Get Driving -> Towing and Accessories Guide for Tesla Model-Y SUV 2023

Towing and Accessories

NOTE: Consult the product details of your accessory

carrier for more information, such as additional weight

or load limits. Damage caused by non Tesla-approved

accessories is not covered by the warranty.

The towing package includes a 2" x 2" (5 cm x 5 cm)

hitch receiver that can support an accessory carrier (for

bicycles, skis, snowboards, etc.) or tow a trailer.

CAUTION: Exceeding the maximum weight the

Model Y hitch is designed to support (as

previously described) can cause signiﬁcant

damage.

Installing and Using a Carrier

When using the tow package to carry accessories, the 2"

x 2" (5 cm x 5 cm) square hitch receiver is designed to

support vertical loads of up to 160 lbs (72 kg). Ball

mounts that are compatible with the square receiver

must be purchased separately.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to install an accessory

carrier on Model Y that is not equipped with the

tow package. Doing so can cause signiﬁcant

damage.

To install and use an accessory carrier, you must ﬁrst

attach the ball mount to the hitch receiver (see

Attaching and Removing the Ball Mount on page 83).

Then, follow the instructions provided by your accessory

carrier. Observe all regulations and legal requirements in

your state or region that apply to carrying accessories.

Trailer Towing

The maximum trailer weight (including all cargo and

additional equipment), and the trailer tongue weight

depend on the number of occupants in your vehicle and

the tires being used. The maximum towing capacity and

trailer tongue weight must never exceed the following:

The Model Y towing package includes the wiring

necessary for using an accessory carrier equipped with

lights (see Electrical Connections on page 83). The

package also includes Trailer Mode software

compatibility (see Trailer Mode on page 81).

Wheel/Rim#Soizfe

Passengers

Maximum

Towing

Capacity

Maximum

Tongue

Weight

NOTE: Go to http://www.tesla.com to purchase

accessories for your vehicle. Although third-party

products are available, Tesla recommends and supports

only Tesla-approved products (see Parts and

Accessories on page 198). The accessory products

available for your vehicle may vary based on market

region. Before attempting to install a non Tesla-

approved carrier, review the product information to

ensure compatibility.

19", 20"

and 21"

up to 3

4 - 5

3,500 lbs

(1,588 kg)

350 lbs (159

kg)

19" and

21"

3,500 lbs

(1,588 kg)

350 lbs (159

kg)

20"

19"

20"

21"

4 - 5

2,300 lbs

(1,043 kg)**

230 lbs (104

kg)**

6 - 7*

2000 lbs

(907 kg)**

200 lbs (91

kg)**

NOTE: When not in use, the ball mount should be

removed and stored in a dry location to prevent dust

and corrosion. Keep the dust cover over the hitch

housing to prevent dirt and debris from entering (see

Attaching and Removing the Ball Mount on page 83).

Towing not

permitted

1200 lbs

(544 kg)**

120 lbs (54

kg)**

NOTE: Tesla assumes no responsibility for damage or

injuries resulting from installing and using an accessory

carrier, for any omissions in the instructions

accompanying an accessory carrier, or for your failure to

follow the instructions. Damage caused by using an

accessory carrier is not covered by the warranty.

*Applicable only to vehicles with seven seating

positions.

** You must operate within the speed limitations of your

trailer and tires, and only drive at speeds appropriate for

the load you are towing, the weather, road and traﬃc

conditions, and your level of towing experience. Always

obey posted speed limits and local regulations regarding

speed.

Carrying Accessories

The hitch receiver is designed to support vertical loads

up to 160 lbs (72 kg). When carrying bicycles, skis, or

other items on the Model Y hitch, always check to

ensure that the maximum weight is not exceeded. When

calculating weight, remember to include the weight of

the accessory carrier. For example, assuming the carrier

weighs 40 lbs (18 kg), the weight threshold is suﬃcient

for carrying two bicycles weighing approximately 60 lbs

(27 kg) each, or four items weighing approximately 30

lbs (14 kg) each.

NOTE: In Canada, towing is limited to 55 mph (89 km/h).

For trailers with a combined loading of more than 1650

lbs (750 kg), Tesla recommends using a separate braking

system with an independent controller (see Trailer

Brakes on page 81). Carefully follow the instructions

provided by the trailer brake manufacturer to ensure

that trailer brakes are properly installed, adjusted, and

maintained.

