The Model Y's Towing Capacity Isn't Bad, But Tesla's Software Makes Things Complicated

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If you've sewage towing connected your mind, nan Tesla Model Y mightiness not beryllium your first pick, but it should beryllium connected nan list. Tesla's crossover EV is tin of hauling much than you mightiness expect, astatine slightest connected paper. That number however, doesn't show nan full story. Once you commencement digging into really Tesla's package has been group up for erstwhile a trailer is attached, it becomes clear that towing pinch a Model Y is simply a small much analyzable than conscionable slapping connected a hitch and hitting nan road.

The Model Y tin tow up to 3,500 pounds erstwhile equipped pinch nan charismatic Tesla tow package, which includes a high-strength tow bar, 2-inch hitch receiver, 7-pin connector, a trailer harness, and nan package package for Trailer Mode. This is simply a measurement up from nan Model 3's optional 2,200-pound capacity. But nan existent situation isn't nan earthy number. It's really nan car behaves erstwhile you commencement towing.

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Tesla really wants you to opt for its $1,000 mill tow package, unlocking the Model Y's maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and maximum lingua weight of 350 pounds. To support things safe, Tesla limits definite driver-assistance features erstwhile towing. Trailer Mode, which activates erstwhile nan trailer connector is plugged in, disables automatic steering interventions and adjusts cruise power to summation pursuing distance. Side collision warnings enactment active, but nan car won't effort to swerve astir obstacles connected its own. Automatic emergency braking unit is reduced successful Trailer Mode, Tesla warns, which intends longer stopping distances.

They're sensible adjustments to nan modular behavior, fixed nan other weight and magnitude progressive erstwhile towing, but only Tesla's tow package unlocks entree to Trailer Mode. Aftermarket hitches are physically possible, but they won't trigger nan in-car systems that are designed to negociate towing behavior. That intends you suffer cardinal information features and perchance void your warranty if thing goes sideways. Oh, and if your trailer tips nan scales complete 1,650 pounds, Tesla wants you to deed up their work halfway for a four-pin pigtail adapter, past benignant retired your ain aftermarket trailer brake controller. That's right, you're connected your ain for trailer brakes, because nan Model Y doesn't travel prepped to grip them retired of nan box.

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Towing pinch nan Model Y isn't impossible, but it does require immoderate planning. The car's drivetrain tin perfectly grip mini trailers and ray campers, and nan 3,500-pound limit is respectable. But nan nonaccomplishment successful scope is nary joke, particularly if you're readying agelong roadworthy trips aliases heading into distant areas without Superchargers. The Model Y's road driving scope tin driblet arsenic overmuch arsenic 26% from its claimed 310 EPA-estimate. Hitch a emblematic U-Haul inferior trailer, and strap up cargo, and MotorTrend recovered road scope dropped to astir 100 miles. This of course, will besides dangle connected your nonstop chosen way and driving conditions connected nan time — and it's not for illustration state vehicles don't spot an system deed erstwhile towing — but don't beryllium excessively hopeful. 

If you're sticking to short hauls, cognize what you're towing, and understand nan limitations, nan Model Y tin tow conscionable fine. But don't expect it to switch a accepted tow rig, and don't count connected Tesla making it easier pinch an aftermarket upgrade. The constricted scope is thing to beryllium peculiarly wary about, particularly fixed the Cybertruck's alternatively questionable towing performance. As ever pinch EVs and towing, nan devil is successful nan software, and Tesla writes its ain rules.