How to Install a Trailer Hitch on a Tesla Model 3
Adding a trailer hitch to a Tesla Model 3 requires only a few tools, a Draw-Tite 76004 trailer hitch, and a short amount of time to complete the installation. This trailer hitch and installation process will work for the Tesla Model 3 year 2020.
Follow these basic steps to begin hauling trailers and other kinds of hitch-mounted accessories for your Tesla Model 3 today.
Tools needed:
- Safety Glasses
- Torque Wrench
- Flat Head Screwdriver
- T 25 Torque Screw Bit
- Power Drill
- 15mm, 10mm, 8mm, 11/16 Socket
Tesla Model 3 Hitch Installation Steps
1. Remove Top Trunk Panel
To start our hitch installation process we will need to prep the vehicle for the addition of the hitch. First, we will need to remove the top trunk panel and trunk stops to gain access to the tail lights which will also need to be removed in our next step. This trunk panel is held in by two push pins which we will detach with a flat-head screwdriver.
2. Remove Tail Lights
With the top trunk panel and truck stops removed, we can now access the area behind our tail lights. Pulling on the vehicle’s liner, we can see the two nuts which need to be removed. These nuts can be detached with an 8mm socket. Once these nuts are removed, we will carefully detach the tail light wiring and remove the tail lights. Underneath the tail lights, there is a bolt attached to the bumper which is essential to be removed.
3. Remove Wheel Well Trim
so now you're ready to bring all of your bolts into place that your hitch is lined up for each weld nut, you have a bolt and conical tooth washer. make sure that the teeth on this are facing towards the hitch.
now the passenger side is tight so I recommend that you do the driver side first which will help hold the hitch into place as you're putting the bolts in on the passenger side.
4. Remove Underbody Fasteners
Now on our underbody panel, we need to remove four bolts that are holding the bumper in place. We will be removing these with a 10mm socket. Following this, the small rear center panel and its two twist screws need to be removed as well. Right next to this panel is a tab that hides another screw which can be removed with a 10mm socket.
5. Remove Bumper and Bumper Beam
With all of these nuts and bolts removed we can now carefully remove our rear bumper. We will be careful to detach any electrical components as we do. Once our bumper is off, we will now remove the bumper trim and bumper beam behind it.
6. Install Bumper Beam Onto Hitch
We are now going to install the removed bumper beam onto the hitch. Using the provided hardware to attach them.
7. Install Hitch Onto Vehicle
With our hitch and bumper beam properly attached, we can now raise them into place and install them onto the vehicle. Once installed we will tighten and torque all of our hardware to the manufacturer’s specifications. For the factory bolts, we will use a 15mm socket and an 11\16 socket on the provided hardware.
8. Re-Install Removed Vehicle Parts
Now with our hitch installed, we can begin to re-install parts of the vehicle that we previously removed. We will be re-installing the bumper trim, followed by the rear bumper. These will be re-installed using their existing hardware. After this, we can re-install the cargo area and tail lights. If you would like to re-install the underbody panel, it will need to be cut to fit around the hitch.
You should now have your trailer hitch installed on your Tesla Model 3.
How Much Does it Cost to Add a Hitch for a Tesla Model 3?
The price range of a hitch for a Tesla Model 3 ranges from $230 to $275. U-Haul carries several different classes of hitches and offers different sizes to accommodate both 1¼ to 2-inch receivers. U-Haul offers both installation services at a local U-Haul Moving Center® and will ship your hitch to your home.
How Much Does a Hitch for a Tesla Model 3 Cost?
Installation costs are normally $100 to $200 but you should check with your local U-Haul Moving Center® as prices can differ based on location, the hitch model you are installing, and your vehicle. All U-Haul Moving Centers can install a hitch to your vehicle and with over 1,500 U-Haul centers throughout the country, you can have your hitch installed and be back on the road in no time.
All trailer hitches sold and installed at a U-Haul Moving Center® come with the option of a lifetime warranty plan guaranteed to replace your hitch with no limitation for any damage, including collision, corrosion, accidental overload, jackknifing, and vehicle theft.
How Long Does it Take to Install a Hitch on a Tesla Model 3?
Installation takes anywhere from 1 to 2 ½ hours depending on the hitch being installed and your vehicle. We recommend making an online appointment from our website to accommodate your busy schedule. In addition, U-Haul service centers offer an extensive line of towing accessories (Ball mount, Hitch ball, Pin, and Clip, Wiring) to help you safely tow your boat, camper, or trailer.
Do You Need a Wiring Kit for Tesla Model 3?
If you are planning to tow a trailer or camper with brake lights, running lights, and turn signal, you will want a wiring kit to power the lights on your trailer. The most common lighting harness comes in a 4 pin and 7 pin connector. The 4- way connector has basic lighting functions (running lights, brake lights, turn signal) while the 7-way connector adds a 12-volt circuit, circuit for electric trailer brakes, and reverse lights. U-Haul offers both 4-way and 7-way connectors. Find out which option is best for your Tesla Model 3.