Instructions for Transporters

DO NOT TRANSPORT WITH WHEELS ON THE GROUND

The front and rear motors in Model X generate power when the wheels spin. Always transport Model X with all four tires off the ground. Ensure that the tires are unable to spin at any time during transport.

Warning

NEVER TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE WITH THE TIRES IN A POSITION WHERE THEY CAN SPIN. DOING SO CAN LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND OVERHEATING. IN RARE CASES EXTREME OVERHEATING MAY CAUSE THE SURROUNDING COMPONENTS TO IGNITE.

Model X being towed with rear wheels on ground and front wheels lifted by a tow truck and a red "X" to indicate this should not be performed.

Model X being towed with front wheels on ground and rear wheels lifted by a tow truck and a red "X" to indicate this should not be performed.

Model X being transported with all four wheels on ground behind an RV and a red "X" to indicate this should not be performed.

Do not transport Model X using any method that is not specified by Tesla. Adhere to the instructions provided in the following sections and observe all warnings and cautions provided. Damage caused by improper transporting of your vehicle is not covered by the warranty.

Note

Tesla is not liable or responsible for reimbursing services not dispatched through Tesla Roadside Assistance.

Approved Methods for Transporting

A flatbed truck or comparable transport vehicle is the recommended method of transporting Model X. The vehicle can face either direction when using a flatbed.

If Model X must be transported without a flatbed truck, then wheel lifts and dollies must be used to ensure that all four wheels are off of the ground. This method may only be used for a maximum of 55 km, and must not exceed the manufacturer speed rating of the dollies. With this method, Tesla recommends the vehicle faces forward so that the front wheels are lifted and the rear wheels are on dollies.

Note

Transporting Model X with the front wheels on dollies is not recommended, but may be done if an external steering yoke (or steering wheel) lock is applied and care is taken to prevent the front wheels from spinning.

CAUTION

DO NOT TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE IF THERE IS ANY CHANCE OF ANY OF THE WHEELS SPINNING.

Model X being towed with front wheels lifted by a tow truck and rear wheels on dollies.

CAUTION

Enable Transport Mode (see Activate Transport Mode) before winching Model X onto a flatbed truck. If Transport Mode is not available or the touchscreen is not accessible, self-loading dollies or tire skates must be used to load the vehicle into the approved transportation position. Tesla is not responsible for any damage caused by or during the transport of Model X, including personal property damage or damage caused by using self-loading dollies or tire skates.

Note

Transport Mode is only intended to allow for winching Model X onto a flatbed truck or repositioning the vehicle out of a parking space. While in Transport Mode, the tires are allowed to rotate slowly (under 5 km/h) and for a very short distance (less than 10 meters). See Activate Transport Mode. Exceeding these boundaries can lead to significant damage and overheating that is not covered by the warranty.

Warning

Model X is equipped with high voltage components that may be compromised as a result of a collision (see High Voltage Components). Before transporting Model X, it is important to assume these components are energized. Always follow high voltage safety precautions (wearing personal protection equipment, etc.) until emergency response professionals have evaluated the vehicle and can accurately confirm that all high voltage systems are no longer energized. Failure to do so may result in serious injury.

Disable the Self-Leveling Air Suspension System

Note

If Model X has no low voltage power, you need an external low voltage power supply to use the touchscreen. See If Vehicle Has No Power.

Your Model X is equipped with an air suspension system that automatically self-levels the vehicle, even when power is off. To prevent damage, you must activate Jack mode to disable self-leveling:

Touch Controls > Suspension on the touchscreen.
Press the brake pedal, and then touch Very High to maximize height.
Touch Controls > Service > Jack Mode.

Note

Jack mode cancels when driving speed exceeds 7 km/h.

Activate Transport Mode

Transport Mode keeps the parking brake disengaged while winching Model X onto a flatbed truck. When active, Transport Mode displays a message indicating that the vehicle will remain free-rolling. The following are required to enable Transport Mode:

Low voltage power. You are unable to use the touchscreen to activate Transport Mode if Model X has no power.
Model X must detect a key. Transport Mode is available only when a key is detected.
Ensure the vehicle is not connected to a charger. Transport Mode is not available if Model X is still plugged in.

