Looking For Class 3 Hitch With 2" Receiver For 2024 Tesla Model Y

Question

Question:

I am looking for a 2 class 3 tow hitch for my 2024 Tesla Model Y. I plan on using it to attach a bike carrier with two e-bikes with a combined weight of 250 lbs including the bike carrier. Is vertical load and tongue weight the same thing? What model would you suggest? Where can I get it installed? Thank you.

asked by: David

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Expert Reply:

Hello David, thanks for getting in touch. For your 2024 Tesla Model Y I recommend the Stealth Hitches Hidden Rack Receiver # SH79QR. This has a 2" receiver and a 350 lb tongue weight capacity, so more than enough for your bike rack and two e-bikes.

To answer your other question, vertical load and tongue weight are the same thing in this application.

We offer installation services here at our shop in Wentzville Missouri. If this is too far for you, we may have a qualified installer in your area. The link below will show you our installer locator. Just enter your zip code and you will see the full list of installers nearest you.

expert reply by: Jesse M

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David R.

9/23/2024

Hi Jesse, Thank you for getting back to me. If we move forward and purchase this hitch that you recommend and get it installed with one of your installers located in Connecticut, is there any danger that the frame of the model Y may be incapable of supporting this trailer hitch and the bike rack fully loaded? I just wanna make sure that the weak link isn’t the frame of the vehicle. Thank you!

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Jesse M.

9/24/2024

@DavidR That is a good question. The towing capacity and tongue weight capacity of your Tesla should be mentioned in your owners manual. Based on what I could see online the 2024 Model Y has a 3,500 lb towing capacity and 350 lb tongue weight capacity which is equal to the hitch I mentioned. I do recommend you check your owners manual to verify the capacity. Based on what I found you should be good though.

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David R.

9/24/2024

@JesseM I couldn't find the "tongue weight capacity" mentioned anywhere. They refer to this as vertical load. The Tesla towing package has a vertical load of 160 lbs!! I have been trying to reach out to anyone at Tesla to find out if this vertical load limit is due to the particular design of their towing hitch, or if is because of the frame of the Model Y. I haven't been able to get an answer from anyone. Where did you see the 350 lb tongue weight capacity mentioned? If this is the case, I am good to proceed with the hitch that you mentioned. Thank you, David

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Jesse M.

9/24/2024

@DavidR What I found online said the towing capacity is 3,500 lbs. There was no specific mention of tongue weight rating, but the tongue weight rating is almost always 10% of the towing capacity, so I was using more of a general rule to determine that, and I do apologize if my estimation let to any confusion. If the manual specifies 160 lbs vertical load for the hitch then that is your tongue weight limit, regardless of what the hitch is rated for. I would have to assume the limitation is put in place because of the frame. A towing setup is only as strong as your weakest component which is, in this case, the vehicles frame. 160 does seem really low but not surprising for Tesla. They are not known for being particularly stout towing vehicles.

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See All (7) Replies to David R. ∨

Mitesh P.

3/23/2025

Hi there, I'm trying to decide between the Stealth and Eco Hitch for my 2023 Model Y. Is there a difference? Also, I just want to confirm, does either install require the "handle" attachment to the tow cover? I assume those are just provided for convenience, but are not required. Thank you Mitesh

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Jesse M.

3/24/2025

@MiteshP Hello Mitesh. In this case the Stealth Hitch and EcoHitch for the 2023 Model Y are quite similar. They install in the same location and have the same weight ratings. Personally I would go with the Stealth Hitch # SH79QR, or # SH62QR (with towing kit). The safety chain loops are welded to the top of the receiver, rather than the crosstube which makes them more accessible. The stealth hitch does come with an attachment for the tow cover. Do you intend to tow a trailer? Or is this for a bike rack?

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Mitesh P.

3/24/2025

@JesseM thanks! I’m just going to use it for a bike rack. Just to confirm, is there anything in the install that requires me to add the “handle” for the cover, or is it just a nice feature if I want to use it? Thanks

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Jesse M.

3/24/2025

@MiteshP Great! Part # SH79QR will be the correct hitch for you! With the stealth hitch installing the "handle" for the cover is recommended, but not required. The hitch comes with a bracket that attaches to the bumper cover. Then there is another piece that inserts inside the receiver itself. The cover bracket then attaches to this receiver piece and that is what holds the cover on. I can't attach any pictures on here, but you will find a link to the manufacturer instructions if you scroll down on this page to the "featured help information" section. Page 18 shows the cover support installation. The pictures in there illustrate much better than I can describe lol. Let me know if I can do anything else to help :)

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See All (5) Replies to Mitesh P. ∨

Answer 1

I recommend installing the EcoHitch Trailer Hitch Receiver #EH39FR for your 2023 Tesla Model Y and here is why: Both the Draw-Tite #DT58MR and the EcoHitch #EH39FR install behind the bumper and have a really clean appearance, but the main difference…

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Answer 2

Yes, I was able to obtain the following photos of the #EH39FR EcoHitch for the 2020 Tesla Model Y.

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Answer 3

Hi Robert, For your 2021 Tesla Model Y, the most economical hitch is either the Curt or Draw-Tite (prices can fluctuate which is why it may be either) - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C67RV - Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #DT58MR I think…

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Answer 4

Hey Antonio, thanks for reaching out! For a trailer hitch I recommend the EcoHitch Invisi Trailer Hitch Receiver #EH39FR and then for wiring you'll need the ZCI Wiring Kit #119250KIT as none of the wiring manufacturers have a plug-in type of…

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Answer 5

We do have the Draw-Tite Class 3 hitch #DT58MR which is confirmed to fit the 2023 Tesla Model Y. We actually got a chance to install one here at our shop in Missouri on a 2022 Model Y, and we made an installation video. I have linked our video for…

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Answer 6

The main difference between the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #DT58MR and EcoHitch Invisi Trailer Hitch Receiver #EH39FR is going to be the construction. The Draw-Tite #DT58MR is going to be a steel construction with an e-coat base and…

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Answer 7

The correct trailer hitch for your 2020 Tesla Model Y is the EcoHitch Invisi Trailer Hitch Receiver #EH39FR. The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #DT58MR you're looking at fits the 2021 and newer models. I did notice in the Draw-Tite…

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