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Towing and Accessories

The tongue weight is the downward force that the

weight of the trailer exerts on the hitch. This must not

exceed 10% of the maximum trailer weight. Carrying a

signiﬁcant amount of equipment, passengers, or cargo

in the tow vehicle can reduce the towing capacity it can

handle, which also reduces the tongue weight. Maximum

towing capacity is calculated assuming the GVWR

(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is not exceeded (see

Vehicle Loading on page 208).

WARNING: Never attempt to tow a trailer when a

Model Y tire is faulty or has been temporarily

repaired (for example, using a tire repair kit). A

temporarily repaired tire is not designed to sustain

the towing load. Towing using a faulty or

temporarily repaired tire can result in tire failure

and loss of vehicle stability.

Before Towing a Trailer

NOTE: If the information on the hitch label conﬂicts with

the information provided in this Owner's Manual, this

Owner's Manual takes precedence.

Before towing a trailer, you must do the following:

• Inﬂate tires to the cold tire inﬂation pressure

speciﬁed in Tire Pressures when T o wing on page 80.

CAUTION: You should only use Model Y to tow if

you have experience and knowledge of how

towing aﬀects the vehicle and are able to safely

load, secure, and maneuver the vehicle and cargo.

Tesla's instructions are not all-inclusive of the

knowledge and skills necessary for safe towing.

Damage caused by towing a trailer is not covered

by the warranty.

• Observe all regulations and legal requirements that

apply to trailer towing. Failure to comply with

regulations can compromise your safety.

• Adjust side mirrors to provide a clear rear view

without a signiﬁcant blind spot.

• Engage Trailer Mode (see Trailer Mode on page 81).

WARNING: Do not overload the vehicle or trailer.

Doing so can cause poor performance, vehicle

damage, and loss of vehicle control, resulting in

serious injury.

Conﬁrm the following:

• Model Y rests horizontally with the trailer attached. If

the vehicle is tipped up at the front and down at the

rear, check that you are not exceeding the maximum

towing capacity and tongue loads provided in Trailer

T o wing on page 79.

WARNING: Do not use the trailer hitch to transport

Model Y (see Instructions for Transporters on page

223).

Tire Pressures when Towing

• Trailer lights (brake lights, turn signal lights, and

marker lights) are working properly.

When towing a trailer, tire pressures must be adjusted to

accommodate the additional load. 19", 20", and 21" tires

are acceptable to use for towing. Keep tires inﬂated to

the pressures shown below (if diﬀerent, these pressures

override the pressures that are provided on the Tire and

Loading Information Label (see Vehicle Loading on page

208)).

• The trailer tongue is securely connected to the hitch

ball.

• Safety chains are properly connected between the

trailer and the tow vehicle. Cross the safety chains

under the tongue of the trailer to help prevent the

tongue from contacting the road if it separates from

the hitch. Leave enough slack in the safety chains to

allow for turns and ensure that the chains do not drag

on the ground.

Front Tires Rear Tires

Cold Tire Inﬂation Pressure

255/45R19 255/45R19 42 psi (290 kPa)

255/40R20 255/40R20 42 psi (290 kPa)

• All trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains,

and electrical connectors are in good condition and

are properly connected. If any problems are apparent,

do not tow the trailer.

255/35R21

275/35R21

42 psi (290 kPa)

• All cargo is secured.

CAUTION: Do not use Model Y for towing if

equipped with tires that are not listed previously.

• Wheel chocks are available.

WARNING: Check tire pressures using an accurate

pressure gauge when tires are cold. Driving one

mile/1.6 km warms the tires suﬃciently to aﬀect

tire pressures. Parking the vehicle in direct sunlight

or in hot weather can also aﬀect tire pressures. If

you must check warm tires, expect increased

pressures. Do not let air out of warm tires in an

attempt to match recommended cold tire

pressures. A hot tire at or below the recommended

cold tire inﬂation pressure may be dangerously

under-inﬂated.

• The trailer load is evenly distributed such that the

trailer tongue weight is approximately 4-10% of the

total trailer weight, without exceeding the maximum

tongue weights provided in Trailer T o wing on page

79.