To activate Transport Mode:

Ensure the vehicle is in Park.
Chock the tires and make sure Model X is secure.
Press and hold the brake pedal, and then on the touchscreen, touch Controls > Service > Towing. The touchscreen displays a message reminding you how to properly transport Model X.
Touch Enter Transport Mode. The button turns blue to show that Model X is now in Transport Mode. Model X is now free-rolling and can be rolled slowly (no faster than walking speed) for short distances or winched (for example, onto a flatbed truck).

To cancel Transport Mode, touch Exit Transport Mode or shift Model X into Park. If your phone key is not detected, canceling Transport Mode powers off Model X. You may need your key card to restart the vehicle.

Note

If the electrical system is not working, and you therefore cannot use the touchscreen to activate Transport Mode, use self-loading dollies or tire skates. Before doing so, always check the manufacturer's specifications and recommended loading capacity.

Pull Onto Flatbed Truck From Front (Using Tow Eye)

Note

If Model X has no low voltage power, you need an external low voltage power supply to open the hood or use the touchscreen. See If Vehicle Has No Power.

CAUTION

To avoid damage, only pull the vehicle onto a flatbed truck using a properly-installed tow eye. Using the chassis, frame, or suspension components to pull the vehicle can result in damage.

Locate the tow eye. The tow eye is located in the front trunk.
To remove the tow eye cover, insert a small, flat screwdriver into the top and bottom slots, release the snaps and pull the cover towards you.
Note
The front tow eye cover is connected to the vehicle's black negative (-) terminal.
Fully insert the tow eye into the opening, then turn it counter-clockwise until securely fastened.
Attach the winch cable to the tow eye.
CAUTION
Before pulling, make sure the tow eye is securely tightened.
Activate Transport Mode.
Pull Model X slowly onto the flatbed truck.

Pull onto the Flatbed Truck From Front (Without Tow Eye)

CAUTION

To avoid damage, only pull the vehicle onto a flatbed truck using a properly-installed tow eye. Using the chassis, frame, or suspension components to pull the vehicle can result in damage.

Warning

If the vehicle is pulled onto the flatbed truck using this method, all suspension fasteners should be checked for proper torque and all components should be visually inspected for damage prior to driving the vehicle again. If a fastener is loose, or if any damage is found, the affected component(s) should be replaced.

It is strongly recommended that you connect the winch to your vehicle's tow eye, as described previously. However, if a situation arises in which the tow eye is not available (lost, misplaced, etc.), the following instructions describe how to attach tow straps.

Attach the tow straps to each of the lower suspension arms underneath the front of the vehicle.
CAUTION
Do not attach the tow straps to any other suspension component. Only attach tow straps to the lower suspension arms, as shown below.
To protect the underbody from damage, place a protective barrier (such as a piece of wood) between the tow strap and underbody.
Activate Transport Mode.
Pull Model X slowly onto the flatbed truck.

Pull Onto Flatbed Truck From Rear

CAUTION

To avoid damage, only pull the vehicle onto a flatbed truck using a properly-installed tow eye. Using the tow hitch, chassis, frame, or suspension components to pull the vehicle can result in damage.

Note

Make sure Transport Mode is activated prior to pulling Model X onto the flatbed truck.

It is strongly recommended that you connect the winch to your vehicle's tow eye, as described previously. However, if a situation arises in which the vehicle must be pulled from the rear, Tesla recommends attaching the winch to the tow hitch. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions on how to connect the tow hitch.

Secure the Tires

The vehicle's tires must be secured onto the truck using the eight-point tie-down method.

Ensure any metal parts on the tie-down straps do not contact painted surfaces or the face of the wheels.
Do not place tie-down straps over body panels or through the wheels.

CAUTION

Attaching the tie-down straps to the chassis, suspension or other parts of the vehicle's body may cause damage.

View of the rear wheel with tie-down straps installed.

If Vehicle Has No Power

If Model X has no low voltage power, perform the following steps to open the hood or jump start the low voltage battery.

Open the hood. See Opening the Hood with No Power for more information on opening the hood if the vehicle does not have power.
Jump start the low voltage battery (see Jump Starting).

Note

Tow providers: See Running Out of Range for more information on transporting the vehicle to a charging station and preparing the vehicle to charge.