Is it ok to tow Tesla SDU on drive wheels?

[phillipschip]

Is it ok to tow a car with a SDU on the rear drive wheels? I have a tow dolly and it would be much easier to tow the car facing forward. I have researched towing Tesla vehicles and there seems to be differing opinions. Thanks!

[zl3ag]

If the car is switched on, and in drive, towing it is no different from rolling down a steep hill. You'll get regen unless you have someone sitting in the car matching the towing speed with the accelerator.

If it's switched off and in tow mode, I have no idea but guess it would not be a good idea.

I'd be towing it backwards with the steering locked.

[tom91]

The SDU is an induction machine, so not self exciting thus wont create voltage. Towing is fine.

[zl3ag]

Well I DID NOT KNOW THAT.

[Zieg]

I just had a look through a few of the model S emergency response manuals, and one of them said not to tow the car with any wheels on the ground, period. Induction motor aside, it mentions the possibility of components overheating. Could there be a lubrication/cooling concern at play?

[tom91]

I just had a look through a few of the model S emergency response manuals, and one of them said not to tow the car with any wheels on the ground, period. Induction motor aside, it mentions the possibility of components overheating. Could there be a lubrication/cooling concern at play?

Yes, as pumps only work one direction.

[phillipschip]

If towing forward, the pump would be circulating though right?

[Zieg]

Yeah, but Tesla still don't approve of that for some reason. It says here that "The front and rear motors in Model S generate power when the wheels spin." Not sure why, though.

https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/mode ... 5038D.html

[mane2]

I have towed my car that has Tesla LDU few times without damage. Distance was about 4km and low speeds though. I had power on and gear in neutral, but main contactor was disengaged. (relay wiring problem - which I discovered bit later)