Tow hitch, does it affect acceleration or range?

[Alex0070]

I accidentally ordered a factory-installed tow hitch for my MYLR.
The tow bar system weights around 30kg (65 lbs), according to some specs (not sure if that is accurate).

Does the existence of the tow bar affect range, performance or acceleration, without towing and without having the trailer attached?

From a physics perspective, any additional weight to the vehicle may affect range or performance, but at this scale it feels as If there is some luggage permanently sitting at the back of the car. I mean, I could as well be 20-30kg heavier as a person.

 

[YW555]

Model Y is like 4,400 lbs so that's a small weight in comparison. If anything it might help with NVH since most of the road noise are coming from the back.

 

[Sambub]

I haven’t ever seen anything posted/written about range being affected by adding a tow hitch.

The car is 4400lbs, so I’m pretty sure 65lbs more will not measurably affect range..

 

[Geech72]

Absolutely! But only if you're using it to tow something.

 

[ATPMSD]

Any weight added to the car will reduce range. However, IMHO, 65 lbs. is too small to make a noticeable difference.

 

[bluenycom]

Weight on hitch rack is minimal. On the other hand, I found that a bike on the rack in back does cause significant change in aerodynamic and reduce efficiency. Even my empty folded bike rack (Rocky Mount Backstage) cause some decreased in efficiency.

 

[TomB985]

I think the effect is negligible.

Range at higher speeds has far more to do with aerodynamics than it does weight, and the hitch is completely enclosed behind the bumper and underbody cladding. There’s no way to tell if a hitch is installed without removing the access panel because you can’t even see it from beneath the car.

The Draw Tite hitch for the Y is 31 lbs, and I’d expect the factory part to be similar. It also replaces a bumper reinforcement beam, so you’re subtracting some weight as well.

 

[240vPlug]

Range is unaffected or at least not measurably affected. My LR had the hitch and my P doesn't. I see similar consumption numbers (P has 19s and OE continental). The P uses slightly more but sometimes I have trouble controlling my right foot.

 

[Spinkick]

Model Y is like 4,400 lbs so that's a small weight in comparison. If anything it might help with NVH since most of the road noise are coming from the back.

Speaking of road noise in the back, has anyone tried laying down dynamat in the rear of the car?

 

[YNot??]

On a related note, my Model Y (with hitch) was delivered with the bumper cover in place, so I haven’t actually looked for it yet. I did confirm however that the car has the tow software, so I’m assuming it’s there. I’m assuming once I pop the cover off, it won’t go back on?

 

[Spinkick]

On a related note, my Model Y (with hitch) was delivered with the bumper cover in place, so I haven’t actually looked for it yet. I did confirm however that the car has the tow software, so I’m assuming it’s there. I’m assuming once I pop the cover off, it won’t go back on?

that would suck! They make a remove tool. I would hope that the cover would pop back on when you arent using it.

 

[evrepair]

Tow package doesn’t barely have any additional weight, because the tow bar replaces the stock bumper reinforcement bar, which also weighs about the same.

 

[TomB985]

On a related note, my Model Y (with hitch) was delivered with the bumper cover in place, so I haven’t actually looked for it yet. I did confirm however that the car has the tow software, so I’m assuming it’s there. I’m assuming once I pop the cover off, it won’t go back on?

Why would they make a one-way panel?

It snaps right back in.

 

[YNot??]

Good to know … I had heard a lot of people broke tabs and had issues putting it back on.

 

[YNot??]

Good to know … I had heard a lot of people broke tabs and had issues putting it back on.

Why would they make a one-way panel?

It snaps right back in.

What tool is best for removing the clips?

 

[sidewinder]

on an ice vehicle 100 lb reduces mpg by 1%. lighter vehicles suffer more compared to heavier vehicles. so it would be negligible on a 4500lb vehicle.

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[sidewinder]

What tool is best for removing the clips?

set of these would work

Trim And Molding Tool Set, 5 Piece

Amazing deals on this Trim/Molding Tool Set 5Pc at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Nubo]

I think the effect is negligible.

Range at higher speeds has far more to do with aerodynamics than it does weight, and the hitch is completely enclosed behind the bumper and underbody cladding. There’s no way to tell if a hitch is installed without removing the access panel because you can’t even see it from beneath the car. ...

True, that. We complained that our Y was missing the tow hitch, and were kindly shown the access cover. Well, whaddy'a know! Very clean look, but a pain to remove/reinstall so I ended up modifying it with a small grab handle.

 

[alexgr]

I accidentally ordered a factory-installed tow hitch for my MYLR.
The tow bar system weights around 30kg (65 lbs), according to some specs (not sure if that is accurate).

Does the existence of the tow bar affect range, performance or acceleration, without towing and without having the trailer attached?

From a physics perspective, any additional weight to the vehicle may affect range or performance, but at this scale it feels as If there is some luggage permanently sitting at the back of the car. I mean, I could as well be 20-30kg heavier as a person.

I recommend dropping weight by some 40 lbs before delivery so your car with a tow hitch does not lose any range.

 

[Spinkick]

True, that. We complained that our Y was missing the tow hitch, and were kindly shown the access cover. Well, whaddy'a know! Very clean look, but a pain to remove/reinstall so I ended up modifying it with a small grab handle.

Pics!