Extraordinary instructional video. The only reason this won’t have hundreds of thousands of views is because of the small audience - Model 3 owners - who want to install a hitch. So big thanks to you!
Rather than running power from the front there’s the grey plug sitting on top of crash bar it has a 12 gauge red (power) and black earth and thin data wire between them. Get power there. It’s the factory plug for the factory trailer module but the data isn’t present without the towing software.
Would highly suggest placing the power wire that’s feeding from under the car into that corrugated protective sleeve. Just a high chance the car movement will cut into it where it’s against that edge and give you lots of blown fuses. Otherwise a fine install
My tesla model 3 only has 3 studs on each side to attach the hitch frame. but there is a place to drill a hole and bolt it where there is no stud, so I did, with a grade 8 bolt. Also, I tapped into a power wire in the back, rather than running a wire from the front. Great videos!
I JUST HAD U-HAUL INSTALL a tow package on my 2021 model 3 long range for $775. TESLA says there is a weight limitation 2000, and the tongue weight is 300 lbs. I towed a trailer weighing less than 200 lbs with a small freezer for $450 miles and the range dropped 40% (without the air conditioner on as it was high 90s entering CALIFORNIA.) INSTEAD OF STOPPING TO CHARGE ONCE I HAD TO DO IT THREE TIMES. Note also when you want to charge you either have to unhook the trailer or use the only drive in charger if there is one and no one is using it. Good luck. By the way you wont even know you are towing as I got up to 95 to pass someone.
No wonder u had to charge 3 times if you’re going 95 to pass someone. That’s not the trailer sapping your power, it’s your foot. Needless to say you shouldn’t be going 95mph with ANY trailer. You’re driving an EV. Act like it. And follow the speed limit while you’re at it.
The way in which you ran that +12v wire is VERY unsafe. It should be routed internally in the car - ie along underneath the door trim and it should be double insulated in something like the corrugated conduit. There is a high risk of abrasion with the single insulated wire underneath the vehicle.
I believe the concern was that power for the trailer brake may exceed fused circuits that feed other applications, so by going strait to the battery, we don't have to worry about blowing fuses or causing issues with other electronics and circuits.
@@mattsautomotivechannel Thank you, very helpful! Possible you did a update of any details or changes you made, anything you learned about EV specific towing, even just feedback for how it worked VS your expectations? Thank you for documenting the process so well, seen several threads referencing your video.
Most of my towing experience since the video has been with a utility trailer without a trailer brake, so I can't say much about the brake system. However, the car tows perfectly without any issues and the torque that the electric motors produce make it feel like your not even towing, the only down side, is that my power consumption went up 40% while towing, and if you need to stop at a Supercharger where its necessary to back in, you will need to disconnect the trailer first, and that is the biggest bummer. Hopefully Tesla will provide more drive through stations in the future, seems that it will be a necessity with things like the Cybertruck, as these vehicles will much more likely be towing. These are interesting times.
@@mattsautomotivechannel Absolutely, thank you. That is absolutely what I am hoping, make pull through charging more standardized. To me it makes no sense to limit position you have to be in when charging, make them just as accessible as any fuel station IMO. If they limit charging flexibility intrinsically, it makes accessibility far more difficult.
Mine is a 2019 and a hitch was not available then, I'm not sure about the new ones, but it is an option for the Model Y. I believe the access panel is there because a hitch is available in other countries.
Seek advice before you tow anything with a Tesla or other EV! The size and weight of some trailers can produce too much kinetic energy which can 'overwhelm' the electrical system and possibly void the warranty.
Best ever installation video.. so organized and well planned.....
Your confidence in taking apart your car is enviable. Well done good sir you are an inspiration. I would for sure have to have a pro put that in.
Extraordinary instructional video. The only reason this won’t have hundreds of thousands of views is because of the small audience - Model 3 owners - who want to install a hitch. So big thanks to you!
Rather than running power from the front there’s the grey plug sitting on top of crash bar it has a 12 gauge red (power) and black earth and thin data wire between them. Get power there. It’s the factory plug for the factory trailer module but the data isn’t present without the towing software.
Nice to know, that info could be a big time saver. Thanks for the tip.
