Engaging and disengaging the tow bar
Note: Depending on region, vehicle configuration, options and software version, your vehicle may not have towing capability.
Refer to your Owner's Manual for weight limits, best practices, and more information.
The tow bar package for Model X includes a weight-bearing tow bar with a 2-inch removable drawbar (for North America and Korea) and a 50 mm ball. When not in use, remove the hitch (and drawbar, if applicable) and store in a dry location to prevent rust and corrosion. Keep the dust cover over the towbar socket to prevent dirt from entering.
The towbar assembly is attached to the vehicle body with eight nuts.
Note: The maximum rear overhang allowed for the hitch point is 47 inches (1,186 mm).
Note: Always attach safety chains when towing. Cross the chains under the trailer hitch and attach them to the trailer loops to ensure that the load is secure.
Caution: Always remove the tow ball before fitting or removing the drawbar from the vehicle.
Warning: You must use the tow bar on Model X when towing a trailer. Never attempt to use a different hitch type.
Install the drawbar:
- Remove the dust cover from the tow bar socket.
- Insert the key into the hitch lock cylinder and turn the cylinder so that the top of the key is aligned with the “unlocked” position.
- Pull the lock cylinder out of the adapter about 0.5 cm (1/8 inch) and turn it clockwise until the red mark on the lug is aligned with the white dot.
Caution: Be careful when turning the lock cylinder. If it does not lock in the “open position”, it will automatically retract to the original “closed position” and may pinch your fingers.
- Grasp the hitch firmly from below and align the triangular guides on the sides of the hitch with the corresponding cutouts in the hitch sockets.
Note: Do not grasp the locking cylinder as it must be able to rotate freely.
- Push the hitch into the hitch socket until the cylinder rotates approximately 120° counterclockwise and automatically locks in the closed position. The green area on the locking cylinder (above the white arrow) is aligned with the white dot on the socket.
- Visually check that the towbar is fully inserted into the socket. Try to pull the towbar downwards. The towbar should not fall when you pull downwards.
Note: If the hitch is not locked in the socket, it will fall out when you pull it down.
- Turn the key so that the arrows align with the 'lock' mark on the lock cylinder.
- Remove the key and store it in a safe place (preferably in the vehicle).
Note: The key can only be removed if the towbar is locked. This shows that the connection is correct. Do not use the tow bar if the key has not been removed.
Note: Tesla recommends that you make a note of the key code. You will need this code if you lose the keys and need to order replacement keys.
- Close the dust cover to prevent dirt from entering the lock. For newer versions with push clips, replace the dust cover, snap it into place and open the push clips before sliding them in.
Note: Maintain the tow bar by regularly lubricating it with non-resinous grease.
Removing the towbar
Remove the tow bar when you have finished driving the trailer:
- Insert the key and turn to align the top of the key with the “unlocked” position.
- Hold the lower part of the tow bar firmly to prevent it from falling to the ground. Pull out the lock cylinder about 0.5 cm (1/8 inch) and turn it clockwise until the red mark on the lock cylinder is aligned with the white dot. In this position, the lock cylinder is locked in the open position and the hitch falls out of the socket.
Warning: Be careful when turning the lock cylinder. If it does not lock in the “open position”, it will automatically retract to the original “closed position” and may pinch your fingers.
- Replace the dust cover over the towbar socket to prevent dirt from accumulating inside the socket.
- Close the dust cover on the hitch lock cylinder and store the hitch in a safe place.
Installing and removing the ball hitch (North America and Korea)
The towing package for Model X does not include a tow ball. You must purchase a hitch ball that is appropriate for the type of trailer being used. The Model X tow bar is compatible with a tow ball of up to 20.3 cm with a pitch of up to 1.9 cm. Do not use any other type of hitch ball.
Install a hitch ball:
- If necessary, remove the scissor pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch assembly.
- Slide the hitch ball holder into the hitch assembly.
- Align the hole in the hitch ball holder with the hole in the hitch assembly.
- Push the locking bolt through the hitch assembly/hitch ball holder.
- Insert the cotter pin into the hole in the end of the locking bolt.
Remove one towball:
- Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch ball holder/ hitch assembly.
- Pull the hitch ball holder out of the hitch assembly.
