Model X Owner`s Manual

Warning: Under no circumstances should
you exit Trailer Mode when towing a
trailer. Doing so can cause serious injury
and/or death.
Warning: Do not use the air suspension
setting to appropriately match the height
of the hitch with the height of the trailer.
While Towing a Trailer
Model X is designed primarily as a passenger-
carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer puts
additional load on the motor, drive train,
brakes, tires and suspension and significantly
decreases range. If you decide to tow a trailer,
proceed with caution and follow these general
guidelines:
• Reduce your driving speed and avoid
sudden maneuvers. Keep in mind that
when towing a trailer, steering, stability,
turning radius, stopping distance and
braking performance are
dierent when
compared to driving without a trailer.
• Increase your following distance by
maintaining twice the distance from a
vehicle ahead. This helps to avoid
situations that require heavy braking.
Sudden braking may result in skidding or
jack-knifing, and loss of control.
• Avoid very sharp turns. Sharp turns can
cause the trailer to contact Model X and
cause damage. Keep in mind that the
trailer wheels are closer to the inside of
the turn than the vehicle’s wheels.
Therefore, make wider turns to prevent
the trailer from hitting curbs, road signs,
trees or other objects.
• Periodically check the trailer’s lights and
turn signals to
confirm that bulbs are still
working. When towing a trailer, the turn
signal arrows on the Model X instrument
cluster
flash as normal, even if the bulbs
on the trailer are burned out.
• Periodically check that cargo remains
secure.
• Periodically check that the trailer brakes
are still working.
• Avoid parking on a grade (see below).
• Regularly check that all towing
components are securely tightened.
Parking with a Trailer
Whenever possible, avoid parking on a grade.
However, if parking on a grade is absolutely
necessary, place wheel chocks under the
trailer’s wheels:
• Press and hold the brake pedal.
• Have a second person place the wheel
chocks under the wheels on the
downgrade side of the tires.
• When the chocks are in place, release the
brake pedal, making sure the chocks are
holding the weight of the vehicle and
trailer.
• Make sure Model X is in Park (which
engages the parking brake).
Note: When the chocks are in place and you
release the brake pedal, ensure that Vehicle
Hold (see Vehicle Hold on page 64) is not
braking Model X, preventing you from
checking that the chocks are holding the
weight of Model X and the trailer. If Vehicle
Hold is braking Model X, the Vehicle Hold
indicator light displays on the instrument
panel. To disengage Vehicle Hold, press and
release the brake pedal.
Warning: If parking on a grade is
necessary, always ensure that all trailer
wheels have been securely chocked.
Failure to do so can result in serious
damage, injury, or death.
Connecting the Trailer Hitch
Receiver
If Model X is equipped with the optional
towing package, it includes a weight-carrying
hitch with a 50 mm ball. When not in use, the
hitch should be removed and stored in a dry
location to prevent rust and corrosion. Keep
the dust cover over the hitch housing to
prevent dirt and debris from entering.
Towing a Trailer
Driving 73