Vertical load limit vs. tongue weight limit

[Pops]

@DeadSetElectric I totally understand this is a question about if the documentation is correct and you are not looking for a lesson in physics. Hopefully everyone else can understand this too.

May I ask why don't you load the bike into the bed? Surely a ramp would be easier to load and unload then that carrier?

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[DeadSetElectric]

@DeadSetElectric I totally understand this is a question about if the documentation is correct and you are not looking for a lesson in physics. Hopefully everyone else can understand this too.

May I ask why don't you load the bike into the bed? Surely a ramp would be easier to load and unload then that carrier?

I appreciate your understanding here. The plan has always been range extender + space camper + electric dirt bike on the hitch. Now it looks like I can’t put the bike on the hitch so I could either get a trailer and waste half my range or scrap the idea completely and save $40,000 lol

 

[Spacenoddle]

It states the tongue weight in this section which makes perfect sense. A lot of vehicle specs have around 10% for tongue weight of their towing compacity.

Yes, i am with you. tougue weight is not vertical load limit but they are related. The connection between them is the torque. More allowed tougue weight means more allowed torque, which means more vertical load limit.

MY has the tougue weight of 350 lb with 160 lb vertical weight limit, it is absurd that a 1100 lb tougue weight CT only has 160 lb vertical load limit. Proportionally CT should has 500 lb vertical weight limit.

 

[DeadSetElectric]

Yes, i am with you. tougue weight is not vertical load limit but they are related. The connection between them is the torque. More allowed tougue weight means more allowed torque, which means more vertical load limit.

MY has the tougue weight of 350 lb with 160 lb vertical weight limit, it is absurd that a 1100 lb tougue weight CT only has 160 lb vertical load limit. Proportionally CT should has 500 lb vertical weight limit.

Exactly. This is Tesla just being lazy

 

[Pops]

I appreciate your understanding here. The plan has always been range extender + space camper + electric dirt bike on the hitch. Now it looks like I can’t put the bike on the hitch so I could either get a trailer and waste half my range or scrap the idea completely and save $40,000 lol

If I were you, I would attach a tie down to each side of the carrier. Pull them over the tailgate and secure them into the bed at an attachment point. That should give you the piece of mind to have this setup safely while in motion. Don't give up on your dreams because of some wussy vertical load limit.

Behind the wheels, despite my illustration.

 

[DeadSetElectric]

If I were you, I would attach a tie down to each side of the carrier. Pull them over the tailgate and secure them into the bed at an attachment point. That should give you the piece of mind to have this setup safely while in motion. Don't give up on your dreams because of some wussy vertical load limit.

Behind the wheels, despite my illustration.

You are probably the first person out of 100 that has actually used critical thinking when I’ve asked this question, you’re giving me hope.

But that’s not a bad idea at all. Totally see what you’re saying to avoid the twisting of the hitch and stabilize the corners. I’ve also considered getting this from unplugged performance but the only thing they can say is “it’s a lot stronger”

https://unpluggedperformance.com/pr...p-invincible-hardcore-trailer-hitch-receiver/

 

[Spacenoddle]

Exactly. This is Tesla just being lazy

the only reason i can think of is Tesla tested the 1100 tougue weight for towing ( they have to test it for liability), AND being lazy to only test the 160 lb carrier load, thinking no use case for over 160 lb, then called it good.

 

[DeadSetElectric]

the only reason i can think of is Tesla tested the 1100 tougue weight for towing ( they have to test it for liability), AND being lazy to only test the 160 lb carrier load, thinking no use case for over 160 lb, then called it good.

Yup. I realize this is a specific use case, however, this is what trucks do. Feels more like an suv than a work truck imo

 

[Pops]

Totally see what you’re saying to avoid the twisting of the hitch and stabilize the corners.

It would also reduce the maximum downward force on the hitch when you hit bumps. The carrier would pivot down and then meet the tension of the tie downs. There by keeping you within the documented load limit. If you put a 2x4 on top of the tailgate that would spread the load so its not baring down on two 2" inch sections under the tie downs.

 

[firsttruck]

Now we’re on the same page lol however, there is a difference. For example, look at the Silverado
No we’re on the same page lol however, there is a difference between tongue weight and vertical load limit. Look at this tow rating from a Silverado. 1,100 tongue weight (weight distributing) and 600 tongue weight (weight carrying)

GMC/Chevrolet 1500 series truck manual says for hitch mounted cargo carrier type equipment, de-rate maximum tongue weight by 50%.
So for a non-distribution type hitch on your truck, a hitch mounted cargo carrier & carrier load could be upto 300lbs as long as you do not exceed gross vehicle weight.

The Silverado 1500's 300 lbs for hitch mounted cargo carrier type equipment is almost double the Cybertruck's 160 lbs.

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2022 Chevrolat Silverado 1500 ( pickup truck )
https://www.chevrolet.com/support/vehicle/manuals-guides

Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating

....
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight for your vehicle. Use the shortest hitch extension available to position the hitch ball closer to your vehicle. This will help reduce the effect of the trailer tongue weight on the trailer hitch and the rear axle.

If a cargo carrier is used in the trailer hitch receiver, choose a carrier that positions the load as close to the vehicle as possible.

Make sure the total weight, including the carrier, is no more than half of the maximum allowable tongue weight for the vehicle or 227 kg (500 lb), whichever is less.

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[firsttruck]

Full-size pickup Toyota Tundra SR5 RWD extended DoubleCab with 6.5 ft bed has

12,000 lbs maximum towing
738-894 lbs maximum towing tongue weight

350 lbs maximum cargo carrier

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Toyota Mobility Solutions - Hitch Load Guidelines
https://stage-cdn.tm.aemsites.toyota.com/hitch-load-guidelines

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[Lasttoy]

11,000 towing capacity would equal about 250 minimum tongue weight depending on axles under trailer. I'm towing 7500 today. 2 axle trailer.

 

[CybertruckCovers]

So this configuration with two 63 pound e-bikes and a 60 pound rack is too much for a Cybertruck?

 

[DeadSetElectric]

So this configuration with two 63 pound e-bikes and a 60 pound rack is too much for a Cybertruck?

Supposedly from the owners manual, yes.

 

[CybertruckCovers]

Supposedly from the owners manual, yes.

That's a shame. I guess we will need to develop an upgraded hitch system to hold more weight for these types of applications.

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