• 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
.
CAUTION:
Loads that are balanced over the
trailer 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.
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. 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. When towing
a trailer, the turn signal arrows on the touchscreen
flash as normal, even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out.
• Periodically confirm the cargo is secure.
• 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.
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 automatically
disengage. To manually engage or disengage Trailer
Mode, touch
Controls
>
Pedals & Steering
>
Trailer Mode
on the touchscreen. One of the following indicators
displays:
Trailer Mode is active.
Model Y detects a connection for trailer
lights but Trailer Mode is disabled. It is
likely that a carrying accessory has been
connected.
Model Y 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, disable and
re-enable Trailer Mode once more.
Some Autopilot features, 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 vehicle in front of you.
• Side collision warnings are active but automatic
steering interventions are disabled.
• The braking force provided by Automatic Emergency
Collision Avoidance Assist on page 120
may be limited. Therefore, stopping distance may
increase.
WARNING:
Do not rely on Model Y to detect the
trailer and automatically engage Trailer Mode.
Always check to ensure Trailer Mode is engaged
before towing a trailer.
WARNING:
Under no circumstances should you
exit Trailer Mode when towing a trailer. Doing so
can cause serious injury.
Towing and Accessories
78
MODEL Y Owner's Manual
