Sponsored

Tire size, impact on towing???

C.R. Rivian

Well-Known Member
First Name
Charles
Joined
Nov 16, 2020
Threads
60
Messages
613
Reaction score
558
Location
South Puget Sound
Vehicles
Kia Niro EV...R1T Launch Edition
Occupation
retired
In the Tesla Model Y, towing capability is tied to tire choice: " Equip your Model Y with a high-strength steel tow bar and 2” hitch receiver capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds on 19” and 21” wheels or up to 2,300 pounds on 20” wheels. Tow Mode actively monitors trailer sway and adjusts wheel braking and speed".

Wondering if R1T will see any variance depending on tire/wheel choice.

Insights?
Sponsored

 

azbill

Well-Known Member
First Name
Bill
Joined
Jun 8, 2020
Threads
14
Messages
1,261
Reaction score
1,558
Location
Arizona
Vehicles
R1T, Mach E, Hummer EV SUT
Occupation
Engineer
Normally towing would only be affected by the tire load rating. Maybe Tesla has put thinner tires with lower rolling resistance on their 20" rims. Thinner tires would have a smaller load rating. Even though Tesla claims the X and Y are SUVs, they are not likely putting truck tires on them. Nor are they set up for any hard off roading.
 

Smithery

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2020
Threads
4
Messages
404
Reaction score
737
Location
California
Vehicles
MX 100D, XC70, Cooper S JCW, R1T Large
Normally towing would only be affected by the tire load rating. Maybe Tesla has put thinner tires with lower rolling resistance on their 20" rims. Thinner tires would have a smaller load rating. Even though Tesla claims the X and Y are SUVs, they are not likely putting truck tires on them. Nor are they set up for any hard off roading.
Model X owner chiming in.

Chose the 20" wheels.

(On the Model X) The overall tire diameter on the 22" is a *bit larger* than the 20"s, which negatively affects range.

The sidewall on the 22" is shorter, making it a harsher ride quality.

AFAIK, the load roading on the OEM 22" tires is the same as the load rating on the OEM 20" tires, even though the tow rating is 3,500lb vs 5,000lb.

I don't know if anyone has a definitive answer as to why, but I'm guessing the sidewall's negative effect on suspension characteristics is the reason.

---

We've towed right up at the 5000lb limit on our 20"s and it's a remarkable experience.
The Model X "trial run" of towing a heavy load and not even being able to tell is why I'm stoked about the R1T.
 
Last edited:

skyote

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2019
Threads
55
Messages
2,725
Reaction score
5,647
Location
Austin, TX
Vehicles
Jeeps, 2500HD Duramax, R1S Preorder (Dec 2018)
The overall tire diameter on the 22" is a *bit larger* than the 20"s, which negatively affects range
The overall diameter on the 20s is a little over an inch taller than the 21s & 22s.
 

Sponsored

skyote

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2019
Threads
55
Messages
2,725
Reaction score
5,647
Location
Austin, TX
Vehicles
Jeeps, 2500HD Duramax, R1S Preorder (Dec 2018)

Eeyore

Well-Known Member
First Name
Bruce
Joined
Nov 21, 2020
Threads
3
Messages
639
Reaction score
820
Location
Oregon
Vehicles
R1T LE, ID.4 Pro S, Civic, EX-L, Honda Fit
Occupation
Union Journeyman Electrician, foreman
Clubs
 
 




Top