Depending on market region, vehicle
configuration, options purchased, and software version, your vehicle may not be
equipped with Towing capability.
Review the Owner's Manual for weight limits, best practices, and more
information.
The Model X towing package includes a weight-carrying hitch with a 2 inch
hitch receiver (for North America and Korea) or 50 mm ball coupling. When not in use,
the hitch (and receiver, if equipped) should be removed and stored in a dry location to
prevent rust and corrosion. Keep the dust cover over the hitch housing to prevent dirt
and debris from entering.
The trailer hitch assembly is attached to the body of the vehicle with 8 nuts.
Note
The maximum permissible rear overhang
for the coupling point is 47 inches (1186 mm).
Note
Always attach safety chains when
towing. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and attach to the trailer eyelets to
ensure the security of the trailer load.
CAUTION
Always remove the ball
mount before installing or removing the hitch receiver from the vehicle.
Warning
You must use the Model X
trailer hitch when towing a trailer. Never attempt to attach a different type of trailer
hitch.
To install the trailer hitch receiver:
Remove the dust cover from the hitch
housing.
Insert the key into the locking
cylinder on the hitch, and turn the cylinder so the top of the key is aligned with
the “unlocked” position.
Pull the locking cylinder out of the
adapter approximately 1/8" (0.5 cm), and turn clockwise until the red marking on the
cylinder aligns with the white dot.
Warning
Be careful
when turning the locking cylinder. If it does not lock into the “Open Position”,
it automatically retracts into its original “Closed Position” and can pinch your
fingers.
Firmly grasp the hitch from the
bottom and align the triangular-shaped guides at the sides of the hitch with the
corresponding cutouts in the hitch housing.
Note
Do not grasp the
locking cylinder because it needs to rotate freely.
Push the hitch into the hitch housing
until the locking cylinder rotates approximately 120° counter-clockwise and
automatically locks into the "Closed Position". The green area on the locking
cylinder (above the white arrow) aligns with the white dot on the housing.
Visually check to confirm that the
hitch is fully inserted into the housing. Try pulling down on the hitch. The hitch
should not drop when you pull down.
Note
If the hitch does not lock into
the housing, it falls out when you pull down on it.
Turn the key so the arrows align with
the “locked” marking on the locking cylinder.
Remove the key and store it in a safe
place (preferably inside the vehicle).
Note
The key can be removed only if
the hitch is locked. This indicates a proper connection. Do not use the hitch if
the key is not removed.
Note
Tesla recommends making a note of
the key code. You need this code if you lose the keys and need to order a
replacement.
Close the dust cover to prevent dirt
and debris from entering the lock. For newer version with push clips, reattach the
dust cover, snap it in place and open the push clips before pushing them in.
Note
To maintain the hitch, regularly grease
its surfaces with non-resinous grease.
Disconnecting the Tow Hitch
After towing, remove the hitch:
Insert the key and turn to align
the top of the key with the “unlocked” position.
While firmly holding the bottom
of the hitch (to prevent it from dropping to the ground), pull the locking
cylinder out approximately 1/8" (0.5 cm), and turn it clockwise until the red
marking on the locking cylinder aligns with the white dot. At this point, the
locking cylinder is locked in the "open" and the hitch drops out of the
housing.
Warning
Be careful when turning the locking cylinder. If it does not lock into the
“Open Position”, it automatically retracts into its original “closed"
position and can pinch your fingers.
Reinstall the dust cover on the
hitch housing to prevent dirt from accumulating inside the housing.
Close the dust cover on the
hitch's locking cylinder and store the hitch in a secure location.
Attaching and Removing the Ball Mount
(North America and Korea)
The Model X towing package does not include a ball mount. You must
purchase a ball mount suitable for the type of trailer you are towing. The Model X
hitch receiver supports a ball mount up to 8” with a rise of up to 0.75”. Do not use
any type of drop ball mount.
To attach a ball mount:
If necessary, remove the cotter
pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch
assembly.
Slide the ball holder into the
hitch assembly.
Align the hole in the ball holder
with the one in the hitch assembly.
Slide the locking bolt through
the hitch assembly/ball holder.
Insert the cotter pin in the hole
at the end of the locking bolt.
To remove a ball mount:
Remove the cotter pin from the
locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the ball holder/hitch
assembly.
WarningBe careful when turning the locking cylinder. If it does not lock into the “Open Position”, it automatically retracts into its original “Closed Position” and can pinch your fingers.
