Tesla Model S Towing Capacity
The Tesla Model S was not submitted for “type approval” for towing. While some regions may differ, it is generally illegal to tow with a Model S.
Written by Cameron Thiessen
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The Tesla Model S is not currently approved for towing. It is usually illegal to tow using a vehicle that is not approved for towing, but it can’t hurt to check your local laws on the matter.
If you’re looking to get an efficient vehicle that can easily tow your camper trailer and haul the whole family out to your favorite weekend getaway spot, you need to keep your eye on towing capacity or payload capacity to make sure your prospective vehicle has the specs it needs.
While a bigger Tesla model like the Model Y is approved for towing, not all are, and towing can be complicated when you’re driving with an electric engine. A vehicle’s towing capacity comes down to things like the power of the engine, the type of transmission it has, and its size, all of which are taken into account when it’s considered for approval—the Tesla Model S was never submitted for type approval for towing.
Here’s what you should know about towing capacity and the Tesla Model S.
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How much can a Tesla Model S tow?
Theoretically, the Tesla Model S does have a maximum towing capacity, but that doesn’t mean you can just up and tow with it. The Model S was never submitted for “type approval” for towing. This means it has not been tested or rated for towing capacity by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), which governs what car owners can and can’t do with their vehicles and tow bars.
If you’ve been dreaming about hooking up that sexy Model S to an even sexier trailer hitch, you’re probably going to want to wake up, because it’s just not going to happen with the current model (although there are hints at towing approval for the 2023 models). If you’re insistent on having a Tesla you can tow with, you’re probably going to want to look into a
Model X
or Model Y
, or just keep on holding out for the Cybertruck.Trailer hitches for the Tesla Model S
Trailer hitch pins and other hitch equipment are not available in the U.S. because the Tesla Model S is not approved for towing.
How to calculate the towing capacity you need
While the Tesla Model S is not going to be a great vehicle for towing the family trailer you just inherited, we’ll still discuss what sorts of towing capacities are going to get the job done depending on the weight of your load.
It’s important to always make sure that the biggest load you plan on towing is below your vehicle’s towing capacity. Attempting to slap an aftermarket hitch on the back of your Model S, and then proceeding to try to pull your horse trailer is a really bad idea. You will be putting your equipment, yourself, your Tesla, and your cargo in danger.
Here are some common items you might be towing, as well as their weights:
- Canoe or kayak trailer (600 to 800 lbs.)
- Motorcycle trailer (800 to 3,000 lbs.)
- Pop-up camper (2,800 to 4,300 lbs.)
- A fully-equipped 8-person camping trailer (~7,500 lbs.)
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FAQs
Is the Tesla Model S good for towing?
It’s possible that it will be approved for towing in the future, but as of right now, the Tesla Model S has not been submitted for type approval. At this point in time, the Model S is not a great pick if you’re looking for a vehicle that can tow reliably.
Can you put a trailer hitch on a Tesla Model S?
Theoretically yes, but this means going with an aftermarket approach. The regulations and legality of aftermarket tow systems can be complex, so it’s best to always familiarize yourself with local regulations so that you know exactly what you can and can’t do in your region.
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