If you own or are considering a Tesla Model 3 and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Tesla Model 3 tow a trailer?
Yes, a Tesla Model 3 can tow a trailer or camper up to 2,000 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a camper or travel trailer with a Tesla Model 3 which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Trailer With A Tesla Model 3
So, can a Tesla Model 3 tow a trailer? Yes: the Tesla Model 3 towing capacity is 2,000 pounds, so as long as your trailer, camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 2,000 lbs your Tesla Model 3 can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing a camper with your Tesla Model 3.
Tesla Model 3 Hitch
Does The Tesla Model 3 Come With A Tow Hitch?
The Tesla Model 3 does not automatically come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Tesla Model 3 Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Tesla Model 3.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With A Tesla Model 3?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
You should not need a brake controller because the Tesla Model 3 can only tow up to 2,000 pounds.
Tesla Model 3 Hitch Cost
Tesla Model 3 Tow Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Tesla Model 3 trailer hitches run between $300-$450.
Take a look at this recommended Tesla Model 3 Hitch Kit:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 300 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Tesla Model 3
A Tesla Model 3 trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $180-$400.
Tesla Model 3 Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Tesla Model 3 (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Tesla Model 3 Brake Controller Cost
Tesla Model 3 brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Tow Hitch On A Tesla Model 3? Tesla Model 3 Tow Hitch Install
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Tesla Model 3 trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Tesla Model 3?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Tesla Model 3, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
What Trailers Or Campers Can Tesla Model 3 Tow?
Your Tesla Model 3 can pull a camper, trailer, travel trailer, toy hauler, or pop-up camper under 2,000 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Tesla Model 3 can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 2,000 lbs:
- Scamp Trailers
- Roulette ProLite Plus
- Flagstaff E-Pro E-15TB
- Travel Lite Falcon F-Lite
- Aliner Grand Ascape ST
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Tesla Model 3.
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Tesla Model 3, you’ll want to know the following specs:
- UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
- Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 2,000 lbs so your Tesla Model 3 can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 2,000 pounds.
Tesla Model 3 Towing Capacity
So, how much can a Tesla Model 3 tow?
The Tesla Model 3 towing capacity is 2,000 pounds.
Tesla Model 3 Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs
Tesla Model 3 GVWR: 4,541 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Tesla Model 3 can tow your camper or travel trailer:
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Tesla Model 3 GVWR or Tesla Model 3 towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Tesla Model 3 Tow A Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a trailer with a Tesla Model 3 as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 2,000 pounds).
Most Tesla Model 3 models don’t come with a towing package installed, so you’ll need to add one to the vehicle. Once complete, you’re ready to hit the road and get camping!
What hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Tesla Model 3, and what camper or trailer are you towing with it? How did the hitch installation go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
While you’re here, check out our other helpful RV repair guides:
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