Model 3 Roof Rack - Currently IN STOCK!

[m3_4_wifey]

[mod edit for Tesla shop page: https://shop.tesla.com/us/en/product/vehicle-accessories/model-3-roof-rack.html ]

Trevor mentioned that the latches for Model 3 roof racks are standard, yet I did not see any photos of that during the reveal. I need a roof rack for storing boats on the top of the car. A picture of the latches on the roof would really give me confidence of Trevor's statement made at about 17 minutes and 30 seconds in. Also, how far apart would the rails end up being from one another? Lastly, I heard that the Whispar bars were discontinued for the Model S, so is there going to be a different supplier taking over?

 

[simnova]

Elon mentioned that there would be a hitch option on the 3:


I'm hoping that would be available at the very least as an add on later on.

 

[m3_4_wifey]

Disappointing and conflicting information from what Trevor got at the reveal. I just got off the phone with a Tesla Sales rep. and they have not heard anything about any roof rack or tow hitch option for the Model 3 to be installed at a service center. They went on to say that both could reduce resale value and/or void warranties on the Model 3. They said only the Model X was meant for towing, but did not give any reasons why. Maybe a tow option will still come to light if Elon mentioned it in a tweet, but I'm not holding my breath that Tesla is going to have a good roof rack option. That is very sad to me if it is true. On this today it seems that Tesla just kicking the can down the road in the same easy assembly or vanity that this is a luxury sedan and should not have stuff strapped to the top of this gorgeous glass roof. Forgive me, but I don't want to have to trust an aftermarket suction cup roof rack. Are we going to void our door/door latch mechanisms if we have to use the roof rack style that goes between the roof and a closed door?
I really hope that they arm sales with all the information about the Model 3 or tell us at the Semi reveal the full list of features available and not available on the Model 3. This slow teasing of things through the twitter-sphere is not a good way to plan all the use cases for the vehicle a customer may need, especially if one tweet is going to make it or break it for you.

 

[danzgator]

Disappointing and conflicting information from what Trevor got at the reveal. I just got off the phone with a Tesla Sales rep. and they have not heard anything about any roof rack or tow hitch option for the Model 3 to be installed at a service center. They went on to say that both could reduce resale value and/or void warranties on the Model 3. They said only the Model X was meant for towing, but did not give any reasons why. Maybe a tow option will still come to light if Elon mentioned it in a tweet, but I'm not holding my breath that Tesla is going to have a good roof rack option. That is very sad to me if it is true. On this today it seems that Tesla just kicking the can down the road in the same easy assembly or vanity that this is a luxury sedan and should not have stuff strapped to the top of this gorgeous glass roof. Forgive me, but I don't want to have to trust an aftermarket suction cup roof rack. Are we going to void our door/door latch mechanisms if we have to use the roof rack style that goes between the roof and a closed door?
I really hope that they arm sales with all the information about the Model 3 or tell us at the Semi reveal the full list of features available and not available on the Model 3. This slow teasing of things through the twitter-sphere is not a good way to plan all the use cases for the vehicle a customer may need, especially if one tweet is going to make it or break it for you.

Based on what I've seen, there is no standard roof rack connection, just like there isn't on the MS. I suspect it will be included whenever the pano roof option becomes available and it will be a part of that package, just like it is for the MS. I assume having the pano roof requires some additional strength and support and whatever those beefed up members are, they just add connection points to them. Believe me, I want them too, but I don't think its likely on the first production run vehicles. On the tow bar, it looks like there could be a receiver there, but no one has been willing to remove the cover yet. Fingers crossed, but could also be an option down the road. I wouldn't trust the sales people. Not that they're not well meaning, they just aren't provided any more information than the general public and generally don't find out until we find out.

 

[TrevP]

Please try and remember that Model S doesn't even have a roof rack as standard. You have to order the same with the sunroof to get that ability, the standard all glass roof, like Model 3, doesn't support a roof rack. Since Model 3 CURRENTLY only being offered to employees with LIMITED options we'll will have to wait and see if they offer a sunroof where they might emulate the Model S and have the integrated attach points.

The tow hitch isn't mentioned at all but I have photographic evidence that suggests there's an access panel under the rear of the car that might hide the tow hitch receptable or at least offer the ability to add once later on like older Model X's

Please folks, I know we all want details about the car and so far we have 2 people on the forum here who have taken delivery but patience is key here along with trying to keep expectations in check until Tesla has a handle on production and can introduce more options as they go. Model S wasn't fully baked as we know it now when it first came out, they added tons of options over the years and Model 3 won't be any different.

Just try and keep your wishes in check while this thing matures.

 

[m3_4_wifey]

I appreciate the feedback guys. I hope that you are right and that they do come out with the roof latches, and tow hitch. I guess I thought using your roof would be a standard option, but I guess it's a wait and see at this point until they get further into the ramp up.

