BeechTalk - BT - Tesla Model X

Username Protected · **Posted:** 25 Feb 2021, 22:05

This is off the aviation topic, but lots of folks here have various useful gearhead knowledge....

I would like to get an electric car. I am eyeing the Tesla X because, well, who wouldn’t want an SUV that can go 0-60 in 3 seconds.

However I have two requirements, I need to be able to tow small-ish motor boats on a fairly regular basis, and I need to carry rowing shells on a roof rack periodically. These are boats that only weigh about 30-40 lbs but are 27-30’ long and skinny. Wind load can be an issue, but not really weight.

The Model X can tow ok (5000/500lb, which is fine for my use). But it has no provision for a roof rack. I have been eyeing the SeaSucker suction racks and thinking they might work, though.

Anyone seen or have experience with this or any other rack system on a Tesla X?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 25 Feb 2021, 22:51

I have NEVER seen a Tesla, any model, have something of utility bolted to the roof much less towing anything :eek:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 25 Feb 2021, 23:24

A rack that would work for you would interfere with the Falcon wing doors. Push the button at the wrong time and you have a very big repair bill on your hands with both a broken door or doors and boat or boats.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Feb 2021, 00:31

Check out SeaSucker.
Best damn suction racks known to man.
I’ma user and huge fan.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Feb 2021, 00:35

We have an X. My wife loves it to bits. We got the Tesla/Yakima tow hook rack. It works great. I've put 4 bikes on it lots of times. What are you trying haul?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Feb 2021, 02:25

I keep a roof rack on my Model S most of the time, used to carry mountain bikes.

The actual bike mounts only go on when I need them, but the cross bars stay on most of the time. They are sold through Tesla.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Feb 2021, 02:50

The sea sucker racks work as advertised. They are simple and do the job they were designed for. They aren't exactly cheap. Just keep in mind that if you plan to go up, for example San Carlos to Tahoe (why would any one drive though?) you should probably re pressurize them as you climb.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Feb 2021, 09:15

Username Protected wrote:

We have an X. My wife loves it to bits. We got the Tesla/Yakima tow hook rack. It works great. I've put 4 bikes on it lots of times. What are you trying haul?

Boats like this. They are too long for hitch racks. Pretty sure I could disable the falcon doors if needed, but less sure about physical attachment via suction cups.

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Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Feb 2021, 09:18

Username Protected wrote:

I keep a roof rack on my Model S most of the time, used to carry mountain bikes.

Ever put a hitch on your S? Can it tow?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Feb 2021, 09:24

If you put something that long on top of your car and come to Oklahoma, you will be blown off in a ditch in no time. Seriously though, do you really want something that large attached with suction cups? Is it even legal?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Feb 2021, 10:15

Username Protected wrote:

I have NEVER seen a Tesla, any model, have something of utility bolted to the roof much less towing anything :eek:

Duck it and you'll find a lot of pics of them towing just about everything all others try and tow.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Feb 2021, 10:32

Username Protected wrote:

Pretty sure I could disable the falcon doors if needed, but less sure about physical attachment via suction cups.

Disable? You have a way to hack into the computer? This isn't a simple "lock the doors", you'd have to convince the car to not open the doors when asked to. It may not understand the reasoning behind that.

Are you transporting the crew as well? If so, how are they getting in and out? One passenger would work fine, but second and third row wouldn't be safe if the rear doors were unable to open.

I did find this bit of a compromise on the Tesla site: https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/model-x-roof-hitch-box.160011/.
You get one working door and one side with a rack. I'm not sure if you care whether both doors are blocked or not, and this provides no additional protection against inadvertent door opening, but it does show the suction cup rack system at work.