Cybertruck can now warn when Vehicle Load Rating is exceeded (helpful towing feature)

[PungoteagueDave]

I ow an 8000lb trailer and I am getting that message. That should not be happening. Had anyone checked the accuracy?

You can be well within specs for trailer weight and still miss one of the many other specs, including front or rear axle load, overall payload, tongue weight. For example, most Ford pickup truck drivers with trucks rated for 14k towing do not know that the actual hitch receiver is only rated for 5k unless the operator uses a weight distributing hitch. Our Teslas have much lower than headline hitch weight ratings when using a hitch or device like a bike rack that places the center of tongue weight more than 7.5 inches behind the hitch pin - dramatically less the further back the hitch extends. .

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[65SoYoLO]

I just ordered a weight ball just to check the weight, I will not be towing with it. Going to be here Thursday and I'll be towing Friday. I'll post my results

 

[firstblackman]

From https://www.notateslaapp.com/news/2...-you-when-youre-overloaded-with-update-202526

Tesla Cybertruck Can Now Warn You When You’re Overloaded (With Update 2025.26)

August 5, 2025

In the latest software update, 2025.26, Tesla has added another new, undocumented feature that helps to improve the Cybertruck’s utility. When towing heavy objects, you need to be sure you balance the trailer and stay within the weight limits of the vehicle. Now, your Cybertruck can detect and warn you if the vehicle’s load rating is being exceeded.

Smart Warning System

This new utility feature goes beyond just having a simple weight sensor. When the Cybertruck detects an overloaded rear axle, it provides a specific and actionable warning to the driver.

Rear axle load exceeds recommended limit.

Remove cargo or rebalance trailer to prevent damage

Tesla is providing two suggestions: either remove weight to help reduce the trailer tongue weight, or move the weight elsewhere on the trailer, which would also remove weight off the tongue. Of course, using a weight-distributing hitch would also have a positive impact on the weight and the balance of tow forces, so make sure you always tow safely.

How Does It Work?

As this feature was undocumented in the release notes, we’re not quite sure exactly how it works just yet. However, there are two likely methods, both of which leverage the Cybertruck’s existing hardware.

The first, and most likely, is through air suspension data. By measuring the pressure and effort required to keep the vehicle level (something ordinary trucks without OEM air suspension cannot do), the Cybertruck can infer the load being placed on the rear axle.

The second is through motor feedback from the rear motors. Measuring torque and strain can be used to help calculate weight.

Tesla probably uses a mixture of both of these methods to determine whether or not the rear axle is being overloaded, and then displays the warning on screen. Regardless of the exact process, this is a prime example of how Tesla uses their sensor-laden vehicles and over-the-air updates to make their vehicles better over time. This feature didn’t need a new model year or additional sensors - instead, it just uses some engineering smarts to keep owners safe. Although Tesla should really give itself some credit here, and include it in the release notes.

Definitely a practical addition, and we hope to see more of these types of changes, clearly driven by user input and experience, arrive in Tesla’s software updates in the future.

Yeah,

I got this error when I got some solar panels loaded in the truck bed.

 

[mongo]

Yeah,

I got this error when I got some solar panels loaded in the truck bed.

That's ~31 panels likely 60+ pounds each with CG behind the rear axle.
Definitely overloaded.
Did you at least air the poor tires up to 65 psi?

 

[firstblackman]

That's ~31 panels likely 60+ pounds each with CG behind the rear axle.
Definitely overloaded.
Did you at least air the poor tires up to 65 psi?

Yes, I did. I should have used my trailer instead. Lesson learned

 

[REM]

That's ~31 panels likely 60+ pounds each with CG behind the rear axle.
Definitely overloaded.
Did you at least air the poor tires up to 65 psi?

also, RIP to that lawn with all those mud ruts that were created

 

[mongo]

also, RIP to that lawn with all those mud ruts that were created

The downside of airing up

 

[mongo]

Yes, I did. I should have used my trailer instead. Lesson learned

How can solar panels be so heavy when all they do is collect light?
Must be because they were unplugged

 

[65SoYoLO]

I have it on good authority that the rear suspension allows up to 5,000 lb. anything over that and you'll get the message

 

[mongo]

I have it on good authority that the rear suspension allows up to 5,000 lb. anything over that and you'll get the message

Well that's conservative, GAWR is 5,247 for AWD and Beast.

Curb weight with Cyber wheels is 3,364 for AWD, 3,545 for Beast.

 

[scottyah]

I have it on good authority that the rear suspension allows up to 5,000 lb. anything over that and you'll get the message

Idk I just got a cubic yard of sand and got the message. It was wet, but should still be under 3,000lbs.

 

[65SoYoLO]

Idk I just got a cubic yard of sand and got the message. It was wet, but should still be under 3,000lbs.

The 5000 includes the weight of the truck on the axle

 

[PungoteagueDave]

Idk I just got a cubic yard of sand and got the message. It was wet, but should still be under 3,000lbs.

google says:

• Dry sand: Generally weighs around 2,700 pounds per cubic yard.
  
  
• Wet sand: Can weigh significantly more, potentially up to 3,300 pounds per cubic yard, due to the added weight of water. "

3,000 pounds of sand exceeds the axle rating on our CT's. The Cybertruck's rear axle has a Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of 5,009 lb, which includes the weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and tongue weight from a trailer. Depending on model, the CT's maximum payload is 2,500, which is pretty high for a pickup - but that also includes any other passenger, driver or contents you had, and includes weight distribution to teh front axle. So the truck was correct in telling you it was overloaded. I don't think it was an actual problem, as manufacturers build a lot of conservative math into those ratings.

This may be a downside of driving a computer - our vehicles keep track of this stuff, which could impact warranty claims or accident investigations to our detriment. I'll take that risk any day, but your truck won't forget this!

 

[mongo]

Cybertruck's rear axle has a Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of 5,009 lb, which includes the weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and tongue weight from a trailer.

If they have core wheels, cyber rear GAWR is 5,247 with tires at 65 psi.
The table can trip a person up. Tesla, for some unknown and inexplicable reason, has per axle GVWR weights listed along with the actual GAWRs (second set of numbers).

 

[PungoteagueDave]

If they have core wheels, cyber rear GAWR is 5,247 with tires at 65 psi.
The table can trip a person up. Tesla, for some unknown and inexplicable reason, has per axle GVWR weights listed along with the actual GAWRs (second set of numbers).

It’s not the core wheels that give a bit more payload - you can have that same payload with either wheel - it’s the All-Terrain tires - note the dual motor also has 5,247 rear axle rating with those tires. But some tire/wheel and CB vs AWD can be even less - and the GVWR for the rear axle is lower in every case. That is the maximum weight rating including the vehicle and all contents including passengers. No configuration could carry a yard of wet sand and a driver without getting the warning for overweight.

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