Before Towing a Trailer
Before towing a trailer, you must do the
following:
• Inflate tires to the cold tire inflation
pressure specified in Tire Care and
Maintenance on page 201.
• Observe all regulations and legal
requirements that apply to trailer towing.
Failure to comply with regulations can
compromise your safety.
• Adjust side mirrors to provide a clear rear
view without a significant blind spot.
• Engage Trailer Mode (see Trailer Mode on
page 100 ).
Confirm the following:
• Model 3 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 loads provided in
Carrying Capacity- Trailer Towing on page
97.
• All trailer hitch parts and attachments,
safety chains, and electrical connectors
(including reverse and fog lights, if
equipped) are in good condition and are
properly connected. If any problems are
apparent, do not tow the trailer.
• Trailer lights (brake lights, turn signal
lights, and marker lights) are working
properly.
• The trailer tongue is securely connected
to the hitch ball.
• Safety chains are properly connected
between the trailer and the tow 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 do not drag on the ground.
• All cargo is secured.
• Wheel chocks are available.
•
The trailer load is evenly distributed such
that the trailer tongue weight is
approximately 4-10% of the total trailer
weight, without exceeding the maximum
tongue weights provided in Carrying
Capacity- Trailer Towing on page 97.
CAUTION: Loads that are balanced
over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause trailer sway, resulting
in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING: Always ensure that cargo
is secured in the trailer and will not
shift. Dynamic load shifts can cause
loss of vehicle control, resulting in
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 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.
Towing and Accessories
99Driving
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