Load testing: 2,500 lbs loaded into Cybertruck bed. Auto-leveling in action

[ButterEV]

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[Cyber Man]

Love this video. Thanks for posting. I’m glad you actually measured the suspension height. I do that often when I tow. Self-leveling on a truck is such an important feature to haul payload or Tow stuff around large farm/ranch, even with a low range. I have been towing stuff around for few years. Whenever I’m cutting close to the tongue weight, I have to measure the wheel well height for proper safety. I end up adjusting Weight Distribution bar to the max to minimize rear sag. This is a serious thing as it can impact safety. Self leveling is a game changer. I will never have to worry about this anymore, as long as I’m within the OEM specs.

CT is an awesome utility truck, IMO!

 

[ButterEV]

Love this video. Thanks for posting. Self-leveling on a truck is such an important feature to haul payload or Tow stuff around large farm/ranch, even with a low range. I have been towing stuff around for few years. Whenever I’m cutting close to the tongue weight, I have to measure the wheel well height for proper safety. Sag on the rare side can impact safety. Self leveling is a game changer.

CT is an awesome utility truck, IMO!

I couldn’t agree with you anymore. I love the self leveling and the utility of this truck so far. I’ll be posting the complete video tomorrow and a tow video is filmed but just needs to be edited. Stay tuned.

I appreciate the watch and support.

 

[scottf200]

Handy spec info:

From: Curb Mass | Payload | GVWR table w/diff AS-vs-AT & Tri-vs-Dual

 

[scottf200]

I forget who posted this excellent video but I think many people towing with the CT (Rivian, etc) think that if it is level then it is good enough. That really doesn't put the weight back on the front wheels though.

The Difference Between Using Weight Distribution and Air Bags to Level Your Load

 

[ButterEV]

I have a longer video releasing today explaining all of this. The 2500lb video was a portion of the much longer video.

 

[Cyber Man]

I forget who posted this excellent video but I think many people towing with the CT (Rivian, etc) think that if it is level then it is good enough. That really doesn't put the weight back on the front wheels though.

The Difference Between Using Weight Distribution and Air Bags to Level Your Load

That’s right - self leveling doesn’t distribute weight. The tow vehicle might be technically capable of towing a lot more, as evident in Tesla delivery event tow video that shows CT towing 40,000 lbs. OEMs formalize payload and towing capacity based on axle loads, suspension rating, and several other factors. They do load/skid plate, and several other tests to come up with payload and towing capacity.

As long as people are staying within the spec limits, it’s fine. Towing safety issues (under/over steer, sway, etc) can happen for lot of reasons. Rear sag will just minimize the risk.

Some OEMs don’t recommend Weight distribution hitches for self leveling tow vehicles. A buddy of mine occasionally tows with Range Rover that has self leveling. He was told to not use WD hitch as that can mess with self leveling. I don’t know for sure what Tesla recommends, but I don’t plan to use WD if I’m within specs (I generally don’t like to exceed 80% of spec values). I know some push it to the max.

 

[Cyber Man]

Correct, and if you are towing with payload, you need to account for Tongue weight as well. That can easily add 500lbs to 1000lbs depending on the Trailer and hitch weight. All of this weight is completely on the rear axle unless WD hitch is used, but WD is not recommended for self leveling trucks.

 

[ButterEV]

That’s right - self leveling doesn’t distribute weight. The tow vehicle might be technically capable of towing a lot more, as evident in Tesla delivery event tow video that shows CT towing 40,000 lbs. OEMs formalize payload and towing capacity based on axle loads, suspension rating, and several other factors. They do load/skid plate, and several other tests to come up with payload and towing capacity.

As long as people are staying within the spec limits, it’s fine. Towing safety issues (under/over steer, sway, etc) can happen for lot of reasons. Rear sag will just minimize the risk.

Some OEMs don’t recommend Weight distribution hitches for self leveling tow vehicles. A buddy of mine occasionally tows with Range Rover that has self leveling. He was told to not use WD hitch as that can mess with self leveling. I don’t know for sure what Tesla recommends, but I don’t plan to use WD if I’m within specs (I generally don’t like to exceed 80% of spec values). I know some push it to the max.

I have a tow video coming soon. I’ve been towing for 20 years and I have opinions on the CT as a tow vehicle

 

[ButterEV]

Correct, and if you are towing with payload, you need to account for Tongue weight as well. That can easily add 500lbs to 1000lbs depending on the Trailer and hitch weight. All of this weight is completely on the rear axle unless WD hitch is used, but WD is not recommended for self leveling trucks.

You’re correct. In my tow video I used a WD hitch

 

[ButterEV]

That’s right - self leveling doesn’t distribute weight. The tow vehicle might be technically capable of towing a lot more, as evident in Tesla delivery event tow video that shows CT towing 40,000 lbs. OEMs formalize payload and towing capacity based on axle loads, suspension rating, and several other factors. They do load/skid plate, and several other tests to come up with payload and towing capacity.

As long as people are staying within the spec limits, it’s fine. Towing safety issues (under/over steer, sway, etc) can happen for lot of reasons. Rear sag will just minimize the risk.

Some OEMs don’t recommend Weight distribution hitches for self leveling tow vehicles. A buddy of mine occasionally tows with Range Rover that has self leveling. He was told to not use WD hitch as that can mess with self leveling. I don’t know for sure what Tesla recommends, but I don’t plan to use WD if I’m within specs (I generally don’t like to exceed 80% of spec values). I know some push it to the max.

I agree, I like to stay at 80% or below. I used a WD hitch in my upcoming tow video

 

[Cyber Man]

Awesome! Looking forward to your Tow video, and thank you for taking time to test these things and share your learnings with everyone. I know it’s lot of effort. Really appreciate it!

 

[ButterEV]

Awesome! Looking forward to your Tow video, and thank you for taking time to test these things and share your learnings with everyone. I know it’s lot of effort. Really appreciate it!

Thank you. I appreciate the kind words and support

 

[heems]

Got a F150 to show the same load on its back ? Pretty please. ?

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