Towing Capacity for Draw Tite Trailer Hitch that Fits 2018 Tesla Model X
Published 08/31/2018
Question:
The Tesla hitch included on a Model X allows a downward weight max of 120lbs. Would replacing the Tesla hitch with this hitch increase the weight mazavailable for a box or a bike rack?
asked by: Gld
Expert Reply:
Aftermarket trailer hitches will typically have higher towing capacities than the vehicles they fit. Reason being is that they design the hitch to fit the vehicle, make it as strong as they can, and then independently test the hitch from the vehicle for capacity. So what this means is that you are still limited by the capacity of the vehicle even when using a hitch with a higher weight capacity. Basically what would happen is the vehicle frame would fail before the hitch which is why you are limited by the lowest rated component in your setup as the overall capacity.
The Draw Tite hitch part # 76143 which fits your Tesla Model X has capacities of 750 lb tongue weight and 5,000 lb trailer weight, but if your owners manual says 120 lbs is tongue weight capacity then that is the overall capacity you'd have to abide by.
