Model 3 is designed primarily as a passenger-carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional load on the motor(s), drive train, brakes, tires, and suspension and significantly decreases range. If you decide to tow a trailer, proceed with caution and follow these general guidelines:

• Reduce your driving speed and avoid sudden maneuvers. Keep in mind that when towing a trailer, steering, stability, turning radius, stopping distance and braking performance are different when compared to driving without a trailer.
• Increase your following distance by maintaining at least twice the distance from the vehicle ahead. This helps to avoid situations that require heavy braking. Sudden braking may result in skidding or jack-knifing, and loss of control.
• Avoid sharp turns. Sharp turns can cause the trailer to contact the vehicle and cause damage. Keep in mind that the trailer wheels are closer to the inside of the turn than the vehicle’s wheels. Therefore, make wider turns to prevent the trailer from hitting curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
• Periodically check the trailer lights and turn signals to confirm that the bulbs are still working.
• Periodically confirm the cargo is secure.
• Avoid parking on a grade (see Parking with a Trailer).
• Regularly confirm that all towing components are securely tightened.

Trailer Mode must always be active when towing a trailer. When you connect a trailer's electrical connection while the vehicle is in Park, Model 3 automatically engages Trailer Mode. When you disconnect the trailer's electrical connection, Trailer Mode does not disengage automatically. To manually engage or disengage Trailer Mode, touch Controls > Dynamics > Trailer Mode on the touchscreen. One of the following indicators display on the touchscreen:

Trailer Mode is Active.

Model 3 detects a connection for trailer lights but Trailer Mode is disabled. It is likely that a carrying accessory has been connected.

Model 3 detects a faulty electrical connection for the trailer lights. Some, or all, trailer lights may not be functioning. Pull over as soon as safety permits and inspect the trailer lights for faulty cabling or connections. If the issues are resolved and the red icon still persists, turn Trailer Mode off and on once more. If you are finished towing and have disconnected the trailer electrical connector, manually disengage Trailer Mode to clear the red icon.

If Model 3 is in Trailer Mode or has detected a connection for trailer lights, and the vehicle detects an electrical fault in the trailer turn signals, the turn signals for the affected side(s) will flash faster than normal. If you are finished towing and have disconnected the trailer electrical connector, the turn signals will flash faster than normal and the red trailer indicator will display on the touchscreen until Trailer Mode has been manually disengaged.

Some Autopilot features, as well as rear parking sensor functionality, may not be available when Trailer Mode is enabled. In addition, these features operate differently:

• 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.

Whenever possible, avoid parking on a grade. However, if parking on a grade is absolutely necessary, place wheel chocks under the trailer wheels. Consider having someone help you with these steps:

• One person presses and holds the brake pedal.
• A second person places the wheel chocks under the wheels on the downgrade side of the vehicle's tires.
• When the chocks are in place, release the brake pedal and ensure the chocks hold the weight of the vehicle and trailer.
  Note

  When testing chocks, ensure that Vehicle Hold (see Vehicle Hold) is not engaged. If Vehicle Hold is braking Model 3, the Vehicle Hold indicator light displays on the touchscreen. To disengage Vehicle Hold, press and release the brake pedal.
• Place the vehicle in Park.

The Model 3 towing package includes a weight-carrying hitch with a 50 mm ball coupling When not in use, the hitch should be removed and stored in a dry location to prevent rust and corrosion. Keep the dust cover over the hitch housing to prevent dirt and debris from entering.

To install the trailer hitch:

1. Remove the dust cover from the hitch housing by inserting a small object, such as a flat screwdriver, into the push clips on each side of the dust cover. Turn the push clips until they are in an unclasped position, take them out, and remove the dust cover.
2. Insert the key into the locking cylinder on the hitch, and turn the cylinder so the top of the key is aligned with the “Open” position.
3. Pull the locking cylinder out of the adapter approximately 0.5 cm, and turn clockwise until the Unlock icon is fixated at the top of the locking cylinder.
   CAUTION

   Be careful when turning the locking cylinder. If it does not lock into the "Open" position, it automatically retracts into its original "Closed" position and can pinch your fingers.
4. Firmly grasp the hitch from the bottom and align with the corresponding cutouts in the hitch housing.
   Note

   Do not grasp the locking cylinder because it needs to rotate freely.
5. Push the hitch into the hitch housing until the locking cylinder quickly rotates counter-clockwise and automatically locks into the "Closed" position.
6. Check to confirm that the hitch is fully inserted into the housing by pulling down on the hitch. The hitch should not drop when you pull down.
   Note

   If the hitch does not lock into the housing, it falls out when you pull down on the hitch.
7. Turn the key so the arrows align with the Lock icon on the locking cylinder.
8. Remove the key and store it in a safe place (preferably inside the vehicle).
   Note

   The key can be removed only if the hitch is locked. This indicates a proper connection. Do not use the hitch if the key is not removed.
   Note

   Tesla recommends making a note of the key code. You need this key code if you lose the keys and need to order a replacement.
   Note

   The trailer hitch is attached to the body of the vehicle with 6 bolts.

After towing, remove the hitch:

1. Insert the key and turn to align the top of the key with the Unlock icon.
2. While firmly holding the bottom of the hitch (to prevent it from dropping to the ground), pull the locking cylinder out approximately 0.5 cm, and turn it clockwise until the Lock icon shifts to the top. At this point, the locking cylinder is unlocked in the "Open" position and the hitch drops out of the housing.
   Warning

   Be careful when turning the locking cylinder. If it does not lock into the "Open" position, it automatically retracts into its original "Closed" position and can pinch your fingers.
3. Reinstall the dust cover on the hitch housing to prevent dirt from accumulating inside the housing by snapping in the push clips.
4. Close the dust cover on the hitch's locking cylinder and store the hitch in a secure location.
   Note

   To maintain the hitch, regularly grease its surface with non-resinous grease.

Regulations require all trailers to be equipped with tail lights, brake lights, side marker lights, and turn signals. To provide power for trailer lighting, a built-in 13-pin wiring connector is provided near the hitch support's wiring plugs for most types of trailers. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that all electrical connections are working and all trailer lights are operating before and during towing. You must perform manual checks.

1. Left Turn Signal
2. Rear Fog
3. Ground for pins 1-8
4. Right Turn Signal
5. Right Tail Signal
6. Stop Lamps
7. Left Tail Lamp
8. Reverse Lamps

All pins have low voltage power. Loss of trailer lights when towing may be the result of a blown fuse. Model 3 does not provide a warning if the fuse is blown. Contact Tesla Service.

Towing a trailer increases vehicle weight and drag. As a result, driving range can decrease significantly. Although Trip Planner attempts to adjust estimates based on Trailer Mode, actual energy consumption may vary. Plan trip length and charging destinations accordingly.