Cybertruck hitch issues

[dw321]

I asked GROK the following:
I have two E-bikes that weigh 90 pounds each. The bike carrier weighs 45 pounds. Can I carry these bikes on the cybertruck hitch
Answer
Given the information provided:

• Each E-bike weighs 90 lbs.
• The bike carrier weighs 45 lbs.

To transport these e-bikes using a bike carrier on the Cybertruck's hitch, let's break down the weight distribution:

• Total weight of both e-bikes: 90 lbs. * 2 = 180 lbs.
• Weight of the bike carrier: 45 lbs.

Total weight on the hitch: 180 lbs. (e-bikes) + 45 lbs. (carrier) = 225 lbs.
According to Tesla's lead Cybertruck engineer, Wes Morrill's clarification:

• The initial vertical load limit of 160 lbs. was under scrutiny for being too conservative or potentially misinterpreted.
• For non-towing applications like bike carriers, where the load's center of mass might be closer to the hitch, the vertical load can be significantly higher. Specifically, for a motorcycle carrier, a figure of 375 lbs was mentioned.

Given these points:

• If the e-bikes and carrier setup's center of mass is considered similar to a motorcycle carrier setup (where the load is relatively close to the hitch), you might fall within the adjusted vertical load limit of 375 lbs.

However, here are a few considerations:

1. Safety First: Even though the Cybertruck's hitch might technically handle the weight, exceeding any specified limits could risk damage to the vehicle or the hitch over time due to stress or unexpected loads (like hitting a pothole).
2. Tesla's Recommendations: Always refer to the latest guidelines or any updated information from Tesla regarding load limits for specific configurations. If Tesla officially states a limit for such a setup, that should be your primary reference.
3. Dynamic Load: Remember, static load (like what you're calculating) might differ from dynamic load when the vehicle is moving, especially on rough roads or highways.

Conclusion:

• If the bike carrier setup's center of mass is comparable to that of a motorcycle carrier (which isn't guaranteed), and if you're comfortable with potentially pushing the limits set by Tesla for non-towing applications, you might technically carry your setup.
• However, for safety and warranty considerations, it would be wise to contact Tesla or refer to any updated documentation to confirm if the 225 lbs total setup weight is within the recommended or allowable limits for your specific configuration.
• If there's any doubt, it might be prudent to look into alternative mounting solutions or lighter equipment to stay safely within specified limits.

I then asked:
how many cybertruck hitches have failed
Answer
The precise number of Cybertruck hitch failures isn't directly provided in the information available up to November 1, 2024. However, several instances and discussions around the Cybertruck's hitch reliability have been noted:

• There have been documented cases where the Cybertruck's hitch or rear structure experienced failure under extreme conditions, like in a "torture test" where forces well beyond normal usage were applied.
• Social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), has seen posts and discussions where users have shared or discussed instances of the Cybertruck hitch either failing or being significantly weaker than expected for vertical loads, leading to concerns about its towing capacity in real-world scenarios.
• Tesla itself addressed the confusion around the hitch's vertical load rating, clarifying that while the tow rating is 11,000 lbs, the vertical load rating varies significantly based on how load distribution and the type of accessory used, with a maximum of 1,100 lbs when directly towing a trailer, but much less for extended accessories like bike racks.

Given these points:

• No specific number for total hitch failures across all Cybertrucks has been provided or is commonly cited in general knowledge or the snippets from X posts or articles up to the last update.
• Public instances and discussions suggest there have been multiple failures or concerns raised, but these are anecdotal or from extreme testing scenarios rather than everyday use statistics.
• Tesla's clarification on the hitch's use indicates that while the design allows for high towing capacity, misuse or misunderstanding of how to apply loads to the hitch can lead to failures or perceived failures.

For precise numbers, one would typically look towards Tesla's service records, consumer reports, or comprehensive user databases which might track such incidents, but such detailed data isn't readily available or shared in public forums or general news reports as of my last update. Therefore, while there's clear evidence of failure under certain conditions, the exact frequency or total count of hitch failures remains unspecified in the public domain.

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[Crissa]

Please stop using AI as a source of data. It doesn't know what it knows, it's just stringing words together.

https://jabberwocking.com/ai-suffers-from-the-dunning-kruger-effect/

LLM AI is very useful for entering and restructuring data, or controlling tools withing confines, but it isn't a source of knowledge. It can not know what it knows and doesn't know.

What we do know is the weight is directly transcribed from the Model Y manual; and that such a weight limit would be massively under what would be required for the kinds of towing loads the Cybertruck is supposed to support.

But it's unfortunately up to the end user to take that risk. Until someone gets a straight answer from Tesla. (And no, a technician or service rep will not have engineering data; while engineers would have a non disclosure agreement binding them from speaking and creating liability.)

-Crissa

PS, here's Tesla's logic, such that it is:
https://www.cybertruckownersclub.co...ed-should-i-be-about-towing.28683/post-509161

Other manufacturers do not reveal these calculations.

 

[mongo]

What we do know is the weight is directly transcribed from the Model Y manual; and that such a weight limit would be massively under what would be required for the kinds of towing loads the Cybertruck is supposed to support.

Tesla updated the Cybertruck owner's manual.
That's what Wes is referring to in the Grok response.

 

[Crissa]

Tesla updated the Cybertruck owner's manual.
That's what Wes is referring to in the Grok response.

Yeah, I updated my reply to include a link to Wes's comment.

 

[Victsm]

Cybertruck owner manual has this documented.
https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/cybertruck/en_us/GUID-EBDD7BD9-8942-45CA-8E0D-26B48185DEB9.html

It should answer most of your questions.

 

[SentinelOne]

Awesome, my Joe Hauler / Dirtbike is a go....not that I ever use that config, but on principle!

 

[Jhodgesatmb]

Please stop using AI as a source of data. It doesn't know what it knows, it's just stringing words together.

https://jabberwocking.com/ai-suffers-from-the-dunning-kruger-effect/

LLM AI is very useful for entering and restructuring data, or controlling tools withing confines, but it isn't a source of knowledge. It can not know what it knows and doesn't know.

What we do know is the weight is directly transcribed from the Model Y manual; and that such a weight limit would be massively under what would be required for the kinds of towing loads the Cybertruck is supposed to support.

But it's unfortunately up to the end user to take that risk. Until someone gets a straight answer from Tesla. (And no, a technician or service rep will not have engineering data; while engineers would have a non disclosure agreement binding them from speaking and creating liability.)

-Crissa

PS, here's Tesla's logic, such that it is:
https://www.cybertruckownersclub.co...ed-should-i-be-about-towing.28683/post-509161

Other manufacturers do not reveal these calculations.

Thank you for that @Crissa . I am so tired of people thinking that LLMs are thinking beings. Last week my nephew got upset at an LLM. Last year a ‘friend’ asked an LLM to evaluate what I sent him in email for rashness. They are glorified search engines with statistical analysis. They make excellent tools to reduce search time but we are still the thinkers (for now).

 

[Lasttoy]

I had 500 tongue weight on my tow

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