CURT Class 3 Hitch for Tesla Model 3: Towing and Rack Fit Guide
By Tesla Accessories | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: Guides d'achat
Decide if the CURT Class 3 hitch suits your Model 3 for bike racks, cargo, or light towing. Get fit rules, capacity limits, and install checks.
Quick answer
Buy the CURT Class 3 hitch if you own a 2017–2022 Tesla Model 3 and want a 2-inch receiver for a bike rack or light utility trailer. Skip it if your Model 3 falls outside that year range or you expect heavy towing.
Why the 2-inch receiver matters for racks and trailers
The CURT kit uses a standard 2-inch receiver opening, which is the size most hitch-mounted bike racks, cargo carriers, and small utility trailers are built around. That compatibility is the main reason to choose a Class 3 hitch over a smaller Class 1 or 2 setup, which often limits you to lighter accessories.
A 2-inch receiver also gives you more rack options, including platform racks that hold heavier e-bikes. Just remember that the hitch's rating is only one part of the equation; your Model 3's own towing and tongue-weight limits still apply.
Towing capacity: what the hitch does and does not decide
CURT rates this as a Class 3 hitch, but the catalog does not list a specific tow or tongue-weight rating for the Model 3 application. That absence matters: you should not assume the hitch alone unlocks a particular towing capacity. Tesla's own limits for your Model 3 year and configuration are the ceiling.
In practice, most Model 3 owners use a hitch like this for bike racks and small cargo carriers rather than heavy trailers. If your plan involves a boat or camper, confirm your vehicle's rated capacity first and treat the hitch as one component of a system.
Installation: what to check before you commit
Hitch installation on a Model 3 typically involves removing underbody panels and trimming or reinstalling plastic shrouds, so it is not a pure bolt-on job for every trim. The supplied catalog does not include a step-by-step procedure or torque values, so plan to use CURT's vehicle-specific instructions and confirm whether any trimming is required for your bumper.
If you are not comfortable working under the car, budget for professional installation. The cost of a shop visit is often worth it to avoid misaligned mounting points or damaged panels.
Decision rules for Model 3 hitch buyers
- Check your model year first: If your Model 3 is a 2017–2022, this CURT kit is listed as compatible. If it is 2023 or newer, stop here and look for a hitch listed for your year. Model year is the single fastest way to rule this hitch in or out.
- Match the receiver to your accessory: Choose this hitch if your bike rack or cargo carrier uses a 2-inch shank. If you already own a 1.25-inch rack, you will need an adapter sleeve or a different hitch. Measure your rack's shank before ordering, not after.
- Set your towing expectation from the car, not the hitch: Use Tesla's rated towing and tongue-weight limits for your specific Model 3 as the maximum. The catalog does not publish a separate tow rating for this application, so do not treat 'Class 3' as a guarantee of a specific capacity. If you cannot find your vehicle's rating, plan for rack-and-cargo use only.
- Decide DIY vs. shop install: If you are comfortable removing underbody panels and following vehicle-specific instructions, DIY is feasible. If not, price a professional install before you buy so the total cost is clear. Ask the installer whether bumper trimming is needed on your trim level.
Product facts
- Curt Class 3 Trailer Hitch 2" Receiver Kit for Tesla Model 3: Fits 2017 to 2022 Tesla Model 3 (see Description tab for details). This is the first fit check: owners of 2023 and newer Model 3 should not assume this kit carries over.
Curt Class 3 Trailer Hitch 2" Receiver Kit for Tesla Model 3 - Curt Class 3 Trailer Hitch 2" Receiver Kit for Tesla Model 3: Class 3 hitch with a 2-inch receiver. The 2-inch opening accepts most hitch racks and utility trailer couplers, giving you more accessory choices than a smaller receiver.
- Curt Class 3 Trailer Hitch 2" Receiver Kit for Tesla Model 3: Powder-coated, high-strength steel construction. The coating helps resist road salt and weather, which matters if you leave the hitch exposed year-round.
Who this hitch is for
Best for
- 2017–2022 Tesla Model 3 owners who need a 2-inch receiver for a bike rack or cargo carrier
- Drivers who want a powder-coated steel hitch for occasional light utility trailer use
Not for
- 2023 or newer Model 3 owners, who need a hitch listed for their model year
- Owners planning frequent or heavy towing beyond Tesla's rated limits
- Drivers who already own a 1.25-inch accessory and do not want to use an adapter
