The Cast: Model X
2016 Tesla Model X 90D
Specs
Curb weight 5282 lbs
GVWR 6768 lbs
Max tow capacity 5000 lbs
Max tongue weight 500 lbs
Max carrying capacity ~1500 lbs
These tow ratings are comparable to several 2018 F150's with 3.5L engines which have max tow capacities of 5000 lbs or max carrying capacities of 1550-1800 lbs.
Oh...and none of those F150's are doing this 😎
0-60 4.8 secs
0-60 with Bowlus ~5.5 secs
MX drag racing an Alfa Romeo while pulling the same car on a trailer
Of course the trade off is range:
Range without Bowlus 256 miles
Range with Bowlus 175 miles (estimated)
Model X Tow Test
Hitch
The Model X towing package is optional and comes with both hardware and software components. The hardware components are:
Fixed crossbar to bumper where detachable hitch receiver mounts
Detachable hitch receiver
7-pin trailer connector
Brake controller wiring adapter
Edmunds has a good overview of the hitch system here. Below is a quick summary.
The receiver mount and 7-pin trailer connector are hidden under a small door in the rear belly pan.
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| https://www.edmunds.com/tesla/model-x/2016/long-term-road-test/2016-tesla-model-x-installing-the-hidden-trailer-hitch.html |
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| https://www.edmunds.com/tesla/model-x/2016/long-term-road-test/2016-tesla-model-x-installing-the-hidden-trailer-hitch.html |
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| https://www.edmunds.com/tesla/model-x/2016/long-term-road-test/2016-tesla-model-x-installing-the-hidden-trailer-hitch.html |
I decided that having the detachable hitch "permanent" was desirable. The easiest way would be to remove the access door, install the receiver, and leave the access door off. The problem with this is that the resultant opening is significantly larger than the hitch. This means that parts of the undercarriage normally protected by the rear belly pan would be exposed to the elements. It also is an access point for small animals.
Instead I decided to make small modifications to the access door and electrical connector. I cut a small opening in the access door in order to allow the hitch receiver to be in place all of the time. I also extended the electrical connector to be accessible all of the time. Finally I extended the tow chain hook points to be more accessible.
Software
When towing the MX recognizes the trailer and puts itself in TRAILER MODE. A few helpful features of TRAILER MODE:
- sway control
- separate energy usage figures
A few other things
- autosteer (self driving) disabled
- autopark disabled
- automatic emergency braking disabled
One other fine point. The Model X trailer light system does not "play well" with trailers that use LED brake lights. A special special adapter is needed between the MX electrical connector and the trailer.
The Model X manual states: The Model X hitch receiver supports a ball mount up to 8” with a rise of up to 0.75”. If you follow that strictly, there are few options for a ball mount, with little options for rise. What did you use for a ball mount, and is the Bowlus level?
ReplyDeleteBrand/model?
ReplyDeleteThe hitch ball mount is Class 3 Ball Mount (2" Shank, 7,500 lbs., 2" Drop, 7-1/2" Long, Chrome).
The hitch ball is 2" Trailer Ball (1" x 2-1/8" Shank, 1" Rise, 6,000 lbs., Chrome)
The important part of the hitch ball mount is that it falls +/- within the Bosal specs.
The mount I listed above is 7.5" from hole to ball. The rise is .75". So both of those specs fall within the Bosal specs.
The one place I deviated from the specs is that the ball I am using has an extra 1" rise. The reason is that the trailer specs called for the ball to be 17.5"-18.5" from the ground.
If I stayed with the Bosal specs the ball would have been ~17" from the ground. This is measured with the MX in standard suspension height (the default height in trailer mode). I felt is was more important for the trailer to be level.
The extra inch of rise isn't a big deal in terms of extra force on the hitch, especially since you are towing a trailer with a tongue weight ~35% less than the max load rating.