• The braking force provided by Automatic
Emergency Braking (see Collision
Avoidance Assist on page 102) is
significantly limited.
Warning: Do not rely on Model 3 to detect
the trailer and automatically engage
Trailer Mode. Always check that Trailer
Mode is engaged before towing a trailer.
Warning: Under no circumstances should
you exit Trailer Mode when towing a
trailer. Doing so can cause serious injury.
Towing Guidelines
Model 3 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. Keep in mind that
when towing a trailer, steering, stability,
turning radius, stopping distance and
braking performance are dierent 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, 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 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.
• Avoid parking on a grade (see Parking
with a Trailer on page 75).
• Regularly confirm that all towing
components are securely tightened.
Warning:
Towing requires you to increases
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.
Warning: Never attempt to connect trailer
brakes to the vehicle braking system.
Doing so can cause damage to the
vehicle and the trailer, and can cause the
braking system to malfunction, resulting
in serious injury.
Parking with a Trailer
Whenever possible, avoid parking on a grade.
However, if parking on a grade is absolutely
necessary, place wheel chocks under the
trailer wheels:
• One person presses and holds the brake
pedal.
• A second person places the wheel chocks
under the wheels on the downgrade side
of the vehicle's tires.
• When the chocks are in place, release the
brake pedal and ensure the chocks hold
the weight of the vehicle and trailer.
Note: When testing chocks, ensure that
Vehicle Hold (see Vehicle Hold on page
68) is not engaged. If Vehicle Hold is
braking Model 3, the Vehicle Hold
indicator light displays on the
touchscreen. To disengage Vehicle Hold,
press and release the brake pedal.
• Place the vehicle in Park. This engages the
parking brake.
Warning:
If parking on a grade is
necessary, always ensure that all trailer
wheels have been securely chocked.
Failure to do so can result in serious
damage or injury.
Trailer Sway Mitigation
When trailer sway is detected, the Model 3
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.
Pressing the brake pedal when the system is
actively braking to mitigate trailer sway does
not cancel this automatic braking.
Towing
Driving 75
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