Tesla Model Y: 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:
- 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.
- 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,
jack-knifing, and loss of control.
- 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.
- 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.
- Periodically confirm the cargo is secure.
- Regularly confirm that all towing components are securely tightened.
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: Observe all regulations and legal requirements in your jurisdiction
that apply specifically to trailer towing. Failure to comply with regulations
can compromise your safety.
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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 discon
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 complianc
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:
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WARNING: Always pay attention to road and traffic conditions when driving.
To minimize driver distraction and ensure the safety of vehicle occupants as
well as other road users, avoid using the touchscreen to adjust settings while
the vehicle is in motion.
Use the touchscreen to control many feat
To operate a HomeLink device without using the
touchscreen, you can automate the device to open as
you approach, and close as you drive away:
1. Touch the HomeLink icon at the top of the Controls
screen, then choose the device you want to
automate.
2. Select the Auto-open when arriving checkbox