WhistlinDiesel’s viral video showed the Tesla Cybertruck’s rear subframe snapping in half during a failed attempt. Cybertruck gave up in an effort to pull a Ford F-150 stuck between two concrete pipes.
The video, with over 23 million views, did ignite a fiery debate on social media. Is Tesla’s iconic electric truck suffering from a fatal flaw, or was the Cybertruck simply pushed beyond its possible limits?
Some time passed and Tesla stayed mum. However, the internet sleuths have been hard at work, with a critical discovery recently made by a Facebook group user. You would want to know what Seesa found in those owner’s manual pages. Here’s everything you need to know!
Tesla Truck With A Powerless Tow Hitch
Marc Thomas Sessa, a member of the Tesla Cybertruck Facebook group shared some crucial information on Cybertruck’s tow hitch. Unfortunately, Tesla has remained tight-lipped on the matter amidst all lingering questions.
Sessa found a peculiar note in Tesla’s official Cybertruck Owner’s Manual that raises even more questions about the truck’s hitch capacity. What does it say?
According to Sessa’s post, the manual states that the Cybertruck’s hitch assembly is designed to support vertical loads up to just 160 pounds. But what’s more surprising is the fact that even Model Y has the same vertical load limit.
For a truck intended to compete with all established powerhouses like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado and the likes, a 160-pound limit seems inadequate.
Nevertheless, Sessa raised an important question: Was this a simple copy-paste error from the Model Y manual, or is this actually Cybertruck’s real-world limitation?
Trucks like the Ford F-150 typically have a tongue weight limit of around 700 to 1,000 pounds. Tesla’s stated 160 pounds seems way too low a number to beat that.
Comparing the Cybertruck and F-150
Initially, Cybertruck did look like one to give the benefit of the doubt. After all, WhistlinDiesel’s tests are well-known for being raw and extreme. Maybe the Cybertruck simply buckled under extreme abuse as we discussed in our earlier post.
Cybertruck’s Tow Hitch and Giga Casting Rear Snap Off in Torture Test
However, WhistlinDiesel later released a follow-up video, going all hard on the Ford F-150. Unlike the Cybertruck, the F-150 did not experience the same catastrophic failure even with severe torture testing.
This raised even more eyebrows, suggesting that the problem is with the Tesla truck and not with the extreme abuse.
Tesla Cybertruck Load Limit
Tesla’s own documentation seems to contradict itself with the specified load limit. But there’s more to it. In one section of the Cybertruck’s manual, it clearly states that the hitch can only handle a vertical load of 160 pounds.
Yet in the towing section, it mentions that the Cybertruck has a tongue weight limit of 1,100 pounds. The tongue weight refers to the downward force a trailer exerts on the hitch and is usually calculated as 10% of the trailer’s weight.
With the Cybertruck’s tow rating of 11,000 pounds, a tongue weight limit of 1,100 pounds seems reasonable. So, why the a discrepancy between the vertical load and tongue weight ratings? Any comments here Tesla?
One Reddit user like others suspects it could be a typo but is it?
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What Could Be The Truth?
One theory is that it’s just an error Tesla’s manual contains a simple typo or copy-paste error from the Model Y. Model Y too shares similar gigacasting technology.
Since the Model Y is a crossover SUV with no need for heavy towing capabilities, a vertical load limit of 160 pounds makes sense in that context. However, when applied to a heavy-duty vehicle like the Cybertruck, this low rating seems absurd.
Another explanation could lie in the nature of the Cybertruck’s aluminum construction. Both the Model Y and the Cybertruck use Tesla’s gigacasting tech that allows having big chunks of parts in aluminum. While this design improves manufacturing efficiency and reduces weight, it may also introduce limitations in certain areas, such as hitch strength.
For now, Tesla’s silence on the matter isn’t helping either.
Cody in his video clearly shows how powerless the hitch feels on Cybertruck. Without official clarification, Cybertruck fans are left speculating, with some wondering if the vehicle they pre-ordered will live up to its bold claims of durability and ruggedness.
Can Tesla Cybertruck Beat Traditional Trucks?
Cybertruck is a shift. With its angular, sci-fi-inspired design, bulletproof stainless steel exoskeleton, and powerful electric motors, the Cybertruck was meant to disrupt the traditional truck market. However, the real question is whether Tesla’s tech-first approach has left some practical truck needs like hitch strengts. One Reddit user comments on the durability saying the haste of getting the truck out is the reason.
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Traditional trucks like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado are built to endure decades of abuse from hard-working contractors, farmers, and adventurers. Their hitches are designed to haul heavy trailers, boats, and equipment without breaking a sweat.
Can the Cybertruck live up to those same expectations? Time will tell.
Bottomline
As of now, we can only speculate on what Tesla will do to address the concerns raised by the community. Will Tesla quietly update its manual to correct the possible error? Or is the low vertical load rating a genuine limitation? Let’s wait for this to get some clarity.
It’s clear that Cybertruck has potential but only time will tell if it can truly stand toe-to-toe with legacy brands like Ford and Chevrolet. Until then, let’s hope Tesla addresses these concerns before more Cybertrucks hit the road—or find themselves in another WhistlinDiesel video.
