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Who else tows with their S?
- Thread starter Bueno
- Start date
Cheburashka
Active Member
SigRed12
Member
Ok, to the OP, yes, people do tow with their MS, at least here in the US they do. As for which equipment they use, I believe the EcoHitch is what you're looking for. And for the legalese commentators, pipe down. The OP didn't ask if it was legal or not or how safe it is/isn't. Only asked if people do it and by what means.
I'm sure he appreciates your documenting his violation of the warranty. Particularly, including the license plate was a nice touch.
Cheburashka
Active Member
So for US market, towing with MS is not a legal issue, just a warrenty issue up against Tesla?
I didnt know that - so thanks.
Here in Norway it is a lega issue. If you dont have the towing capacity in your cars certificate, its not legal. If you get pulle over, you get a ticket and a driving ban (you cant drive further with you trailer).
BUT, the public road authorities in Norway would update the certificate and allow towing IF manufacture approve it. This goes for all manufactures.
So if Tesla sent an approval in writing saying this VIN is allowed for towing xx weights, it would be all good. No need for new EU type approvals etc.
Do you know why Tesla wont approve MS for towing? Are there any technical issues or just administrative?
The M3 in Norway are approved for towing up to 2000lb. Not much, but enough for most people.
So MS should also be capable of these weights?
I didnt know that - so thanks.
Here in Norway it is a lega issue. If you dont have the towing capacity in your cars certificate, its not legal. If you get pulle over, you get a ticket and a driving ban (you cant drive further with you trailer).
BUT, the public road authorities in Norway would update the certificate and allow towing IF manufacture approve it. This goes for all manufactures.
So if Tesla sent an approval in writing saying this VIN is allowed for towing xx weights, it would be all good. No need for new EU type approvals etc.
Do you know why Tesla wont approve MS for towing? Are there any technical issues or just administrative?
The M3 in Norway are approved for towing up to 2000lb. Not much, but enough for most people.
So MS should also be capable of these weights?
I suppose maybe you are right, since it isn't mentioned in the warranty document. Here's what it says in my Owner's Manual:
Towing a Trailer
Warning: Do not use Model S for towing
purposes. Model S does not support a
trailer hitch. Installing one could cause
damage and increase the risk of an
accident.
Caution: Using Model S for towing may
void the warranty.
In the US, it is a different kind of legal issue. It is not against the law, but if there is an accident, the driver could be deemed responsible financially for damages, since they knowingly disregarded the manufacturer's warning. If a fatality occurs, millions of dollars would be involved. An extra good liability insurance policy might cover one million, but the rest would come from the driver.
Apologies for the "legalese", @REckard. The question was asked.
OBX John
Autonomous Driving Enthusiast
No reason, as plenty of Model S owners have been towing stuff all over the place with the Eco Hitch.
ICE collector
Have a nice day!
Any technical reasons for towing with a MS; no, you can tow anything with any vehicle as long as the tow connection is engineered properly for the tow vehicle. The ecohitch has a max tougne weight capacity of 160Kg/350lbs, & max tow weight of, 1600Kg/3500lbs. There are vehicles with towing hitches installed with lower towing specs. I plan on installing one to carry my bikes, or cargo tray, 200# max. I probably would tow a small trailer, if it isnt sketchy looking, such as no wiring harness for lights, or bad wheels. I hope this helps, good luck!
I have an EcoHitch, and there is a technical issue that the ultrasonic sensors go nuts, depending on what kind of trailer. There is no provision for disabling the back ones.
Also the rear air suspension is not designed for heavier loads. But there's no torque or drivetrrain problem.
And on the EcoHitch, the weak point is where the receiver connects to the towing frame. That metal bar is the limiting factor for weight.
Also the rear air suspension is not designed for heavier loads. But there's no torque or drivetrrain problem.
And on the EcoHitch, the weak point is where the receiver connects to the towing frame. That metal bar is the limiting factor for weight.
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