Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to the lake or looking to enjoy some water sports, you might be wondering: Can a Tesla tow a boat?
In this guide, we’ll dive into which Tesla models are capable of towing a boat, how to properly equip your vehicle for the task, and what to consider to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to the lake or ocean.
Can You Tow a Boat with a Tesla?
Yes, Teslas can tow boats up to a certain size and weight, depending on the model of Tesla. Usually they’re able to do so with ease due to the high torque of the electric motors, low center of gravity and high stability, but there are some limitations.
The Model X and the Cybertruck are the most capable Teslas for towing. The Model Y can tow small boats and some medium-sized ones. The Model 3 can tow small and light boats or a jet ski.
Towing a few thousand pounds worth of boat and trailer isn’t going to do any wonders to your range, so you need to keep that in mind. Your range will be severely reduced when towing a boat or even a jet ski.
The Model S and the Model 3 can also be equipped with a hitch, but both are less effective at towing compared to the Model Y and the Model X.
Can a Tesla Tow a Jet Ski?
Yes, a Tesla can also tow a jet ski. Even a standard Model 3 is capable of towing any size jet ski.
Although Tesla doesn’t officially mention towing specs in any part of the Model 3 user manual for the US, the user manual for the European Union mentions a trailer towing capacity of up to 750 kg (1,653 lbs) with a trailer without brakes. That is well below the 800-1200 lbs a trailer with a jet ski on top would weigh.
If you have a double jet ski trailer, you can also safely tow two jet skis with the Model X, Model Y, and Cybertruck. Towing a double jet ski trailer with the Model 3 wouldn’t be recommended.
Can You Launch a Boat with a Tesla?
We know Teslas are capable of towing a boat, but can they also launch a boat from the marina? The answer is yes, and Dual Motor AWD models are best for that. The extra traction from the front motors make them it ideal in slippery ramps.
Rear-wheel drive only models like the long range Model 3 are also able to launch boats, but take extra care if ramp conditions are less than ideal.
Would getting the rear wheels of your Tesla submerged in water damage anything? The answer is no. Since Tesla’s batteries and other important parts of the powertrain are sealed and waterproof, you should be fine when launching a boat at a ramp.
The Model Y, Model X and the Cybertruck do get a few extra inches of ground clearance which makes them the better bet when using them to launch a boat.
What You’ll Need to Tow a Boat with Your Tesla:
First of all, opting for the factory Tesla tow package is the best thing you can do. The package is covered by warranty if anything proves to be a problem.
The towing package specifically comes with a high-strength steel tow bar, a 2” inch hitch receiver, a NA 7-pin standard connector, a trailer harness, and lots of Tesla software goodies to help you along the way.
If your Tesla was not equipped with the Towing Package from the factory, you can retrofit it for around $1,200. You can also opt for aftermarket options for less than that, but we recommend opting for the genuine Tesla accessory for best compatibility and peace of mind.
This package does not include ball mounts and hitch mounts as these are dependent on the type of trailer you are using.
Boat Towing Capacity of all Teslas:
Not all Teslas have the same towing capacity. In general, the bigger the better for towing, as a longer wheelbase, more power, and more capable brakes improve towing capabilities.
Tesla Model 3
| Trailer brakes | Towing Capacity |
| Without trailer brakes | 1653 lbs (750 kg) |
| With trailer brakes | 2206 lbs (1000 kg) |
Above figures are from the European Union owners manual. The United States owners manual for the Model 3 doesn’t specify towing limits.
