Towing hitch engagement and disengagement

Note: Depending on the region, vehicle configuration, options and software version, your vehicle may not have towing capability.

Read inOwner's Manual about weight limits, best practices and more information.

For vehicles in Europe, Israel, Japan, and Taiwan:

The Model Y tow bar package includes a weight-bearing tow bar with a 50 mm ball. When not in use, the hitch should be removed and stored in a dry place to prevent rust and corrosion. Keep the dust cover over the hitch socket to prevent dirt from entering.

The hitch is fixed to the vehicle body with six bolts.

Note: The maximum rear overhang allowed for the coupling point is 1064 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.

Warning: You must use the Model Y hitch when towing a trailer. Never try to use a different hitch type.

Install the tow bar:

• Use a thin object, such as a butter knife or slotted screwdriver, to pry around the edges of the hitch cover and loosen the 15 clips that attach the cover to the rear trim. Store the dust cover in a safe place.
• Insert the key into the hitch lock cylinder and turn the cylinder so that the top of the key is aligned with the open position.
• Pull the lock cylinder out about 0.5 cm from the adapter and turn clockwise until the unlock icon is on the top of the lock cylinder.

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.

• Grip the hitch firmly from below and align it with the corresponding cut-outs in the hitch socket.

Note: Do not grab the locking cylinder as it must be able to rotate freely.

• Push the hitch into the hitch socket until the cylinder rotates rapidly counterclockwise and automatically locks in the closed position.
• Check that the drawbar is fully seated in the socket by pulling the drawbar.

Note: If the hitch is not locked in the socket, it will fall out when you pull it downwards.

• Turn the key so that the arrows align with the lock icon 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 key code if you lose your keys and need to order replacement keys.

Note: The tow bar is attached to the vehicle body with six bolts.

Remove the towbar

Remove the towbar after the trailer has been removed:

• Insert the key and turn to align the top of the key with the unlock icon.
• 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 and turn it clockwise until the lock icon is at the top. At this point, the lock cylinder is unlocked in the open position and the towbar 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 hitch socket by pressing the push clips to prevent dirt from accumulating inside the socket.
• Close the dust cover on the hitch locking cylinder and store the hitch in a safe place.

Note: Maintain the towbar by regularly lubricating it with grease that does not contain resin.

Install and remove the towball

For vehicles in North America, Korea, Australia and New Zealand

Note: When towing a trailer with a load weighing more than 750 kg (1650 lbs), Tesla recommends that the trailer be equipped with a dedicated braking system appropriate for the weight of the trailer. Be sure to follow local regulations. A brake controller must be purchased separately and the required 4-pin connector can be ordered from Tesla Service. See your vehicle owner's manual for more information.

The Model Y trailer package does not include a tow ball. You must purchase a hitch ball that is appropriate for the type of trailer being used. The Model Y drawbar is compatible with a hitch ball of up to 8.5 inches (22 cm) and a pitch of up to 0.75 inches (2 cm). Do not use any other type of hitch ball that does not meet these requirements.

Install a towball:

1. Use a thin object, such as a butter knife or slotted screwdriver, to pry around the edges of the hitch cover and loosen the 15 clips that attach the cover to the rear trim. Store the dust cover in a safe place.
2. If necessary, remove the scissor pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch assembly.
3. Slide the hitch ball holder into the hitch assembly.
4. Align the hole in the hitch ball holder with the hole in the hitch assembly.
5. Slide the locking pin through the hitch assembly/drawball holder.
6. Insert the scissor pin into the hole in the end of the locking pin.

Remove a towball:

1. Remove the scissor pin from the locking ball and slide the locking ball out of the towball holder/hook assembly.
2. Pull the hitch ball holder out of the hitch assembly.
3. Replace the dust cover on the hitch socket and store the hitch ball in a safe place.