 

[MelindaV]

this isn't a subaru

 

[mig]

this isn't a subaru

A Subaru is the reason I went to EV originally (head gasket)! But even my Leaf accepted a hitch.

 

[GTV6]

this isn't a subaru

Nowadays there are many utility/horse/travel trailers with light hitch weights designed for exactly this size car. Reasonable to hold out hope for a hitch, even if for a bike rack.

 

[TrevP]

I’m almost 100% certain I found the roof rack attachment points on the Model 3. They’re hidden under the rubber trim seal around the glass roof. There are little arrows printed on the underside of the glass. There’s a small slit in the rubber seal. Lift it up and there are metal tabs to which a roof rack can grab onto

 

[MichelT3]

@TrevP I would love similar definite info about the possibility for a tow hitch too. Even though it will be more than a year for my Model 3, it is important for me.
Roughly once a month I use my hitch to pull a cart to transport stuff. And 5 times a year to transport bikes on a hitch-rack. Almost all mid-sized Dutch cars have a tow hitch, because most people use their car in a comparative way. It would be a real disappointment and make Model 3 less attractive if we would need to hire an ICE-car for those trips.

 

[MelindaV]

@TrevP I would love similar definite info about the possibility for a tow hitch too. Even though it will be more than a year for my Model 3, it is important for me.
Roughly once a month I use my hitch to pull a cart to transport stuff. And 5 times a year to transport bikes on a hitch-rack. Almost all mid-sized Dutch cars have a tow hitch, because most people use their car in a comparative way. It would be a real disappointment and make Model 3 less attractive if we would need to hire an ICE-car for those trips.

Elon said on Twitter yesterday no to the tow hitch in response to someone.

 

[Skione65]

I’m almost 100% certain I found the roof rack attachment points on the Model 3. They’re hidden under the rubber trim seal around the glass roof. There are little arrows printed on the underside of the glass. There’s a small slit in the rubber seal. Lift it up and there are metal tabs to which a roof rack can grab onto

View attachment 3706 View attachment 3707

@TrevP,

Let’s hope you’re right! I’ll be optimistic!!! Did you find any “arrows” and “lifty rubber trim pieces” ‘hiding’ a tow hitch receptacle or attachment point??? THAT seems to be the question of the day/hour! Lol (kidding of course)!

@MelindaV,
You took the “Wind” out of my prankster joke while I was typing it! Lol (but I did already see Elon’s tweet re: tow capability) let’s HOPE that changes in future releases ie: Maybe with AWD?.

Ski

 

[MichelT3]

Elon said on Twitter yesterday no to the tow hitch in response to someone.

Saw that tweet.
But I was referring to @TrevP 's "photographic evidence".
I would be okay if it became an option somewhere in 2019. No hitch = not okay.

 

[TrevP]

@TrevP,

Let’s hope you’re right! I’ll be optimistic!!! Did you find any “arrows” and “lifty rubber trim pieces” ‘hiding’ a tow hitch receptacle or attachment point??? THAT seems to be the question of the day/hour! Lol (kidding of course)!

@MelindaV,
You took the “Wind” out of my prankster joke while I was typing it! Lol (but I did already see Elon’s tweet re: tow capability) let’s HOPE that changes in future releases ie: Maybe with AWD?.

Ski

There is no access panel in the rear of the car like the Model X where a hitch receiver can be inserted. One would have to remove the underside facia to see any evidence of mounting points for a receiver in the bodywork. Adding one to a Model S is a lot of work. Have no idea if it’s possible on the 3 without doing a lot of digging.

So for now I’m going to say no hitch until Tesla adds the option, if they ever do, to the car in the future.

 

[MichelT3]

There is no access panel in the rear of the car like the Model X where a hitch receiver can be inserted. One would have to remove the underside facia to see any evidence of mounting points for a receiver in the bodywork. Adding one to a Model S is a lot of work. Have no idea if it’s possible on the 3 without doing a lot of digging.

So for now I’m going to say no hitch until Tesla adds the option, if they ever do, to the car in the future.

Why then did you speak of "photographic evidence" in post #5?

 

[TrevP]

Why then did you speak of "photographic evidence" in post #5?

I was mistaken about a photo that was sent to me about the hitch. The photo was a cover for a bolt in the underside. It look much larger in the picture and I thought it was the hitch cover and when I found it on a Model 3 it was a let down

 

[Frank99]

I’m almost 100% certain I found the roof rack attachment points on the Model 3.

Great catch. I'd love to see them actually get used.

 

[MelindaV]

Great catch. I'd love to see them actually get used.

this test car was spotted back in May with a roof rack being tested.

 

[MelindaV]

and this pix from the Emergency Response guide shows high strength steel inserts at the same locations on the frame above the door openings as where the test car shows the rack mounted.