Tesla Finally Responds to the Cybertruck Tow-Hitch Controversy, Says “The 11,000 lb Tow Rating Isn't Absolute”

Last month, we shared a line from Tesla’s official Cybertruck Owner’s manual that says the Cybertruck tow hitch is rated to carry the same vertical load as the Model Y hitch—160 lb or two bicycles.

Here is exactly what the Cybertruck owner manual said: “The hitch assembly is designed to support vertical loads up to 160 lb (72 kg). Exceeding this maximum weight can cause damage.”

Naturally, current and potential Cybertruck owners who intend to use their Cybertrucks as trucks were unhappy about the small tow hitch ratings.

Although the issue was widely reported, Tesla has chosen to ignore it until now, leading some Cybertruck buyers to cancel their orders. 

However, a few hours ago, Tesla’s lead Cybertruck engineer, Wes Morrill, unexpectedly addressed the controversy and explained more about the 160 lbs vertical rating.

Tesla has also updated the Cybertruck manual to explain the issue better.

Before we show you Tesla’s response, it’s important to explain the difference between the tow rating and vertical load ratings. This is important since the lead Cybertruck engineer uses the tow rating to explain the vertical load rating.

Normally, the vertical load rating for the tow hitch is capped at 10% of the total tow rating. The Cybertruck has a tow rating of 11,000 lb (5,000 kgs), which means the tow hitch can carry a maximum vertical load of 1,100 lb (500 kgs).

However, as we pointed out earlier, the Cybertruck Owners manual states, “The hitch assembly is designed to support vertical loads up to 160 lb (72 kg). Exceeding this maximum weight can cause damage.”

A 160 lb vertical load rating will limit the Cybertruck tow rating to 10 times that, which is 1,600 lb. However, we know that the Cybertruck has an 11,000 lb tow rating, and this is the discrepancy Wes and Tesla finally try to clear up.

Wes 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.”

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

Wes followed his post with two screenshots from the updated Cybertruck Owner’s manual which better explain the change…

The first picture shows a Cybertruck with three different tow hitch accessories attached to it. The first is a trailer tongue where the vertical load is almost in line with the tow hitch; this brings the center of mass much closer to the tow hitch.

However, with other tow hitch accessories, such as motorbike carriers and four-bike carriers, the center of mass becomes farther and higher from the tow hitch.

Tesla writes…

“Examples of type of carrier and general distance from the hitch pin:

1. Trailer (heaviest)

2. Motorbike carrier (lighter)

3. Four bike carrier (lightest)”

In simple terms, Tesla is saying the tow hitch can carry the maximum 1,100 lb vertical load when towing a trailer since the center of gravity is lower and closer to the tow hitch pin. 

However, when carrying a motorbike or bicycle on the tow hitch with an extended tow hitch accessory, the center of mass becomes further out, decreasing the vertical load rating.

Wes shares a second screenshot from the updated Cybertruck manual explaining how the vertical load rating changes with different tow hitch accessories.

Tesla writes…

“Carrying Accessories

The load that the hitch receiver can support varies based on the configuration of the accessory carrier. The maximum tongue weight—the downward force on the trailer hitch—of Cybertruck is 1,100 lbs (500 kg). The maximum weight decreases when the center of gravity (the effective center point of the load) of the accessory carrier is farther from the trailer hitch. Refer to the table below for common examples.”

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).

It’s nice to see Tesla explain the different load ratings better. However, it’s still important to point out that at 375 lb vertical load rating, it’s difficult for the Cybertruck to carry average motorbikes.

Let me know in the comments what you think about the Cybertruck tow hitch capability. Share your ideas by clicking the red “Add new comment” button below. Also, visit our site, torquenews.com/Tesla, regularly for the latest updates.

Image: Screenshot from WhistlinDiesel’s YouTube video

For more information, check out: Tesla Cybertruck Owners Report They are Getting Harassed By Toyota Prius Drivers on the Road

Tinsae Aregay has been following Tesla and the evolution of the EV space daily for several years. He covers everything about Tesla, from the cars to Elon Musk, the energy business, and autonomy. Follow Tinsae on Twitter at @TinsaeAregay for daily Tesla news.