CAUTION: Loads that are balanced over the

trailer wheels or heavier in the rear can cause

trailer sway, resulting in loss of vehicle control.

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Towing and Accessories

Mode, touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Trailer Mode

on the touchscreen. One of the following indicators

displays:

WARNING: Always ensure that cargo is secured in

the trailer and will not shift. Dynamic load shifts

can cause loss of vehicle control, resulting in

serious injury.

Trailer Mode is active.

Towing Guidelines

Model Y is designed primarily as a passenger-carrying

vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional load on the

motor(s), drive train, brakes, tires, and suspension and

signiﬁcantly decreases range. If you decide to tow a

trailer, proceed with caution and follow these general

guidelines:

Model Y detects a connection for trailer

lights but Trailer Mode is disabled. It is

likely that a carrying accessory has been

connected.

• Reduce your driving speed and avoid sudden

maneuvers. When towing a trailer, steering, stability,

turning radius, stopping distance and braking

performance are diﬀerent when compared to driving

without a trailer.

Model Y detects a faulty electrical

connection for the trailer lights. Some, or

all, trailer lights may not be functioning.

Pull over as soon as safety permits and

inspect the trailer lights for faulty cabling

or connections. If the issues are resolved

and the red icon still persists, disable and

re-enable Trailer Mode once more.

• Increase your following distance by maintaining at

least twice the distance from the vehicle ahead. This

helps to avoid situations that require heavy braking.

Sudden braking may result in skidding or jack-kniﬁng,

and loss of control.

Some Autopilot features, as well as rear parking sensor

functionality, may not be available when Trailer Mode is

enabled. In addition, these features operate diﬀerently:

• Avoid sharp turns. Sharp turns can cause the trailer to

contact the vehicle and cause damage. Keep in mind

that the trailer wheels are closer to the inside of the

turn than the vehicle’s wheels. Therefore, make wider

turns to prevent the trailer from hitting curbs, road

signs, trees or other objects.

• Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control increases the following

distance from the vehicle in front of you.

• Side collision warnings are active but automatic

steering interventions are disabled.

• Periodically check the trailer lights and turn signals to

conﬁrm that the bulbs are still working. When towing

a trailer, the turn signal arrows on the touchscreen

ﬂash as normal, even if the bulbs on the trailer are

burned out.

• The braking force provided by Automatic Emergency

Braking (see Collision Avoidance Assist on page 122)

may be limited. Therefore, stopping distance may

increase.

• Periodically conﬁrm the cargo is secure.

• Regularly conﬁrm that all towing components are

securely tightened.

WARNING: Do not rely on Model Y to detect the

trailer and automatically engage Trailer Mode.

Always check to ensure Trailer Mode is engaged

before towing a trailer.

WARNING: Towing requires you to increase your

stopping distance. When towing, increase your

following distance and avoid situations that could

potentially cause heavy braking. Failure to do so

can result in a collision.

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you

exit Trailer Mode when towing a trailer. Doing so

can cause serious injury.

WARNING: Observe all regulations and legal

requirements in your jurisdiction that apply

speciﬁcally to trailer towing. Failure to comply with

regulations can compromise your safety.

Trailer Brakes

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.

Trailer Mode

Trailer Mode must always be active when towing a trailer.

When you connect a trailer’s electrical connection while

the vehicle is in Park, Model Y automatically engages

Trailer Mode. When you disconnect the trailer’s electrical

connection, Trailer Mode does not automatically

Follow these steps to connect a brake controller:

1. Connect the wiring on the brake controller to the

appropriate locations on the 4-pin pigtail connector.

disengage. To manually engage or disengage Trailer

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Towing and Accessories

WARNING: Towing increases your stopping

distance, even when the trailer is equipped with its

own braking system. When towing, increase your

following distance and avoid situations that could

potentially cause heavy braking. Failure to do so

can cause a collision.

WARNING: Observe all regulations and legal

requirements in your regional and national

jurisdictions that apply speciﬁcally to trailer towing

and brake requirements. Many regions require a

breakaway switch, located on the tongue of the

trailer, to activate the trailer brakes in the event

that the trailer separates from the vehicle. Failure

to comply with regulations can compromise your

safety.

