Tesla MODEL Y 2022 Owner's Manual page 79

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
• 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
Confirm the following:
• Model Y 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
• 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.
NOTE: If Model Y is in Trailer Mode or has detected a
connection for trailer lights, and Model Y detects an
electrical fault in the trailer turn signals, the turn
signals for the affected side(s) will flash faster than
normal.(see Trailer Mode on page
• 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
Trailer Towing on page
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.
Driving
173.
Trailer Mode on page 77).
75.
77).
Carrying Capacity -
75.
Towing and Accessories
Towing Guidelines
Model Y 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 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.
• Periodically confirm the cargo is secure.
• Avoid parking on a grade (see
on page 78).
• Regularly confirm that all towing components are
securely tightened.
WARNING: Towing requires you to increase your
stopping distance. When towing, increase your
following distance and avoid situations that could
potentially cause heavy braking. Failure to do so
can result in a collision.
WARNING: Observe all regulations and legal
requirements in your jurisdiction that apply
specifically to trailer towing. Failure to comply with
regulations can compromise your safety.
WARNING: Never attempt to connect trailer brakes
to the vehicle braking system. Doing so can cause
damage to the vehicle and the trailer, and can
cause the braking system to malfunction, resulting
in serious injury.
Trailer Mode
Trailer Mode must always be active when towing a trailer.
When you connect a trailer's electrical connection while
the vehicle is in Park, Model Y automatically engages
Trailer Mode. When you disconnect the trailer's electrical
connection, Trailer Mode does not disengage
automatically. To manually engage or disengage Trailer
Parking with a Trailer
77