Tesla 3 Owner's Manual page 75

Towing
repaired tire can result in tire failure and
loss of vehicle stability.
Before Towing a Trailer
Before towing a trailer, you must do the
following:
• Inflate tires to the cold tire inflation
pressure specified in
Maintenance on page 149.
• 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
page 74 ).
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
• 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% of the total trailer
weight, without exceeding the maximum
tongue weights provided in
Capacity on page 73.
Warning: The trailer tongue weight must
be approximately 4% of the total trailer
weight without exceeding the maximum
tongue weights provided in
74
Tire Care and
Trailer Mode on
on page 73.
Carrying
Carrying
Capacity on page 73. 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.
Trailer Mode
Trailer Mode must always be active when
towing a trailer. When you connect a trailer's
electrical connection, Model 3 automatically
engages Trailer Mode. When you disconnect
the trailer's electrical connection, Trailer Mode
disengages. To engage or exit Trailer Mode
manually, touch Controls > Driving > Trailer
Mode on the touchscreen. One of the
following indicators display on the
touchscreen:
Trailer Mode is Active.
Model 3 detects a connection for
trailer lights but Trailer Mode is
disabled. It is likely that a
carrying accessory has been
connected. See
Accessories
Model 3 detects a faulty
electrical connection for the
trailer lights. Some, or all, trailer
lights may not be functioning.
Pull over as soon as safety
permits and inspect the trailer
lights for faulty cabling or
connections. If the issues are
resolved and the red icon still
persists, turn Trailer Mode off
and on again.
Some Autopilot features (Autosteer, Summon,
Lane Assist, etc.), as well as rear parking
sensor functionality, may not be available
when Trailer Mode is enabled. In addition,
these features operate differently:
• Traffic-Aware Cruise Control increases the
following distance from the car in front of
you.
• Side collision warnings are active but
automatic steering interventions are
disabled.
Parts and
on page 163.
Model 3 Owner's Manual