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.
For vehicles in Europe, Israel, Japan,
and Taiwan:
The Model Y towing package includes a
weight-carrying hitch with a 50 mm ball coupling. When not in use, the hitch 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 6 bolts.
Note
The maximum permissible rear overhang
for the coupling point is 1064 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.
Warning
You must use the Model Y trailer hitch when towing a
trailer. Never attempt to attach a different type of trailer hitch.
To install the trailer hitch:
Use a thin object, such as a butter
knife or flat blade screwdriver, to pry around the edges of tow hitch cover and
release the 15 clips that secure the cover to the rear fascia. Store the dust cover
in a secure location.
Insert the key into the locking
cylinder on the hitch, and turn the cylinder so the top of the key is aligned with
the “Open” position.
Pull the locking cylinder out of the
adapter approximately 0.5 cm, and turn clockwise until the Unlock icon is fixated at
the top of the locking cylinder.
CAUTION
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 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 quickly rotates counter-clockwise and automatically locks
into the "Closed" position.
Check to confirm that the hitch is
fully inserted into the housing by pulling on the hitch.
Note
If the hitch does not lock into
the housing, it falls out when you pull down on the hitch.
Turn the key so the arrows align with
the Lock icon 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 key code if you lose the keys and need to order a
replacement.
Note
The trailer hitch is attached
to the body of the vehicle with 6 bolts.
Disconnecting the Tow Hitch
After towing, remove the hitch:
Insert the key and turn to align
the top of the key with the Unlock icon.
While firmly holding the bottom
of the hitch (to prevent it from dropping to the ground), pull the locking
cylinder out approximately 0.5 cm, and turn it clockwise until the Lock icon
shifts to the top. At this point, the locking cylinder is unlocked in the "Open"
position 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 by snapping
in the push clips.
Close the dust cover on the
hitch's locking cylinder and store the hitch in a secure location.
Note
To maintain the hitch,
regularly grease its surface with non-resinous grease.
Attaching and Removing the Ball
Mount
For vehicles in North America, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand
Note
When towing a loaded trailer that weighs more than 1650 lbs (750 kg),
Tesla recommends that the trailer be equipped with its own brake system adequate for
the weight of the trailer. Ensure compliance with local regulations. A brake
controller must be purchased separately, and the required 4-pin pigtail connector
can be ordered from Tesla Service. See the vehicle Owner's Manual for more
information.
The Model Y 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 Y hitch receiver supports a ball
mount with a length of up to 8.5” (22 cm) and a rise of up to 0.75” (2 cm). Do not
use any type of drop ball mount that does not meet these requirements.
To attach a ball mount:
Use a thin object, such as a
butter knife or flat blade screwdriver, to pry around the edges of tow hitch
cover and release the 15 clips that secure the cover to the rear fascia. Store
the dust cover in a secure location.
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.
Pull the ball holder out of the
hitch assembly.
Re-install the dust cover for the
hitch housing and store the ball mount in a secure location.
CAUTIONBe 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.
