Tesla is making life easier for drivers who tow with their vehicles by introducing a new feature called “Trailer Profiles” in its 2024.45.32 software update. This new feature caters specifically to Tesla owners who frequently tow trailers, addressing the nuances of towing dynamics and range estimation.
Towing adds significant complexity to vehicle operation, from increased energy consumption to wear and tear on components like brakes and tires. Recognizing this, Tesla’s new “Trailer Profiles” allow owners to create and manage profiles for their trailers, enhancing the towing experience and maintenance tracking.
According to hacker @greentheonly, who uncovered the new option while taking a deeper look at the 2024.45.32 software update, each profile can be customized to include specific details about the trailer, such as its type – open or enclosed. This differentiation is critical as enclosed trailers, which are less aerodynamic, and therefore typically consume more energy than open trailers.
By factoring in such details, Tesla’s system can better estimate energy use and adjust range calculations accordingly.
A unique aspect of Trailer Profiles is the ability to record mileage for each trailer. This addresses a common challenge in trailer maintenance, as trailers typically lack odometers. With Tesla’s system, owners can monitor accumulated mileage to keep track of serviceable components like tires and brakes, ensuring safer and more efficient towing.
Tesla owners can store up to 20 trailer profiles, offering flexibility for users with varied towing requirements. Whether towing a trailer for a family road trip or hauling materials in a flatbed for work, drivers can easily switch between saved profiles. However, green notes that all data points must be entered manually. Green hopes that one day automatic trailer detection, using the vehicle’s onboard cameras, could be added to this feature, eliminating some of the manual part of the process.
2024.45.32 adds new "trailer profiles", you can record trailer mileage, but also type (open/enclosed) to better estimate energy use. Can have up to 20 suc profiles.
— green (@greentheonly) December 27, 2024
You have to enter (and switch) all of that manually, despite all the Tesla Vision hype I guess?
