Should You Tow With The Tesla Model S?
Designed from the ground on up as a pure electric vehicle, the Tesla Model S was designed to do a lot of things, like go fast, look good, and deliver a zero emissions driving experience. But was it designed to tow? Technically not, but for those Tesla owners who like to flout standard conventions, Torklift Central will sell you a tow hitch for your electric luxury sedan. Or you could just make your own.
Tesla Motors did not design the Model S with tow hitch receivers, and the aerodynamics of the underside of the car will most certainly be messed up by adding a hitch. There are almost certainly other issues to deal with, such as brake size and weight (the Tesla Model S) alone weighs around 4,700 pounds. Add a 2,000 pound trailer to that, and I would question how well the Model S could come to a fast, controlled stop, though it has plenty of power and torque to handle towing.
That all said, for those who must have zero emissions towing, and don’t want to potentially ruin their Model S, the Tesla Model X has been designed with towing in mind, and will be comparable to most other luxury SUVs. That’ll put it in the 4,000 to 5,000 pound range, more than enough to tow a small boat.
We already briefly covered Torklift’s EcoHitch, which has a 200 lb tongue rating and a 2,000 pound weight capacity, allowing for a small teardrop trailer or pop-up camper to be towed along behind your Model S. Some Tesla owners have even used their Model S as farm equipment, like John Glenney of rural Kentucky, who uses it to mow vast tracks of land on his off-the-grid farm. It’s really an owner decision, one that could void your warranty if you end up in an accident or ruining your brakes.
So it can be done, and it’s really up to you whether or not it should be done. As for me, I’m now dreaming of the day I can tow a small camper to the middle of the woods somewhere and just get back to nature, no emissions needed. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it?
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About the Author
Christopher DeMorro A writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to HEMIs, Chris can be found wrenching or writing- or esle, he's running, because he's one of those crazy people who gets enjoyment from running insane distances.
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