Towing a Trailer
Towing Guidelines
Towing a trailer puts additional load on the motors, drive train, brakes, tires, and suspension and significantly decreases range. If you tow a trailer, follow these general guidelines:
- Reduce your driving speed and avoid sudden maneuvers. Keep in mind that when towing a trailer, steering, stability, turning radius, stopping distances, and braking performance are different when compared to driving without a trailer.
- Increase your following distance by maintaining at least twice the typical distance from the vehicle ahead. This helps avoid situations that require heavy braking. Sudden braking may result in skidding or jack-knifing, and loss of control.
- Avoid sharp turns. Sharp turns can cause the trailer to contact Cybertruck and cause damage. 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 bulbs are still working (see Trailer Light Test). When towing a trailer, the turn signal arrows on the touchscreen flash as normal, even if the bulbs on the trailer are burnt out.
- Periodically confirm the cargo is secure.
- Periodically confirm the trailer brakes are working (see Trailer Brakes).
- Avoid parking on a grade (see Parking with a Trailer).
- Regularly confirm that all towing components are secured.
Before Towing a Trailer
- Review all regulations and legal requirements in your state/region that apply to towing a trailer. Failure to comply with regulations can compromise your safety.
- Inflate tires to the cold tire inflation pressure specified in Tire Pressures when Towing.
- Set the suspension height to match the trailer height. Tesla recommends Low ( ). You must choose a ball mount suitable for your towing needs. See Ball Mount Specifications for more information.
- Adjust all mirrors to provide a clear rearward view without a significant blind spot.NoteUse towing mirrors for larger trailers.
- Confirm the trailer load is evenly distributed such that the trailer tongue weight is approximately 10% of the total trailer weight, without exceeding the maximum tongue weights provided in Towing Capacity.
- Engage Trailer Mode (see Trailer Mode).
- Calibrate the trailer brakes (see Trailer Brakes).
- Cybertruck 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 weights provided in Towing Capacity.
- All trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, and electrical connectors are in good condition and properly connected. If any problems are apparent, do not tow the trailer.
- Trailer lights (brake lights, turn signal lights, marker lights, etc.) are working properly.
- The trailer tongue is securely connected to the hitch ball.
- Safety chains are properly connected between the trailer and the 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 can never drag on the ground.
- Wheel chocks are available and easy to access.
- All cargo is secured.
Towing Capacity
The total trailer weight (including all cargo and additional equipment), and the trailer tongue weight, must never exceed the following:
Wheel Size | Maximum Towing Capacity | Maximum Tongue Weight* |
---|---|---|
20" x 9J | 11,000 lb (4,990 kg) | 1,100 lb (499 kg) |
*The tongue weight is the downward force that the weight of the trailer exerts on the hitch. It must not exceed 10% of the maximum towing capacity. Carrying a significant amount of equipment, passengers, or cargo in the tow vehicle can reduce the tongue weight it can handle, which also reduces the maximum towing capacity. Maximum towing capacity is calculated assuming the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is not exceeded. For GVWR, see Vehicle Loading).
Tire Pressures when Towing
When towing a trailer, tire pressures must be adjusted to accommodate the additional load. Keep tires inflated to the pressures shown below (these pressures override the pressures that are provided on the Tire and Loading information label – see Vehicle Loading):
Tires | Cold Tire Inflation Pressure |
---|---|
20" All Season | 50 psi |
20" All Terrain | 65 psi |
Trailer Mode
Trailer Mode must always be active when towing a trailer. When you connect a trailer's electrical connection (see Electrical Connections), Cybertruck automatically engages Trailer Mode. Trailer Mode disengages when you disconnect the trailer's electrical connection. To engage or exit Trailer Mode manually, touch on the touchscreen. One of the following indicators displays on the touchscreen:
Some Autopilot features, and any feature that requires the use of the rear camera, may be unavailable when Trailer Mode is enabled. In addition, some features may operate differently. For example:
- Autosteer (if equipped) is unavailable. Therefore, for Traffic-Aware Cruise Control availability, touch steering wheel. . This allows you to engage Traffic-Aware Cruise Control with a single click of the right scroll button on the
- Traffic-Aware Cruise Control increases the following distance from the car in front of you.
- The air suspension system will not make speed-based adjustments from Medium to Low and does not automatically raise ride height based on saved locations.
- Side collision warnings are active but automatic steering interventions are disabled.
- The braking force provided by Automatic Emergency Braking (see Collision Avoidance Assist) is significantly limited.
Trailer Alarm
When enabled, Cybertruck sounds an alarm if the vehicle detects the trailer is being unplugged while Trailer Mode is active and the vehicle is locked.
Trailer Brakes
- Enable/disable Trailer Mode.
- Customize Trailer Brake Gain.NoteTesla recommends always enabling the trailer brakes, otherwise stopping distance may be increased. To disable the trailer brakes, first disable Trailer Mode or set the Trailer Brake Gain to 0.
- Choose how to manually apply the trailer brakes (either with the touchscreen or right scroll button). The trailer brake activation button is unaffected.
- Adjust Trailer Brake Boost.
- Toggle Adaptive Regenerative Braking.
- Perform the Trailer Light Test.
You can also set up a shortcut for Towing & Hauling by adding it to your vehicle "Cards" area, near the bottom of the touchscreen.
Trailer Brake Gain
The Trailer Brake Gain slider is a scale between 0 and 10 that calibrates the degree of trailer braking applied when you press the brake pedal normally. 0 applies no trailer brakes, whereas 10 applies the full trailer brakes.
- Ensure the trailer is securely attached to the Cybertruck hitch assembly.
- Drive Cybertruck in a safe, open area at low speeds (10-15mph or 15-25 km/h).
