The recent drama over the capability of Tesla’s cyber truck to tow has continued to grow following the new video by a YouTuber, WhistlinDiesel. The Youtuber, WhistlinDiesel ran a torture test on the cybertruck along with a Ford F-150 truck.
During the torture test when it was trying to tow a Ford F-150, the current model of the Cybertruck’s tow hitch broke off and led to concerns over the Cybertruck’s construction and towing capabilities to pull 11,000 pounds. Tesla has now replied asserting that this towing rating is not fixed.
Cybertruck Tow-Hitch Controversy
In the original video, WhistlinDiesel tested extreme conditions for the electric truck Cybertruck, including towing an F-150 caught between two concrete pipes. The hitch failure happened under such ruthless conditions, raising questions about the feasibility of using Cybertruck for such tough duties. The Cybertruck’s design and material, particularly its aluminum composite frame, may not withstand such stressors as effectively as the industry standard metal; steel frames are used in other competing trucks.
Cybertruck’s Tow Hitch and Giga Casting Rear Snap Off in Torture Test
Tesla’s Response
Tesla’s lead Cybertruck engineer, Wes Morrill, unexpectedly addressed the controversy and explained more about the 11,000-pound tow rating that came with the car which has caused an uproar and issued a statement in clarification, stating that the tow rating is not fixed, and should be viewed relatively.
Wanted to answer tow hitch accessory questions with a few examples. There are many different accessories, but the relationship is clear.
To simplify it, when you increase the distance away from the hitch the load capability goes down. The 11,000lb tow rating isn't absolute.
You… pic.twitter.com/Lcd7EgwQ8S
— Wes (@wmorrill3) October 30, 2024
He added that as much as the Cybertruck’s advantage of being able to tow substantial weight, some things cannot be overlooked like the overall weight of vehicles to be towed and type of load. The confusion that arose from WhistlinDiesel’s video and subsequent discussions among car guys and gals should be clarified to achieve this.
Also, Tesla pointed out that their hitch for a Cybertruck is optimized for vertical loads up to 160 pounds which most competitors provide. This prompted further debate as to whether Tesla’s engineering decisions do justice to the advertised performance of the truck.
Selected individuals on social media have noted that in the past tow ratings come with a proportional tongue weight limit of about 10 percent of the trailer weight capacity which indicates that Tesla’s designation of the capacities could be misleading to potential buyers.
Further Clarification
Tesla’s lead Cybertruck engineer, Wes Morrill writes…
“Wanted to answer tow-hitch accessory questions with a few examples. There are many different accessories, but the relationship is clear.
To simplify it, when you increase the distance away from the hitch the load capability goes down. The 11,000lb tow rating isn’t absolute.
You can think of it as holding a heavy weight against your chest; it’s much harder to hold that same weight with your arms outstretched.
This is now updated in the owner’s manual online and in-vehicle to make it easy to find and clearly explains with more text and diagrams.”
Below, Tesla provides a table showing how different tow hitch accessories affect the vertical load rating.
- For a 4-bicycle carrier, Tesla says the vertical load rating is 220 lb (100 kgs).
- When using a Motorcycle carrier, which has a closer center of mass to the hitch, Tesla says the vertical load rating increases to 375 lbs (170 kgs).
- And if it’s a trailer ball, the Cybertruck retains its maximum vertical load rating of 1,100 lb (500 kgs).
Conclusion
Tesla’s explanation and clarification about the towing capabilities of the Cybertruck was excellent. Providing clear information on what is possible with the bought products is very crucial for the consumers who are attached to the brand. While people are discussing it at automotive forums and during the preliminary negotiation, it is still unclear how it would influence Cybertruck’s demand on the market.
