Tesla MODEL X 2019 Owner's Manual page 98

Towing Guidelines
Model X 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 different when
compared to driving without a trailer.
• Increase your following distance by
maintaining at least twice the distance
from a 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 vehicle instrument
cluster flash as normal, even if the bulbs
on the trailer are burned out.
• Periodically confirm the cargo is secure.
• Periodically confirm the trailer brakes are
working.
• Avoid parking on a grade (see Parking
with a Trailer).
• Regularly confirm that all towing
components are securely tightened.
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.
Driving
Towing and Accessories
• 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
82) is not engaged. If Vehicle Hold is
braking Model X, the Vehicle Hold
indicator light displays on the instrument
panel. 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, injury, or death.
Trailer Sway Mitigation
When trailer sway is detected, the Model X
electronic stability control system attempts to
apply the appropriate amount of braking to
minimize trailer sway. The instrument panel
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.
Connecting the Tow Hitch
The Model X towing package includes a
weight-carrying hitch with a 50 mm ball
coupling. When not in use, the hitch should be
removed and stored in a dry location to
prevent rust and corrosion. Keep the dust
cover over the hitch housing to prevent dirt
and debris from entering.
Vehicle Hold on page
97