR61
Member
But... the same A3 is certified for light duty towing in Europe?
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