Tesla Model Y
| Wheel/Rim Size | Maximum Towing Capacity* | Number of Passengers (150 lbs (68kg) each) | Maximum Tongue Weight** |
| 21” Uberturbine Wheels | 3500 lbs (1588kg) | Up to 5 | 350 lbs (159kg) |
| 21” Uberturbine Wheels | 1200 lbs (544kg) | 6 or 7 | 120 lbs (54kg) |
| 19” Gemini Wheels | 3500 lbs (1588kg) | Up to 5 | 350 lbs (159kg) |
| 19” Gemini Wheels | 2000 lbs (907kg) | 6 or 7 | 200 lbs (91kg) |
| 20” Induction Wheels | 3500 lbs (1588kg) | Up to 3 | 350 lbs (159kg) |
| 20” Induction Wheels | 2,300 lbs (1,043kg) | 4 or 5 | 230 lbs (104kg) |
| 20” Induction Wheels | TOWING NOT PERMITED | 6 or 7 | TOWING NOT PERMITED |
Tesla Model X
| Wheel/Rim Size | Maximum Towing Capacity* | Maximum Tongue Weight** |
| 275/45R20 110 V / Y (Cyberstream Wheels) | SAE Class III – 5000 lbs (2300 kg) | SAE Class III – 500 lbs (230 kg) |
| 285/35R22 106 W (Turbine Wheels) | SAE Class II – 3500 lbs (1588 kg) | SAE Class II – 350 lbs (158 kg) |
Tesla Cybertruck
| Wheel/Rim Size | Maximum Towing Capacity* | Maximum Tongue Weight** |
| 275/45R20 110 V / Y (Cyberstream Wheels) | SAE Class III – 5000 lbs (2300 kg) | SAE Class III – 500 lbs (230 kg) |
| 285/35R22 106 W (Turbine Wheels) | SAE Class II – 3500 lbs (1588 kg) | SAE Class II – 350 lbs (158 kg) |
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S doesn’t specify the towing capacity in the owners manual. If you already have a tow hitch in your Model S, follow the limits for the Model 3.
FAQ
Which Tesla Has the Highest Towing Capacity?
As seen above, the Tesla Model X is by far the one with the highest towing capacity, more than double what the 2nd best (Tesla Model Y) can do. Compared to the Model 3, the Model X can tow more than three times as much.
This does not only mean that the Model X can tow more, yet it also means that with the same boat, the Cybertruck and the Model X are going to feel more stable and composed when on the road.
How Does Towing a Boat Affect Range?
Towing a boat with a Tesla is going to hamper your predicted range, but the results aren’t the same for every Tesla Model. For example, it is said that a Tesla Model 3 is going to lose about 50%-60% of its range while towing a 3,000-lb boat. The Tesla Model Y is a bit better as it is going to lose a minimum of 30%, but rarely ever above 55%.
The Tesla Model S is a bit better while towing a 3000lbs boat as it is rarely ever going to loose more than 45-50% of battery capacity. Lastly, the Model X is the best as it shouldn’t lose more than 35-45% of full battery capacity while towing a 3000-lb boat.
Granted, these are only rough estimates on smooth highways and without too much stop-and-go traffic. Depending on the environment, all four of these are known to lose as much as 75% of battery charge in cold, stop-and-go traffic while towing their maximum loads.
As far as Wh/km consumption is concerned, you can expect a Model Y to do around 331Wh/km while towing a 3,000-pound boat.
Tips When Towing a Boat with a Tesla
- Do a pre-tow inspection – Make sure that the weight is spread evenly and that the outboard boat motor is secure. Check the trailer lights, inspect the hitch, make sure to connect the safety chains, and test out the brakes.
- Ensure you have enough charge – You range will be severely reduced when towing. Calculate a 30% to 50% reduction in range depending on the kind of boat you’ll be towing.
- Pre-condition your battery – A pre-conditioned battery will not only let you have peace of mind when driving away with a heavy load but will also ensure you extend your driving range as much as possible.
- Turn wide – Make sure to always do wide turns while towing a large trailer behind as it is much easier to clear tight corners and curbs with wide turns.
- Brake early – While towing heavy loads, it’s always best to predict the flow of traffic and use your brakes and your accelerator with that in mind. It’s always better to stop a few feet early with a trailer than a few feet late.
- Be wary of the length – It’s especially important not to forget the length of your car with the trailer, especially while trying to merge on a highway or switch lanes. (this is where extended side mirrors are essential).
- Keep it slow and steady – With a trailer behind, there is absolutely no need to go over the speed limit.
- Don’t unhook the boat too early – Remember not to unhook the boat until you backed the trailer down to the water, otherwise, your boat could slide off before it hits the water.
