Jhodgesatmb
Well-known member
- First Name
- Jack
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2019
- Threads
- 90
- Messages
- 6,511
- Reaction score
- 9,054
- Location
- San Francisco Bay area
- Website
- www.arbor-studios.com
- Vehicles
- Tesla Cybertruck FS AWD, Tesla Model Y LR
- Occupation
- Retired AI researcher
Thank you for the effort. I think that most people here understand the issues with payload so most of this comes as no surprise. I doubt, for example, that someone trying to maximize load is going to carry their whole work crew in the cab. Also, if you are carrying a heavy payload you probably aren't towing at the same time. So the scenarios are real but probably unlikely.I noticed in the thread here, about the owners manual, that the example Tesla gives had quite lower numbers than I expected. So, I decided to dig deep into the numbers. And I wrote a spreadsheet to calculate different scenarios. And there's going to be some disappointment in the results. It's unfortunate that E.M. stated the Payload at 2,500lbs. Because now lots of folks are saying okay, I drop a yard of gravel in the bed. Nope. In fact a yard of gravel likely weighs 2,700 lbs. But there will be CT owners that will try to load a "heavy" half yard Is that okay? Maybe. Here's the long and short of what you need to know about that 2.500lb payload advertised:
The purpose of this thread is not to bash Tesla for their Payload/Towing Specs. It's instead to help us all set realistic expectations for what we will be able to do with our Trucks. I am happy to run specific examples for anyone. But be aware, I do not guaranty the accuracy of these results. You'd be wise to verify them with someone with towing experience. And if you see something that looks wrong, post your concerns, so I can improve it.
- Payload includes driver and passengers. (So, don't bring your whole work crew with you to pickup drywall.)
- The 2,500 lb. max. Payload, assumes both front and back axles carry their share of that payload. And there's no way to fully load the front axle.
- Tire rating is at least part of what drives the limits. So, All-Season tires means less payload.
- Surprisingly, The Frunk is your friend. Because it's in front of the front axle, it's payload lightens the load on the Rear Axle. So, load it with a few bags of cement if you want. It only helps things. (Note that it's limited to 440 lbs max)
- If you plan to someday add a Range Extender, It not only takes up some of that payload capacity; it also pushes you usable bed area out. So it will likely add to the problem.
- If you tow, the Tongue is leveraged out beyond the rear bumper. So, it lakes away more of the Payload. While you likely won't put much in the Bed while towing, If you go by the rule of 10% of the weight you tow is on the tongue, you will never tow an 11,000 lb. Trailer with the Range Extender. I assumed the tongue sticks out 10" beyond the bumper.
- In my Spreadsheet I assume the load is centered in the available bed length. So hauling 8' long Plywood sheets assumes centering load with the gate down. If you haul something longer, like 10' long sheets, the payload needs to be lower. Hauling soils assumes the load is centered in the 6' long bed.
- Roughly, With the currently available All-Terrain Tires, and just the Driver, the AWD version payload is 1,570 lb. (for 8' long sheets) to 1,700 lb. (for soils)
- Roughly, With the currently available All-Terrain Tires, and just the Driver, the Tri-Motor version payload is 1,400 lb. (for 8' long sheets) to 1,500 lb. (for soils)
- Imagine a couple towing a travel trailer with the proposed Range Extender. And suppose they went with the Tri-Motor version on All Terrain Tires. With nothing else in the Bed, if their Tongue weight is 10% of the Trailer Weight, the most they can tow is 6,700 lbs. If they travel without the range extender, they can tow the advertised 11,000 lbs.
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