2. Remove the cover located under the dashboard in

the driver’s side footwell.

WARNING: Follow the instructions provided by the

trailer brake manufacturer to ensure that trailer

brakes are properly installed, adjusted, and

maintained. Tesla is not responsible for damages

caused by incorrect installation of trailer braking

systems.

Parking with a Trailer

Whenever possible, avoid parking on a grade. However,

if parking on a grade is absolutely necessary, place

wheel chocks under the trailer wheels. Consider having

someone help you with these steps:

1. One person presses and holds the brake pedal.

2. A second person places the wheel chocks under the

wheels on the downgrade side of the vehicle's tires.

3. When the chocks are in place, release the brake pedal

and ensure the chocks hold the weight of the vehicle

and trailer.

3. Peel back the carpet to expose the vehicle's 4-pin

connector on the wiring harness.

NOTE: When testing chocks, ensure that Vehicle Hold

(see Vehicle Hold on page 72) is not engaged. If

Vehicle Hold is braking Model Y, the Vehicle Hold

indicator light displays on the touchscreen. To

disengage Vehicle Hold, press and release the brake

pedal.

4. Place the vehicle in Park.

WARNING: If parking on a grade is necessary,

always ensure that all trailer wheels have been

securely chocked. Failure to do so can result in

serious damage or injury.

Trailer Sway Mitigation

When trailer sway is detected, the electronic stability

control system attempts to apply the appropriate

amount of braking to minimize trailer sway. The

touchscreen brieﬂy displays the traction control system

indicator. Pressing the brake pedal when the system is

actively braking to mitigate trailer sway does not cancel

this automatic braking.

4. Connect the pigtail connector to the vehicle wiring

connector.

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Towing and Accessories

4. Align the hole in the ball holder with the one in the

hitch assembly.

Attaching and Removing the Ball

Mount

5. Slide the locking bolt through the hitch assembly/ball

holder.

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.

6. Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end of the

locking bolt.

To remove a ball mount:

1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide

the locking bolt out of the ball holder/hitch assembly.

2. Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assembly.

3. Re-install the dust cover for the hitch housing and

store the ball mount in a secure location.

Electrical Connections

Regulations require all trailers to be equipped with tail

lights, brake lights, side marker lights, and turn signals.

To provide power for trailer lighting, a built-in 7-pin

wiring connector is provided near the hitch support's

wiring plugs for most types of trailers. Plugging in trailer

wiring into the Model Y electrical connector

automatically engages Trailer Mode (see Trailer Mode on

page 81). It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that all

electrical connections are working and all trailer lights

are operating before and during towing. You must

perform manual checks.

To attach a ball mount:

1. Remove the dust cover from the hitch housing by

using a small object, such as a ﬂat screwdriver, to pry

between the dust cover and hitch housing. Store the

dust cover in a secure location.

2. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from the locking

bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch

assembly.

1. Reverse Lights

2. Brake Controller Output

3. Right Turn Signal and Brake Light

3. Slide the ball holder into the hitch assembly.

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4. Low Voltage Power (if equipped)

5. Ground

6. Left Turn Signal and Brake Light

7. Tail Lamps

Loss of trailer lights when towing may be the result of a

fault in the trailer wiring or excessive power

consumption by the lights connected to the trailer

output(s). When this occurs, a red Trailer Mode icon

appears on the touchscreen. Fix any issues with the

wiring and/or reduce the number of lights connected to

the trailer output(s), then toggle Trailer Mode oﬀ and on

again.

NOTE: Vehicles with a lead-acid low voltage battery

have auxiliary power. Vehicles with low voltage lithium-

ion batteries do not have auxiliary power at this time.

You can determine which battery your vehicle is

equipped with by touching Controls > Software >

Additional Vehicle Information.

CAUTION: Always ensure that the trailer electrical

cable does not contact or drag on the ground and

there is enough slack in the cable to allow for

turns.

WARNING: Use only the electrical connections

splice or attempt to connect a trailer’s electrical

wiring using any other method. Doing so can

damage the vehicle's electrical system and cause

malfunctions.

Impact on Range

Towing a trailer increases vehicle weight and drag. As a

result, driving range can decrease signiﬁcantly. Although

Trip Planner (if available in your market region) attempts

to adjust estimates based on Trailer Mode, actual energy

consumption may vary. Plan trip length and charging

destinations accordingly.

