Tow Hitch (Factory) Waiting Room

[dandrewk]

I researched this for my Model 3, but decided just to wait for the Model Y. These guys will do it:

Yakima & Thule Racks for Car and Bike | Trailer Hitches Sale/Rentals - Rack N Road

They have a few locations in the Bay Area, and I'm sure there are other shops. U-Haul probably does it too. IIRC, it was about $400 labor, so you might as well wait for the Tesla version.

 

[cbaker619]

Hey All,

So, I am still waiting for my MY, but in the mean time I plan on buying a bike rack. The problem is we have fat tire electric bikes. I have a Super 73-S1 and the wife has a Rad Runner. They weigh 145 lbs combined. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

My Bike

Wife's Bike

 

[dandrewk]

We have two RadCities and use this. Highly recommended.

Sport Rider SE Hitch Bike Rack for Fat Tire Electric Bikes

 

[teamfleming]

I would just wait for Tesla to install it. Putting on an after market tow hitch might void some warranties.

Thanks! I wish I knew when they were starting.

 

[teamfleming]

I researched this for my Model 3, but decided just to wait for the Model Y. These guys will do it:

Yakima & Thule Racks for Car and Bike | Trailer Hitches Sale/Rentals - Rack N Road

They have a few locations in the Bay Area, and I'm sure there are other shops. IIRC, it was about $400 labor, so you might as well wait for the Tesla version.

Great lead. Thanks. I'm still hoping Tesla will do something soon but I'll research Rack n Road, too.

 

[Medic]

Added factory hitch to my order in May after seeing aftermarket movies (not worth my time/risk dismantling the car for the saving). Picked up my Y today.

Here's the factory installed 2in receiver plus socket.
Very difficult to remove the bumper cover without tools. I will probably add something aftermarket to the cover to pull on.

 

[jsargevt]

May I also recommend a 1up bike rack. I have one of their original versions and it has served me well for....15+ years without any issues. The "updated ones" are even better!

Just add on the fat tire spacer kit and you're good to go.
2″ Super Duty Double – 1UP USA | OFFICIAL SITE

Yes it is expensive but they are outstanding racks.

 

[neutrino]

Is that extender necessary? I would be real hesitant using one, as it puts additional pressure on the hinge. That probably won't make much difference with non-electric bikes. IIRC, the e-bike carrier we have recommends against extenders.

The extender was necessary for mine -- an old Rhode Gear I bought from a friend for $40. Here's an example:

Rhode Gear bike rack, black steel | eBay

The Rhode Gear involves pivoting/rotating the arms that hold the bikes from the "closed" position to the "open" position. That rotation would scratch the Model Y, absent an extension.

However, I've seen more modern Thules that would work fine without an extension. The key is a "flip-up" approach of the arms that hold the bikes. That approach is generally fine.

 

[Graffi]

Question for all you engineers and back-yard inventors:

Would it be beneficial to reduce aerodynamic drag to fabricate some kind of hard cover over the bike rack or hitch carrier? Any other thoughts on how to not lose efficiency when using our factory installed hitch?

 

[Whoisbill]

Anyone have a recommendation for a kayak trailer that doesn't cost $700+ ? Just have the one. It's about 14 feet long

 

[krails]

Anyone have a recommendation for a kayak trailer that doesn't cost $700+ ? Just have the one. It's about 14 feet long

Yeah, we have a 2-person canoe and I looked in to all the options. The cheap ones I'd be afraid to take on the highway, and the expensive ones are $3-4k to start.

We ended up just ordering the roof racks. Even if there's a serious range hit with it on the roof, it'll be much simpler and like what we're doing now with our Prius with Thule aero racks. And it allows us to put the bikes on the hitch-mounted rack and take all the toys with us. =)

 

[dsnows]

Got mine last week. It's a 2" receiver. Already working great for bicycles; haven't tried actually towing with it yet.

I had no problem using a screwdriver to pry off the panel. I just worked it a bit on all four sides, then pulled it off fairly easily.

Will the cover go back on securely when hitch not in use?

 

[Graffi]

Will the cover go back on securely when hitch not in use?

Yes, just make sure the tabs go in the correct spot. It snapped right in.

 

[RED MDL3]

These photos may help.

 

[justmetv]

What did you end up going with?

Hey All,

So, I am still waiting for my MY, but in the mean time I plan on buying a bike rack. The problem is we have fat tire electric bikes. I have a Super 73-S1 and the wife has a Rad Runner. They weigh 145 lbs combined. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

My Bike

Wife's Bike

 

[Poncherelly]

These photos may help.

I haven't tried removing the back cover yet but is it hard for the first time and do you just use a plastic pry tool to take it off?

I'm waiting for my hitch to arrive and be installed. Fingers crossed its done before the end of the month when e go camping.

 

[scissorfighter]

They weigh 145 lbs combined

That doesn’t leave much overhead for the weight of the rack. According to the latest version of the owners manual, the maximum vertical load limit on the tow receiver is 160 lbs. Interestingly, the max tongue weight for a trailer is 350 lbs (for 19” tires). I find that strange... if the tongue weight is simply the downward force on the hitch, then why the reduced limit for “vertical” loads like bike racks?

 

[chancelperry]

Still waiting on a VIN. A guy with my same configuration, minus the tow hitch received his VIN today near me. My guess is now the tow hitch is holding it up.

 

[neutrino]

I haven't tried removing the back cover yet but is it hard for the first time and do you just use a plastic pry tool to take it off?

I'm waiting for my hitch to arrive and be installed. Fingers crossed its done before the end of the month when e go camping.

Flat-head screwdriver. It comes off pretty easily, you just have to work it around the circumference.

 

[sirpumpkin]

I haven't tried removing the back cover yet but is it hard for the first time and do you just use a plastic pry tool to take it off?

I'm waiting for my hitch to arrive and be installed. Fingers crossed its done before the end of the month when e go camping.

Ordered mine June 26th. Superior SC said it comes in on Monday.