Can I use Weight Distribution Hitch on 2017 Tesla Model X

Question:

This product is not rated for Weight Distribution. What does this mean exactly? That you should not use WD or that there are no specifics with regards to weight distribution and this hitch and you can use one.

asked by: Nicolas P

Expert Reply:

When a hitch notes that it is not rated for Weight Distribution it means that it cannot be used with any type of WD setup on your trailer. We currently do not have a hitch available that will fit on the 2017 Tesla Model X that allows for use with weight distribution systems, but you typically will only need to start thinking about WD if you're towing a trailer that weighs more than 50% of your tow vehicle. Depending on the trim package, your Tesla will weigh between 5100 and 5500-lbs.

In addition to the hitch being rated as not for use with WD systems, sometimes vehicles themselves can have the caveat in the owner's manual not to tow using a WD system. Usually this happens with vehicles with lower weights, or those with a unibody frame- this is simply down to the way that a WD hitch works to re-distribute the tow load to the front axle of the tow vehicle and the axle(s) of the trailer.

The Tesla Model X has a type of unibody frame that seems to cause a lot of conflicting information, so my guess is that most hitch manufacturers just aren't making them capable of that. The other hiccup with the Model X is the air-ride suspension system that automatically levels the vehicle that could also potentially be damaged when used with a WD system; you would likely need to disengage this to use with a WD system.

With all of that being said, you may want to consider using something like the Curt Electronic Sway Control # C94VV which detects trailer sway and activates the trailer's brakes on either side based on the trailer speed and degree of sway to help keep your trailer under control. This is a great alternative to weight distribution to control trailer sway.

expert reply by: Erik B