MODEL Y Owner's Manual

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Cold Weather Best Practices

To ensure that Model Y provides you with the best

Charging

ownership experience possible in harsh cold weather

conditions, follow these best practices.

By using Trip Planner (if available in your market region)

to navigate to a Tesla charging location, Model Y pre-

heats the high voltage battery to ensure when you arrive

at the charger, the temperature of the battery is optimal

and ready to charge. This reduces the amount of time it

takes to charge. See (see Trip Planner on page 157).

Before Driving

When snow and ice accumulate on your vehicle, moving

parts, such as the door handles, windows, mirrors, and

wipers can freeze in place. To achieve maximum range

and performance, it is helpful to warm the cabin and

Battery before you leave. There are several ways to do

so:

NOTE: Tesla recommends using Trip Planner to navigate

to a charging location for at least 30-45 minutes before

arrival to ensure optimal battery temperature and

charging conditions. If the drive to the charging location

is less than 30-45 minutes, consider preconditioning the

battery before driving (see Before Driving on page 85).

• Touch Schedule, available on both the charging and

climate control screens, to set a time when you want

your vehicle to be ready to drive (see Scheduled

Charging and Scheduled Departure on page 174).

NOTE: The thermal system may produce steam under

certain conditions. For example, odorless steam can

come from the front of your vehicle while charging at a

Supercharger in cold temperature. This is normal and

not a cause for concern.

• In the mobile app, navigate to Climate to customize

the temperature at which you want to heat the cabin.

This also warms the high voltage Battery as needed.

• In the mobile app, navigate to Climate > Defrost Car

to melt snow, ice, and frost on the windshield,

windows, and mirrors. This also warms the high

voltage Battery as needed.

Windows

• In the mobile app, go to Climate, swipe up from the

bottom and select Defrost Car, which helps melt

snow, ice, and frost on the windshield, windows, and

mirrors.

NOTE: Tesla recommends activating climate settings

at least 30-45 minutes before departure (see Climate

Controls on page 127). Preconditioning times depend

on outside temperature and other factors. The mobile

app will notify you once your vehicle has reached the

desired preconditioning temperature.

• In cold temperatures, Model Y automatically makes a

slight adjustment to the position of the windows to

make it easier to open doors.

NOTE: Always connect to an external, low voltage

power supply before opening a door when the

vehicle has no power to avoid breaking a window.

Charge Port

• Use the mobile app to schedule a service

appointment for Tesla to provide hydrophobic

coating to the side and rear windows (not the front)

for a nominal fee.

• If your charge port latch freezes in place and a

charging cable becomes stuck in the charge port, try

manually releasing the charge cable. See Manually

Releasing Charge Cable on page 172.

• In extremely cold weather or icy conditions, it is

possible that your charge port latch may freeze in

place. Some vehicles are equipped with a charge port

inlet heater that turns on when you turn on the rear

defrost in cold weather conditions. You can also thaw

ice on the charge port latch by enabling Defrost Car

on the mobile app.

Doors

In severe winter conditions, ice buildup can make it more

diﬃcult to open door handles. You can use the mobile

app to pop open the driver door in this situation.

1. In the mobile app, touch and hold any of the four

quick control buttons and follow the instructions to

customize quick controls with Unlatch Door.

NOTE: You can also prevent the occurrence of a charge

port latch freezing in place by using the Schedule

settings (see Scheduled Charging and Scheduled

Departure on page 174).

2. When you are next to your car, touch Unlatch Door to

pop open the driver door.

NOTE: If your charge port latch is frozen in place, it may

not lock the charging cable in place when inserted, but it

can still charge at a slow AC rate even if the latch is not

engaged.

Removing Ice From Door Handle

In severe winter conditions, ice buildup within the door

handle can prevent the door handle from opening. The

process for freeing a Model Y door handle is slightly

diﬀerent than others to remove ice buildup.

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Driving -> Towing and Accessories for Your Tesla Model-Y SUV 2023

Related Topics

Overview

Opening and Closing

Seating and Safety Restraints

Driving

Autopilot

Active Safety Features

Using the Touchscreen

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Charging and Energy Consumption

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Consumer Information