- Use the right scroll button on the steering wheel or Trailer Brake Activation (set your preference in Towing & Hauling) to apply the trailer brakes while moving. Adjust the Trailer Brake Gain as needed to ensure the trailer brakes do not lock up when they are applied. If the wheels do lock up, decrease the amount of gain slightly and repeat this process.
The ideal Trailer Brake Gain varies depending on your trailer load, number of axles, and surface conditions. You must adjust as needed if conditions change.
Trailer Brake Boost
Tesla recommends initially setting your Trailer Brake Boost to Low. Once Trailer Brake Gain is calibrated, adjust based on your preferences by driving around in a safe, open area and applying the brakes as you would in normal traffic. Increasing will make your brakes react more quickly, although the braking feels more harsh to passengers.
Adaptive Regenerative Braking
At the start of every drive, Cybertruck estimates the load to determine the proper level of regenerative braking. Regenerative braking will start at the standard level and increase as the vehicle learns your trailer/cargo weight. This weight estimation works best when driving in a straight line on a flat, smooth surface.
Trailer Light Test
Before towing, and periodically during towing, use Trailer Light Test to confirm the trailer lights are working as expected.
Trailer Brake Controller Limitations
Keep in mind the following brake controller limitations:
- Properly maintain and use trailer brakes as intended to prevent damage.
- The trailer brake controller and auxiliary output is 12V.
- Abusive or extensively long manual activations of the trailer brake controller may cause overheating with some trailer brake loads.
- Maximum power draw - The onboard
trailer controller is designed to support most trailer power applications. The
power allocations are:
Standard trailer brakes (when braking power is derived from brake output, e.g. non-EOH Electric Drum brakes) Lights: Max. 220 Watts total for all light outputs combined. Auxiliary power (AUX 12V+ Charging): Max. 270 Watts (20 Amps). Trailer brakes: Max. 331 Watts Electric over Hydraulic trailer brakes (braking power is derived from auxiliary power output, e.g. EOH, Hydraulic disk brakes, see Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH) Brakes) Lights: Max. 220 Watts total for all light outputs combined. Auxiliary power (AUX 12V+ Charging): Max. 405 Watts (30 Amps). Trailer brakes: Max. 48 Watts (Current draw must be less than 3 Amps). Cybertruck switches to the standard brakes if a 3A or higher load on the trailer brake connections is detected.
Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH) Brakes
Cybertruck supports standard electric brakes and Electric over Hydraulic (EOH) brakes. If using EOH brakes, Tesla recommends connecting a battery in parallel with the auxiliary power output to the EOH unit.
The auxiliary output is capable of supplying up to 30 Amps when supporting an EOH trailer brake unit. You are responsible for understanding the power needs of your EOH trailer brake unit. Using an EOH trailer brake controller that draws more than 30 Amps may result in a loss of power to the trailer brakes while braking.
The usage of only an EOH unit with the auxilary power port is supported for maximum braking availability. A battery in parallel is recommended. The battery must be in good health and is expected to already be present in most states per DOT regulations.
Parking with a Trailer
- One person presses and holds the brake pedal.
- A second person places the wheel chocks under the wheels on the downgrade side of the trailer's tires.
- When the chocks are in place,
slowly release the brake pedal and ensure the chocks hold the weight of the
vehicle and trailer.NoteWhen testing chocks, ensure that Vehicle Hold (see Vehicle Hold) is engaged. If Vehicle Hold is braking Cybertruck, the associated indicator light appears on the touchscreen. To disengage Vehicle Hold, press and release the brake pedal.
- Place the vehicle in Park.
Trailer Sway Mitigation
When trailer sway is detected, your vehicle's 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. Manually applying the brakes (via right scroll button on the steering wheel or the Trailer Brake setting) when the system is actively braking to mitigate trailer sway does not cancel this automatic braking. However, it is still your responsibility to drive carefully and brake when needed, taking into consideration possible trailer sway.
Accessing the Trailer Hitch Assembly
The Cybertruck trailer hitch assembly is located behind the rear fascia of the vehicle, under the tailgate. Your vehicle is not equipped with a ball mount, which must be purchased separately based on your towing needs.
When not actively towing, keep the cover installed to prevent dirt and debris from entering.
Ball Mount Specifications
Electrical Connections
Cybertruck is equipped with a combination electrical outlet, located near the hitch assembly, that supports two types of commonly-used trailer plugs without needing an adapter:
- 7-PIN - SAE J2863 - for heavier trailer loads requiring their own braking system.
- 4-PIN - SAE J1239 - for light trailer loads requiring lights only.
Regulations require that all trailers, at a minimum, are equipped with taillights and turn signals. These are provided on the 4-pin connector, which is adequate when pulling a light load. For heavier loads, the trailer must also be equipped with brakes, available on the 7-pin connector.
Plugging a trailer's wiring into either electrical outlet automatically engages Trailer Mode (see Trailer Mode).
7-PIN Connector
- Left Turn/Stop Light (Yellow)
- "-" Ground (White)
- Trailer Brake Output (Blue)
- Right Turn/Stop Light (Green)
- +12V Auxiliary Power (Orange)
- Running (or Side Marker) Lights (Brown)
- Reverse Lights (Gray)
4-PIN Connector
- Ground (White)
- Tail and License Plate lights (Brown)
- Left Turn/Stop Light (Yellow)
- Right Turn/Stop Light (Green)
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, the touchscreen displays a red Trailer Mode icon. Fix any issues with the wiring and/or reduce the number of lights connected to the trailer output(s), then turn Trailer Mode off and on to try again.
Impact on Range
Towing a trailer and carrying accessories increases vehicle weight and drag. As a result, driving range can decrease significantly. Although Trip Planner attempts to adjust estimates based on Trailer Mode, actual energy consumption may vary. Plan trip length and charging destinations accordingly.