Vehicle Loading

Vehicle Labeling

It is important to understand your vehicle's original tire sizes and pressures, and theGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating). This information can be found on two labels attached to Model S.

Two labels on the driver's center door pillar indicating how much weight the vehicle can carry
  1. Tire and Loading Information Label
  2. Safety Certification Label
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Overloading Model S has an adverse effect on braking and handling, which can compromise your safety or cause damage.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Never store large amounts of liquid in Model S. A significant spill can cause electrical components to malfunction.

Tire and Loading Information Label

The Tire and Loading Information label provides:

  • The maximum number of occupant seating positions.
  • The maximum vehicle capacity weight.
  • The size of the original tires.
  • The cold inflation pressures for the original front and rear tires. These pressures are recommended to optimize ride and handling characteristics.

Label Format:

An example of a Tire label

Never change this label, even if you use different tires in the future.

Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
If Model S is loaded to its full capacity, double check all tires to ensure they are inflated to their recommended pressure levels.

Safety Certification Label

The Safety Certification label is located on the driver's side door pillar:

An example of a Safety Certification label

Towing a Trailer

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Do not use Model S for towing purposes. Model S does not support a trailer hitch. Installing one could cause damage and increase the risk of a collision.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Using Model S for towing may void the warranty.

Roof Racks

A Model S equipped with a glass roof, or a panoramic sunroof, can carry up to 165 lbs (75 kg) using a Tesla-approved roof rack (see Parts and Accessories).A Model S equipped with a solid body color roof is incompatible with roof racks.

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Do not use roof racks, or place any load, on the roof of a Model S that is equipped with a solid color roof. Doing so can cause significant damage.

Calculating Load Limits

  1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg” on the “Tire and Loading Information” label.
  2. Determine the combined weight of all occupants that will ride in the vehicle.
  3. Subtract the combined weight of the occupants from XXX kg (see Step 1).
  4. The resulting figure equals the available cargo load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 635 kg and there will be five 65 kg passengers in the vehicle, the amount of available cargo capacity is 310 kg (635 - 325 (5 x 65) = 310 kg).
  5. Determine the combined cargo weight being loaded on the vehicle. That weight must not exceed the available cargo load capacity calculated in Step 4.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Trunks are the preferred places to carry objects. In a collision, or during hard braking and sharp turns, loose items in the cabin could injure occupants.

Example Load Limit Calculations

How much cargo Model S can carry depends on the number and weight of passengers. The following calculated load limit examples assume passengers weigh 65 kg. If passengers weigh more or less, available cargo weight decreases or increases respectively.

Driver and one passenger

Description Total
Vehicle capacity weight 433 kg
Subtract occupant weight (2 x 65 kg) 130 kg
Available cargo weight 303 kg

Driver and four passengers

Description Total
Vehicle capacity weight 433 kg
Subtract occupant weight (5 x 65 kg) 325 kg
Available cargo weight 108 kg

When carrying cargo, distribute the weight as evenly as possible between the front and rear trunks. For maximum load limits specific to the trunks, see Front Trunk Load Limit and Rear Trunk Load Limits.