Key Takeaways
1. The Tesla Cybertruck’s back is made from a single piece of 6000-series aluminum alloy using gigacasting, which broke under a tongue load of approximately 10,400 lbs during testing.
2. In comparison, the steel frame of the RAM 2500 held up against greater forces, highlighting the differences in strength between aluminum and steel.
3. The 6000-series aluminum used in the Cybertruck is less durable than the 7000-series aluminum, making it more prone to wear and deterioration under heavy loads.
4. The Cybertruck’s frame failed under vertical pressure close to the required 50% of a trailer’s GVWR, raising concerns about its durability under certain towing conditions.
5. Owners of the Cybertruck should be cautious when towing heavy loads, especially over uneven terrain, as it may increase the risk of damaging the aluminum frame.
The back of the Tesla Cybertruck is made from a single piece of aluminum alloy using gigacasting, and it underwent a durability test with a trailer hitch against a RAM 2500 pickup truck that has a classic steel frame.
To summarize, the Cybertruck’s aluminum gigacasting, where the trailer hitch is connected, broke at around 10,400 lbs of tongue load. On the other hand, the steel frame of the older RAM 2500 held up against even more force.
Towing Capacity Context
It’s important to note that this situation doesn’t directly relate to Tesla’s claimed 11,000 lbs towing capacity, which refers to the ability to pull a trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) forward and backward, rather than dealing with the bouncing effect on the hitch. Nonetheless, the comparison of material choices is quite fascinating.
Tesla opts for a 6000-series aluminum for the Cybertruck’s gigacastings, unlike the 7000-series aluminum that Apple began using for products like the iPhone 16 Pro Max after the Bendgate incident.
Material Properties
The 6000 series is less strong because it contains lower amounts of zinc and magnesium in the alloy. This softer material also deteriorates faster than steel under various loads, as its wear increases with each heavy stress applied.
This difference in how materials wear out may have been evident when the 2024 Cybertruck’s aluminum frame broke, while the 1994 RAM 2500’s steel frame withstood the same tongue load and more.
The RAM’s hitch did bend, and its frame might have twisted when pulled by a 50,000 lbs excavator, yet it didn’t break like the Cybertruck did. The rear of the Tesla snapped off completely, causing the whole bumper section to collapse and exposing some peculiar engineering choices, like a purple adhesive that appears to hold the frame together.
Engineering Decisions
While the look of this adhesive is not ideal for a $100,000 Cybertruck, some commenters suggest that it is likely just structural epoxy, which car manufacturers use as a chemical welding method in places where traditional spot welding isn’t suitable.
The broken frame of the Cybertruck also looked quite concerning, but the SAE J684 standard, which governs towing load characteristics, requires that the frame endure vertical pressure equal to 50% of a trailer’s GVWR without deforming. The Cybertruck almost reached that limit before its frame failed.
Earlier tests showed that the Cybertruck could indeed tow its maximum advertised weight of 11,000 lbs, although this did impact battery range negatively. However, other durability tests involving vertical tongue loads, particularly the notorious F-150 pull, indicated that heavy weights bouncing on the Cybertruck’s trailer hitch could indeed cause the softer gigacast frame to snap, even if it’s not typical.
Caution for Owners
These findings suggest that Cybertruck owners need to exercise caution in certain situations. Pulling heavy vehicles, going over hills, or hitting potholes with a loaded trailer could potentially heighten the risk of damaging the gigacast aluminum frame, especially in its thinner areas.
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