Vehicle Loading

Vehicle Labeling

It is important to understand your vehicle's original tire sizes and pressures, and theGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating). This information can be found on two labels attached to Model S.

Two labels on the driver's center door pillar indicating how much weight the vehicle can carry
  1. Tire and Loading Information Label
  2. Vehicle Certification Label
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Overloading Model S has an adverse effect on braking and handling, which can compromise your safety or cause damage.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Never store large amounts of liquid in Model S. A significant spill can cause electrical components to malfunction.

Tire and Loading Information Label

  • The maximum number of occupant seating positions.
  • The maximum vehicle capacity weight.
  • The size of the original tires.
  • The cold inflation pressures for the original front and rear tires. These pressures are recommended to optimize ride and handling characteristics.

Label Format:

An example of a Tire label

Never change this label, even if you use different tires in the future.

Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
If Model S is loaded to its full capacity, double check all tires to ensure they are inflated to their recommended pressure levels.

Vehicle Certification Label

The Vehicle Certification label provides:

  • GVWR - Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The maximum allowable total mass of Model S. This is calculated as the weight of Model S equipped with the heaviest factory selectable options, all passengers, fluids, and cargo.
  • GAWR FRT and GAWR RR - Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front and rear axles. The GAWR is the maximum distributed weight that each axle can support.

United States:

An example of a Vehicle Certification label

Canada:

An example of a Vehicle Certification label

Mexico:

An example of a Vehicle Certification label
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
To prevent damage, never load Model S so that it is heavier than GVWR or exceeds the individual GAWR weights.

Towing a Trailer

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Do not use Model S for towing purposes. Model S does not support a trailer hitch. Installing one could cause damage and increase the risk of a collision.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Using Model S for towing may void the warranty.

Roof Racks

A Model S equipped with a glass roof, or a panoramic sunroof, can carry up to 165 lbs (75 kg) using a Tesla-approved roof rack (see Parts and Accessories).A Model S equipped with a solid body color roof is incompatible with roof racks.

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Do not use roof racks, or place any load, on the roof of a Model S that is equipped with a solid color roof. Doing so can cause significant damage.

Steps for Determining the Correct Load Limit

  1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle's placard.
  2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
  3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
  4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 × 150) = 650 lbs.)
  5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
  6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Trunks are the preferred places to carry objects. In a collision, or during hard braking and sharp turns, loose items in the cabin could injure occupants.

Example Load Limit Calculations

How much cargo Model S can carry depends on the number and weight of passengers. The following calculated load limit examples assume passengers weigh 150 lbs (68 kg). If passengers weigh more or less, available cargo weight decreases or increases respectively.

Table 1. Driver and one passenger
Description Total
Vehicle capacity weight 954 lbs (433 kg)
Subtract occupant weight (2 x 150 lbs/68 kg) 300 lbs (136 kg)
Available cargo weight 654 lbs (297 kg)
Table 2. Driver and four passengers
Description Total
Vehicle capacity weight 954 lbs (433 kg)
Subtract occupant weight (5 x 150 lbs/68 kg) 750 lbs (340 kg)
Available cargo weight 204 lbs (93 kg)

When carrying cargo, distribute the weight as evenly as possible between the front and rear trunks. For maximum load limits specific to the trunks, see Front Trunk Load Limit and Rear Trunk Load Limits.