Not all Model 3s have it, it's in the instructions for the stealth hitches...but to have it and not use it because of an overlook, yikes 😬
do you have a pic of it?
Would highly suggest placing the power wire that’s feeding from under the car into that corrugated protective sleeve. Just a high chance the car movement will cut into it where it’s against that edge and give you lots of blown fuses. Otherwise a fine install
Omg this video is amazing thank your for posting
My tesla model 3 only has 3 studs on each side to attach the hitch frame. but there is a place to drill a hole and bolt it where there is no stud, so I did, with a grade 8 bolt.
Also, I tapped into a power wire in the back, rather than running a wire from the front.
Great videos!
I JUST HAD U-HAUL INSTALL a tow package on my 2021 model 3 long range for $775. TESLA says there is a weight limitation 2000, and the tongue weight is 300 lbs. I towed a trailer weighing less than 200 lbs with a small freezer for $450 miles and the range dropped 40% (without the air conditioner on as it was high 90s entering CALIFORNIA.) INSTEAD OF STOPPING TO CHARGE ONCE I HAD TO DO IT THREE TIMES. Note also when you want to charge you either have to unhook the trailer or use the only drive in charger if there is one and no one is using it. Good luck. By the way you wont even know you are towing as I got up to 95 to pass someone.
No wonder u had to charge 3 times if you’re going 95 to pass someone. That’s not the trailer sapping your power, it’s your foot.
Needless to say you shouldn’t be going 95mph with ANY trailer.
You’re driving an EV. Act like it. And follow the speed limit while you’re at it.
Really nice detail. Thanks for taking the time to make!
Agreed great installation video thanks!
Are you sure that the model 3 can tow up to 3,500 lb? Is their website makes it sound like it can thousand kilograms and that's with the brakes
Amazing crazy patience!
The way in which you ran that +12v wire is VERY unsafe. It should be routed internally in the car - ie along underneath the door trim and it should be double insulated in something like the corrugated conduit. There is a high risk of abrasion with the single insulated wire underneath the vehicle.
If it wasn't fused, I would agree with you.
What kit is this
Thak you!
Any reason you didnt tap into the existing 3 pin gray plug above the crash structure for the Tesla Trailer Module for your 12Vdc?
I believe the concern was that power for the trailer brake may exceed fused circuits that feed other applications, so by going strait to the battery, we don't have to worry about blowing fuses or causing issues with other electronics and circuits.
@@mattsautomotivechannel Thank you, very helpful!
Possible you did a update of any details or changes you made, anything you learned about EV specific towing, even just feedback for how it worked VS your expectations?
Thank you for documenting the process so well, seen several threads referencing your video.
Most of my towing experience since the video has been with a utility trailer without a trailer brake, so I can't say much about the brake system. However, the car tows perfectly without any issues and the torque that the electric motors produce make it feel like your not even towing, the only down side, is that my power consumption went up 40% while towing, and if you need to stop at a Supercharger where its necessary to back in, you will need to disconnect the trailer first, and that is the biggest bummer. Hopefully Tesla will provide more drive through stations in the future, seems that it will be a necessity with things like the Cybertruck, as these vehicles will much more likely be towing. These are interesting times.
@@mattsautomotivechannel Absolutely, thank you. That is absolutely what I am hoping, make pull through charging more standardized.
To me it makes no sense to limit position you have to be in when charging, make them just as accessible as any fuel station IMO.
If they limit charging flexibility intrinsically, it makes accessibility far more difficult.
Agreed
well done!
The new model 3 doesn’t come with a tow hitch included?
Mine is a 2019 and a hitch was not available then, I'm not sure about the new ones, but it is an option for the Model Y. I believe the access panel is there because a hitch is available in other countries.
No hitch included or offered as an option for a 2022
Why in the world is it so complicated to install the trailer light for the model 3...
Kit is from Stealth Hiches
stealthhitches.com/
is the part 2 up?
edit: got it. ua-cam.com/video/a82M-J2q5J8/v-deo.html
27min trailer wiring
Seek advice before you tow anything with a Tesla or other EV!
The size and weight of some trailers can produce too much kinetic energy which can 'overwhelm' the electrical system and possibly void the warranty.
Thanks