Tesla Towing Capacity Calculator

Tesla Towing Specifications by Model

The following tables outline the default towing capacities, tongue weights, and base range drops used in our calculator for various Tesla models across regions.

Towing Capacity & Tongue Weight

Base Range Drop

Towing Definitions & Calculations Explained

Understanding the key terms and calculations involved in towing with your Tesla ensures safer and more efficient trips. Here's a breakdown of the metrics used in our Tesla Towing Capacity Calculator:

• Maximum Towing Capacity: The maximum weight your Tesla can tow, including the trailer and its load (e.g., 3500 lbs for Model Y in North America). It varies by model, trim, region, and wheel size.
• Tongue Weight: The downward force exerted on the hitch by the trailer’s tongue, typically 10-15% of the total trailer weight (e.g., 350 lbs for a 3500 lbs capacity). Proper tongue weight ensures towing stability.

  Tongue Weight Validation: The calculator enforces that the tongue weight must be 10-15% of the total trailer weight (trailer + cargo).

  If you enter a value outside this range, an alert will popup when you press the calculate button, and rectify the input to the maximum allowable value.

  If you are unsure of the tongue weight, leave the field blank to use the default tongue weight for your model.

• Total Trailer Weight: The combined weight of the trailer and its cargo, entered by the user in either pounds (LB) or kilograms (KG). This value is used to calculate the acceptable tongue weight range (10-15%) and to determine if the vehicle can tow the load based on its towing capacity.
• Percentage of Capacity Used: Calculated as (Total Trailer Weight / Maximum Towing Capacity) * 100. It shows how much of your Tesla's towing capacity is utilized (e.g., 3000 lbs / 3500 lbs = 85.7%).
• Estimated Range Impact: The percentage reduction in your Tesla’s driving range due to towing, calculated as Base Range Drop + (Total Trailer Weight / Maximum Towing Capacity) * 20. For example, a Model Y with a 40% base drop and 85.7% capacity usage sees a 57.1% range reduction, meaning only 42.9% of the original range remains.
• Trim: A specific configuration of a Tesla model (e.g., Long Range, Performance) that affects towing capacity and wheel size options. When a model is selected, the trim dropdown is populated with available trims and automatically selects the first one to ensure valid wheel size options are displayed.
• Wheel Size: The size of the wheels on the Tesla vehicle, which can impact towing capacity for certain models (e.g., Model X with 20" wheels has a higher capacity than with 22" wheels). The wheel size dropdown is updated based on the selected model and trim, with the first available size auto-selected for user convenience.

Braked vs Unbraked Trailers: What’s the Difference?

When towing with a Tesla, the type of trailer impacts your vehicle’s towing capacity:

• Braked Trailer: Equipped with its own braking system, which activates when you brake your Tesla. This allows for higher towing capacities (e.g., up to 3500 lbs for Model Y) as the trailer can stop itself, reducing strain on your vehicle.
• Unbraked Trailer: Lacks its own brakes, relying entirely on your Tesla to stop. Our calculator caps the towing capacity at 1650 lbs for unbraked trailers to ensure safety, as the vehicle bears the full braking load.

Always check your trailer’s specifications and local regulations before towing.

Safety Tips for Towing with Your Tesla

Towing with a Tesla requires extra precautions to ensure safety on the road:

• Load Distribution: Distribute weight evenly in your trailer to maintain stability. Ensure the tongue weight is 10-15% of the total trailer weight.
• Tire Condition and PSI: Regularly inspect your Tesla’s tires for wear and maintain the recommended PSI (typically 42-45 PSI for most Tesla models, but check your manual). Proper tire pressure is critical when towing to handle the added load.
• Speed Limits: Drive at reduced speeds (e.g., below 55 mph) to maintain control and reduce range impact.
• Practice Maneuvering: Before a long trip, practice towing in a safe area to get accustomed to handling your Tesla with a trailer.

Why the Range Indicated by Your Tesla May Be Incorrect

When towing, the range displayed on your Tesla’s dashboard can be overly optimistic. It may not fully account for the added load, wind resistance, and terrain. Rely on our calculator’s estimated range impact and real-world data to better plan your trip, ensuring you don’t run out of charge unexpectedly.

Understanding Tesla’s Trailer Mode

Our calculator recommends enabling "Trailer Mode" for towing. This mode adjusts your Tesla’s suspension, regenerative braking, and stability control to optimize performance while towing. Refer to your Tesla manual for instructions on enabling Trailer Mode and its specific benefits for your model.

Charging Stop Planning for Tesla Towing

Towing significantly reduces your Tesla’s range, so plan more frequent charging stops than you would without a trailer. For example, if your range drops by 57%, you may need to stop every 100-150 miles instead of 200-250 miles. Use Tesla’s trip planner, but add extra buffer stops to account for the increased energy consumption.

Opt for Pull-Through Charging Sites

When charging on the road, choose pull-through charging sites whenever possible. These allow you to charge without unhitching your trailer, saving time and effort. Tesla Supercharger stations with pull-through spots are ideal for seamless towing trips.