Thule T2 Pro with extension

[MiddKid]

Thought I'd figure out how the hitch on my 1 week old 100D works. Kinda frustrating since my delivery specialist had no clue so she called up a service tech. He proceeded to give me directions...which landed up being completely incorrect. He literally told me to just push it up there and use the wheel to unlock it. Nope. Thank you Google for showing me the real way.

Anyway...I popped on our massive Thule T2 Pro with extension. This is a huge 4 bike rack that is very heavy. All looks good though. I don't think I'd fully load it up...too worried about the weight. But I'd feel ok putting 2 bikes on it.

I have a Yakima Dr. Tray on order for the Model X. Will likely leave the T2 for our other SUV. Just thought I'd post pics in case anyone was curious.

 

[rypalmer]

I've got the 2 bike version on my S. These racks are indeed huge!

 

[JimVandegriff]

Looks great! What is your worry about the weight?

 

[MiddKid]

My worry is this post!

Model X hitch accessory overload ?

If the 120lbs is real, I don't want to test it!

 

[JimVandegriff]

My worry is this post!

Model X hitch accessory overload ?

If the 120lbs is real, I don't want to test it!

Wow, I missed that. Thanks for the info. I was speaking with someone yesterday who is getting a new model X, and she wanted the tow package to carry bikes. I hope this weight limit thing gets clear info from Tesla soon.

 

[flar]

Another rack in this category to check out is the 1upUSA: 2″ Heavy Duty Double – 1UP USA | NEW SITE

It's also available as a single or double rack with up to 2 add-ons so you can be as compact as you need and expand capacity in seconds.

(I have the heavy duty single with an add-on which I used with my old SUV, but haven't had the chance to put it on the X yet...)

 

[ohmman]

The issue with accessories on the hitch compared to a trailer tongue is that there is a greater distance from the attachment point to the center of mass. The Bosal hitch is quite restrictive regarding how it is to be used. No drop, very little rise, and only 8" from the hitch pin to achieve the 500 lbs tongue weight. This is why 120 lbs is somewhat reasonable for an accessory tray. The center of mass is going to be much farther than 8" from the hitch pin. A Thule T2 Pro (which I have) comes out 41" from the hitch pin. Assuming the center of gravity is at about 30", the max weight is about 133 lbs. Math below:

500 lbs @ 8 in = 4000 in-lbs
x lbs @ 30 in = 4000 in-lbs
4000 in-lbs / 30 in = 133 lbs.

With the add-on, the center of gravity moves out farther while the weight increases. You'll rapidly be restricted to carrying feathers.

There is a hitch available from Draw-Tite that doesn't have the sketchy Bosal removable hidden option. It has a tongue weight limit of 750 lbs, and due to the way it's constructed, I'd feel pretty safe with a T2 Pro and extension.

By the way, @MiddKid, I missed that you wound up with an X. Congratulations! I'm a little sad you traded in the S since we were VIN brethren..

 

[MiddKid]

By the way, @MiddKid, I missed that you wound up with an X. Congratulations! I'm a little sad you traded in the S since we were VIN brethren..

Yup! Picked it up two weeks ago (4/22 100D Delivery, Thoughts from Model S Veteran)

Brought it back the past Monday for a punch list of small adjustments to make. Little did I know that asking for a small FWD alignment adjustment requires a trip the body shop and that it's looking like I'll be without my car until Friday. Bummer.

 

[rypalmer]

I've got the 2 bike version on my S. These racks are indeed huge!

Update now that I've had a real long distance road trip with the rack on with one bike: expect 25-30% higher consumption at 120km/hr.