This sounds way too low. More like the price for them to install the square hitch into an existing tow bar or something. To get working lights you would also need to buy and install the trailer lights ECU which I'm sure will cost several hundred more. Installation of the ECU is very easy though as the connector is already in position (at least it is on the 3 anyway).
-
Want to remove ads? Register an account and login to see fewer ads, and become a Supporting Member to remove almost all ads.
Buying a 2023 Model Y OEM Hitch from Ebay and getting installed by Tesla .Thoughts ?
- Thread starter hippagun
- Start date
-
- Tags
- #modely tow package
I am still searching for information on whether the tow mode must be enabled by Tesla or if it automatically detects an OEM harness is plugged in and a tow-mode option shows up. Tesla charges too much to retrofit so I want to get a used OEM from eBay and install it myself. If the tow mode will not show up for the DYI OEM part, there is no point to buy a used OEM part.
What do you need tow mode for? From what I understand it doesn't offer much if anything it's annoying
Exactly, the OEM hitch supposes to shut off rear sensors. I am sure some here already installed a used OEM hitch on this forum.
this guy said he did not have to do anything.
2021 Model Y EOM Hitch DIY Install
Here are pictures of my hitch EOM install. In particular order but it hope it helps some of you here!
teslamotorsclub.com
it just worked after he installs the OEM hitch and harness. I am not sure who to believe.
TomB985
Member
I don’t see how Tow Mode is worth anything by itself. It’s great that it disables the reverse sensors, but how much of the time is spent in Reverse? It also disables autopilot, but those are the only things I’ve noticed.
I wouldn’t care either way. For me, it was all about OEM fit, finish, and installation. If I could have gotten that by sourcing the hitch elsewhere for less, I’d be all over it.
I wouldn’t care either way. For me, it was all about OEM fit, finish, and installation. If I could have gotten that by sourcing the hitch elsewhere for less, I’d be all over it.
Probably depends on what you are connecting to the hitch. If you're towing a heavy trailer nerfing some of the "smart" avoidance features is probably a good thing. If you are just using a bike rack it doesn't really matter.
In addition to the parking sensors the manual states trailer mode does the following:
- Traffic-Aware Cruise Control increases the following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- Side collision warnings are active but automatic steering interventions are disabled.
- The braking force provided by Automatic Emergency Braking (see Collision Avoidance Assist) may be limited. Therefore, stopping distance may increase.
Meh I'd rather be reminded I have something on the back when in reverse
It'd be nice if it updated your range like the f150 lighting
TomB985
Member
I pull right at the limit with a 3,500-lb boat. Maybe I’ll switch it off next time I pull to see if it makes any noticeable difference.
I think 99.9% of time it's not going to make a difference. It's really about protecting outlier cases. I've had AEB activate in my M3 (not towing) a couple of times in what I would call an overreaction by the car. If that were to happen at full strength while towing it could quickly turn into a very bad day.
TomB985
Member
I just don’t see it. I’ve pulled trailers most of my life that weighed between 400-62,000 lbs. If the combination can’t handle full brake application without losing control, something is very wrong.
Most cars and trucks sold today have AEB, and they sometimes misfire. I’ve heard of people getting rear-ended by tailgaters, but I haven’t heard of it causing a loss-of-control with or without a trailer. I’m not saying it‘s impossible, but it’s probably not a risk worth worrying about.
the camera is so laggy i am often backing up with mirrors or looking over shoulder cause i dont want to wait for the camera to load
You might need this. I believe I do
The car seems to detect the OEM computer being connected but it shows an orange caravan light which I believe indicates that tow mode is not activated despite a trailer being detected. As for why you'd do it - it greatly simplifies sorting out the lights as no cutting or intercepting is required. Its literally plug and play. More reliable I think than an aftermarket option.
No, at least on a 2021 Shanghai 3 its a separate ECU that plugs directly into the harness under the rear bumper. It has an output plug as well which holds a short tail into which you can plug the trailer plug. At least thats how it works on the Euro/Aus vehicles - I believe we have a different trailer wiring approach to the USA.
