Cybertruck hitch analysis by Engineering Explained

[BannedByTMC]

Oh, wait, have any of you armchair engineers considered that Tesla has engineers that actually understand materials fatigue, and how they can avoid fatigue failures?

Wow, you're right, I mean all those Tesla engineers have never designed a part that was subject to a recall, right? Right? Yeah....

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[HaulingAss]

Wow, you're right, I mean all those Tesla engineers have never designed a part that was subject to a recall, right? Right? Yeah....

The list of auto companies that have never had a recall is infinitely short.

My point was, there is nothing wrong with using aluminum on a truck, as long as the engineers design around metal fatigue. And they are perfectly capable of doing that. Criticizing the design choice, when there is zero evidence of a problem, tells us more about the person criticizing the design choice than it does about the robustness of the design.

 

[Deleted member 22486]

This is a EXCELLENT engineering analysis. The big point to remember is the fatigue of the rear aluminum casting over time- it seems that’s the big flaw in Tesla’s engineering approach.

The reality is it’s not designed for towing like a traditional steel framed vehicle is. Tesla somewhat oversold the “toughness“ of the vehicle imho.

 

[cybercricket]

Hey Jack, have you considered offering your materials science expertise to the naive engineers at Tesla? You might be able to help them pick materials that will actually work without failing.

Oh, wait, have any of you armchair engineers considered that Tesla has engineers that actually understand materials fatigue, and how they can avoid fatigue failures? Maybe you should wait until there is at least one credible failure of a hitch being used within it's design limits before thinking you know more than the engineers who chose the materials and the design?

Wthout a single credible failure, I'm wondering why there are so many worry warts. Airplanes with aluminum structures regularly handle forces that dwarf what a trailer applies to a hitch, and many of them have been in continous service for 30-60 years. Maybe your armchair engineering skills would be bettter directed towards the aviation industry. It's so arrogant and naive at the same time. Where are the documented failures? Who got hurt? Where's the coverup? It's like a bunch of waaa-babies crying about things they know little about.

A little bit of knowledge is an embarrassing thing.

There is a bit of nuance there. Airplanes undergo inspections on a regular basis to detect any signs of structure degradation. It's not likely that Tesla will be doing that when you go to rotate the tires ?

 

[cybercricket]

The list of auto companies that have never had a recall is infinitely short.

My point was, there is nothing wrong with using aluminum on a truck, as long as the engineers design around metal fatigue. And they are perfectly capable of doing that. Criticizing the design choice, when there is zero evidence of a problem, tells us more about the person criticizing the design choice than it does about the robustness of the design.

I agree there is no problem using aluminum for structural components when the life expectancy is taken into account. Most likely the casting will fail within the normal load limits after say equivalent of 2 million miles, but many other components will fail before the vehicle reaches 1 million miles so it's not a practical concern. Now whether the design choice is worth criticizing is debatable. For example, the ratings for carrying the accessories attached to the receiver are quite low, making it unusable for many common applications.

 

[cybercricket]

This is a EXCELLENT engineering analysis. The big point to remember is the fatigue of the rear aluminum casting over time- it seems that’s the big flaw in Tesla’s engineering approach.

The reality is it’s not designed for towing like a traditional steel framed vehicle is. Tesla somewhat oversold the “toughness“ of the vehicle imho.

Toughness was actually one thing that he took out of context, probably on purpose. In the presentation Elon was talking about the stainless steel skin, which would make the vehicle more resistant to exterior damage, comparing it to how easily competition trucks get cosmetic damaged while being tough working machines otherwise.

 

[HaulingAss]

Most likely the casting will fail within the normal load limits after say equivalent of 2 million miles, but many other components will fail before the vehicle reaches 1 million miles so it's not a practical concern.

Exactly what are you basing that on? Have you done an engineering analysis?

Or did you just pull it out of your ass?

I suspect the latter.

 

[cybercricket]

Exactly what are you basing that on? Have you done an engineering analysis?

Or did you just pull it out of your ass?

I suspect the latter.

You seem to be obsessed with asses, maybe talk to your therapist ? The numbers I've used are made up to demonstrate a point which is in fact based on the material science: aluminum alloys will fatigue and fail even when stressed within the design specifications, the only question is how long will they last. I am then implying that the way this truck is engineered, such stressed components are estimated to generally outlast the vehicle, even if inherently they're not able to perform indefinitely within the design limits.

 

[PointHope]

Towing capacity and vertical load are two different things.
Even a low math skill child could figure this out.
Doubtful anyone is going to use a backhoe like this to move around the CT.
A very disingenuous clickbait report

 

[CyberTexas]

A more serious discussion is….. who is their right mind would tow 11k lbs repeatedly in a CT??

The dramatic drop in range (and need to recharge a long time and often) from towing that much makes CT not really a good towing truck.

