Tow Rating Model 3 vs Y

[Quorky]

Hi All,

So the Q is, what is the structural difference between the two cars (as far as i know they are pretty much the same car / same platform with no real structural difference), that has the Model Y rated at 3500lbs towing capacity while Model 3 is only 2000lbs.

Thanks

 

[Uncle Paul]

Believe Y was designed to accept a hitch and 3 was not.

Y has a totally different rear structure, with a couple large aluminum castings replacing about 20 individual pieces.

Y has 4 bolt holes in the castings making hitch installation simple and strong.

Not sure how Europe deliver Model 3 has structure for a hitch as well, but still rating is different.

 

[Quorky]

Believe Y was designed to accept a hitch and 3 was not.

Y has a totally different rear structure, with a couple large aluminum castings replacing about 20 individual pieces.

Y has 4 bolt holes in the castings making hitch installation simple and strong.

Not sure how Europe deliver Model 3 has structure for a hitch as well, but still rating is different.

Yeah the 3 has the same thing in terms of bolting directly to the frame. Designed or not, is there a structural difference between the two to warrant such a large difference in towing capacity? All the rated vs unrated capability aside.

 

[67King]

Typically in an ICE powered vehicle, towing upgrade options include additional transmission oil cooling, engine oil cooling, and engine coolant upgrades. So I would extrapolate that to EV's battery cooling system, both the physical system, and the programming for it. Most people who want to tow do not buy a 3 sized vehicle, but rather trucks or SUV's. Or from what I understand in Europe, larger cars.

 

[mongo]

Yeah the 3 has the same thing in terms of bolting directly to the frame. Designed or not, is there a structural difference between the two to warrant such a large difference in towing capacity? All the rated vs unrated capability aside.

Like @Uncle Paul said, the rear structure on the Y is completely different. It is designed to be a 7 seater and is set up to handle more rear axle weight, though total payload is actually less.

Rough numbers from owner's manials:
Y:1082 rear curb, max: 1500kg with 20inch tires
418kg load capacity (limited by gvwr)
1636kg rear max with 19 inch
Max payload: 402 kg

3:1034 rear curb, max: 1257kg
223kg load capacity
Max payload: 418 kg

 

[Quorky]

thank you for the explanation

 

[wycolo]

Check out the Youtube video on ModelY teardown. The Y is a true beast compared to the 3. Those ratings ring true.
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[mongo]

One of the videos featuring the casting: