Why Does Stealth Hitch Have More Towing Capacity than 2019 Tesla Model 3

Question:

Hi, Im writing you regarding an upgrade on my Tesla Model 3 Long Range that has a factory fitted towbar. The car towing rating is 1000kg. I have a woodford trailer 400kg on which I plan to put a Honda Civic that weights 1000kg. I got worried by a post that I was on a forum with a model 3 that had the entire rear end panel separated from the vehicle while pulling a trailer that was clearly exceeding the rating. Now Im wondering, if I upgrade the towbar to a stealth towbar that has a higher rating will I be safe of any such issue? To put it another way... when Tesla rates 1000kg the limiting factor is the towbar, and by changing it the rating will increase, or the car structure is the limiting factor hence nothing can be done? Best regards,

asked by: Stefan V

Expert Reply:

This is a really good question but with any towing setup you are only as strong as your weakest component so even if you have a higher rated hitch you will always be limited by the capacity of the vehicle if it's lower. This is due to the hitch manufacturers designing a hitch that fits the vehicle and then engineering it to be as strong as possible and then independently rate the hitch from the vehicle. This is why the Stealth hitch # 391TES317T that fits your Model 3 is rated for more than your vehicle.

expert reply by: Jameson C