Like i said above, if you’re gonna do that, get a HD diesel truck!

Will alum cast fatigue from towing your jet ski or 5000 lbs trailer? No!!

So this whole discussion about material fatigue from towing 11k lbs is irrelevant.

Even HD truck owners know that you always avoid towing at the limit!

 

[TickTock]

<snip> ... just overlay a formed 1/8” 4130 or SS steel plate and have it bolt to the other bolt holes sandwiched between the bed.

Yes! The question isn't if the aluminum will fail - it's when. The issue isn't that it can fail it's how. A simple steel backup like you mention - or even a chain like you use from hitch to trailer would be sufficient in my book. The frame can be repaired. A life cannot. To me the ultimate fix (hint for after-market companies) is 3/16" steel under-armor that also connects to the hitch so it will stay attached long enough to come to a controlled stop in the unlikely event the unthinkable happens.

 

[BannedByTMC]

The list of auto companies that have never had a recall is infinitely short.

My point was, there is nothing wrong with using aluminum on a truck, as long as the engineers design around metal fatigue. And they are perfectly capable of doing that. Criticizing the design choice, when there is zero evidence of a problem, tells us more about the person criticizing the design choice than it does about the robustness of the design.

The critiques raised in the video were real and accurate, if they ever show up in real world use is another matter. The fact remains that steel framed trucks have a higher margin built into them than the CT because of the use of aluminum. No amount of blind fan-boying will change that simple fact.

 

[JackCypher]

Hey Jack, have you considered offering your materials science expertise to the naive engineers at Tesla? You might be able to help them pick materials that will actually work without failing.

Oh, wait, have any of you armchair engineers considered that Tesla has engineers that actually understand materials fatigue, and how they can avoid fatigue failures? Maybe you should wait until there is at least one credible failure of a hitch being used within it's design limits before thinking you know more than the engineers who chose the materials and the design?

Wthout a single credible failure, I'm wondering why there are so many worry warts. Airplanes with aluminum structures regularly handle forces that dwarf what a trailer applies to a hitch, and many of them have been in continous service for 30-60 years. Maybe your armchair engineering skills would be bettter directed towards the aviation industry. It's so arrogant and naive at the same time. Where are the documented failures? Who got hurt? Where's the coverup? It's like a bunch of waaa-babies crying about things they know little about.

A little bit of knowledge is an embarrassing thing.

to be clear i am not Tesla hating here. I am quite happy with my CT and the materials selection. It is not intended to be a heavy duty work truck. A cast aluminum frame is more than adequate.

I apogolize if I came across as Tesla hating dogpiling...

Anything can break..if we try to break it. In the instance of the youtuber with the backhoe breaking the CT..that is sensalizim and click bait. I'm too am not happy with the 2 to 1 ratio of 'good' CT news headlines to 'parts flying off the CT'...it is very unbalanced reporting.

I let people drive my CT when I can...and they all are impressed and awed by how quite, stable, comfortable and powerful it is. Even a model Y owner said it definetially is a next gen drive train compared to his model Y.

One challange I do see is the longevity of the electric drivetrain changes the length of ownership, so I'd like to see ways to refresh the interior after several years. So you can keep them going and looking fresh.

Regards
Jack

PS: I am not an armchair engineer, I am an engineer and have worked on Particle Accelerators, Niagra Falls power plant, and ways to shoot things out of the sky..There is always a balance of economics, time and cost to any project.

 

[cybercricket]

A more serious discussion is….. who is their right mind would tow 11k lbs repeatedly in a CT??

I would.

The dramatic drop in range (and need to recharge a long time and often) from towing that much makes CT not really a good towing truck.

It's perfectly fine for many agricultural jobs.

Like i said above, if you’re gonna do that, get a HD diesel truck!

LOL

Will alum cast fatigue from towing your jet ski or 5000 lbs trailer? No!!

It would. Aluminum doesn't care how much load you put on it before the failure, it fatigues either way. It would however last long enough for this not to be a concern.

So this whole discussion about material fatigue from towing 11k lbs is irrelevant.

That's just like your opinion, man (c)

Even HD truck owners know that you always avoid towing at the limit!

You're funny.

 

[CyberTexas]

I would.



It's perfectly fine for many agricultural jobs.




LOL



It would. Aluminum doesn't care how much load you put on it before the failure, it fatigues either way. It would however last long enough for this not to be a concern.



That's just like your opinion, man (c)



You're funny.

Not my opinion man. It is called experience and being safe.

Many RVers and towing enthusiasts advocate for the "80% rule," which suggests not exceeding 80% of the maximum towing capacity. This provides a buffer for unforeseen circumstances and allows for some "play" in the system. Some suggest even lower percentages, like 75% or even 65%, depending on the type of trailer and driving conditions.

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