Model S towbars

[audi321]

So other than the fact they don’t do them what is the reason you can’t get a towbar on a MS?

I mean it’s the same chassis, motors, batteries etc etc as the MX?

[RobbyJ]

I've just fitted one myself to mine. It's only designed for bike racks but fitted it just so I can launch my small 4M boat. All I do is tow it from the trailer park to the slipway and it works perfectly and is invisible. Was a bit of a ball ache to fit but still had it done end to end in 4 hours. I haven't done the electrics though as I don't really need them. If I do install them in the future I'm just going to hide them in the boot as I don't want them to be visible, I'd just then trap the cable and run it out of the boot.

Mine was bloody expensive though:

https://etowbars.com/uk/Towbars/Tesla-Towbars/Tesl...

+90 euros import fees.

[audi321]

Showing as out of stock now unfortunately. Plus, as you say, bloody expensive!

So it is possible then...........like you, it's not for towing a caravan or anything serious.

[RobbyJ]

It was out of stock when I ordered it. They had to make it in Poland, took about a month. Really glad I've done it now though.

There are lots of towbars for them in the US and plenty people tow decent sized stuff there, lots of videos on YouTube.

The bumper cut is under the car so you really can't see it unless you kneel down and look under the car. The only cheeky thing is that you also have to make a small cut in the crash bar which I didn't see when I bought it.

[RobbyJ]

[audi321]

That’s great. Have you any pics from the rear and close up?

[Heres Johnny]

audi321 said:

So other than the fact they don’t do them what is the reason you can’t get a towbar on a MS?

The car isn't type approved for them so the reasons would be its illegal and your insurance would be invalidated

There's a company in Germany that does one who says they have approval but some question them having the car type approved and whether its still valid in the UK.

A towbar not for towing is fine though, and bike racks etc can be used. Have you googled "tesla model s tow hook" - the top result gives you what you want to know

[RobbyJ]

audi321 said:

That’s great. Have you any pics from the rear and close up?

Will post some when I get a chance to take them.

I only use mine to tow the boat out on private land, if I have to properly tow it then I use my wife's car. I haven't bothered installing the electrics, they're just sitting in a box. If I do end up using it for a bike rack then I'll have to go through the boring wiring process.

[TDW911]

Thanks for sharing this. I’ve seen the videos online and it looks like it’s a bit of a faff to fit and probably best done with a ramp. Do you know if there are any companies in the UK (preferably in London) that would fit one?

Separately, I know you haven’t done the wiring but how difficult do you think it is?

…. Am trying to figure out whether it’s doable with my limited know-how or best left to a professionals as I suspect I’d get some questions from home as I start dismantle a not-so-reasonably-priced car….

[audi321]

RobbyJ said:

audi321 said:

That’s great. Have you any pics from the rear and close up?

Will post some when I get a chance to take them.

I only use mine to tow the boat out on private land, if I have to properly tow it then I use my wife's car. I haven't bothered installing the electrics, they're just sitting in a box. If I do end up using it for a bike rack then I'll have to go through the boring wiring process.

Hi Robby, any chance of these rear and close up pics?

[RobbyJ]

Finally remembered to take a couple more pics yesterday!

[RobbyJ]

And a few pics to scare you off going DIY