I wanted to post my test results of the hitch system in general with the Model Y, and with the 1upUSA Equipe-D. I will skip the photos. I have photos supporting if needed.
1. Tesla Model Y 165 vertical weight limit for accessories. There is some truth to the limit. Depending on the specific hitch rack, the center of gravity can vary largely. For example, 1upUSA when inserted 1/8” short of the 2” insertion recommendation (the only way it will work before touching the car, in default 700c/29er configuration. Also note that other wheels sizes will not work for the 1st bike position when stowed w/o bikes.) Other carriers top tube mounts hold the bikes far away. For the heavier tray/platform type hitch racks, only 3 bikes meet the Tesla vertical weight limit (Kuat & 1upUSA). The mathematics can be simplified for those not into structural engineering. 1st position 1 bike 1 foot away from hitch = 25 ft-lbs. 2nd position 2 feet away = 50 ft-lbs. Do this for 4 bikes, it is 25 + 50 + 75 + 100 ft-lbs. Simply not including (excluding rack weight for simplicity. If you must know it’s 20 lbs average for rack structure per bike position) the fourth bike position reduces this moment/torque by a whopping 40%!!!. The deflection at the end is a function of the length as well. One could estimate the visible amount of bike movement to be roughly cubic. In other words, a fourth bike is more load, contributes 40% more bending, and is at the end of an ever longer lever/moment arm. The deflection on the end is 40% x 1.x = roughly 50% more deflection witnessed via the rear Dash Cam. All in all the Tesla weight spec governs how much tolerable flex. I did witness this with 188 lbs of load just doing speed bumps in a parking lot.
I then reduced the hitch to carry only 3 bikes. Regardless of this reduction of weight, when on the road (adding deflection in the suspension), it was very clear that cars did not want to follow me closely. 2-3 tractor-trailer distances away. The hitch on the Model Y itself exhibits flex. I inspected the factory hitch it looks stout already, but believe that the stiffness is not enough at the hitch interface. I am confident the Model Y can tow, but the hitch’s ability to take bending loads does not pass my acceptance level. The final straw was 30mph over 15mph speed bumps to a regional park caused wheels on the two of the three bikes to pop off the trays.
2. The Equipe-D is not rated for off-road. Given the vertical deflection, I would avoid the Equipe-D. I believe the wider trays to accommodate fat tire width may be a contributor.
3. Considering rear trunk access is inhibited, I will revert to roof rack systems. I did lose one bike into a garage, so I understand the risk.
4. For platform/tray systems, I recommend a rack that provide a kinematic clamp (at three points) for one wheel and one hold-down for one wheel securing the vertical direction.