There are times when we all need to transport large items in our car. The question is will my Tesla allow the trunk to remain open when driving?
You can drive your Tesla with the trunk open. However, it will reduce your range by approximately half.
In this article, we’ll tell you exactly what happens when the trunk is open and common mistakes to avoid.
What happens when the trunk is open?
It’s not every day that we need to transport a large object, but it happens occasionally. You don’t want to go to the bother of organizing a collection only to realize your Tesla won’t let you drive with the trunk open.
This is not the case with your Tesla, but there are a few things to consider before picking up:
- The beeping (warning sound)
- The rear-view camera
- The range depreciation
- The cold interior
The beeping warning sound
Nearly all modern cars have alerts to tell you that doors and windows are open and seatbelts are not in use when they should be. This is also true for Tesla. If your trunk is open, a warning will sound, and you will be directed to close it. If the load you’re moving has an overhang, this is impossible.
Tesla understands this, and the beeping will cease after 3-4 minutes. It’s irritating, but knowing it will stop will save your sanity. It will begin again if you stop/ start.
The rear-view camera
The rearview camera is located above the rear driver’s plate. If your trunk is open, the camera will record the sky or a higher view than usual. When you shift to reverse, the camera will show this view on your touchscreen. This is no longer an accurate representation of the rear of your car and can’t be relied upon for reversing.
The Range Depreciation
One of the biggest concerns about driving an EV is range anxiety. When you’re transporting any item with the trunk open, the range will reduce by approximately half; not allowing for this is a common mistake. When the trunk is open, it interferes with aerodynamics. Tesla engineers have worked hard to make their cars as efficient as possible.
If you are traveling a long distance with your item, you will have to top up your charge several times, and this will increase your journey by possibly many hours,
The Cold Interior
Due to the open trunk, the car’s interior will now be noticeably colder (depending on your location). We already have range depreciation because of reduced aerodynamics, but if you attempt to turn on the heater, it will reduce even further – possibly by an additional 50%. And all the heat is being sucked out the rear; this is the second common mistake to avoid. My advice is to leave the heater off and bring a blanket.
Other Unavailable Onboard Tech
Teslas are high-tech machines. It is designed to work most efficiently when everything is as it should be. i.e., All doors closed. The trunk open while driving is not part of that plan.
The onboard computers quickly check everything when you startup. If the trunk is open, certain driving capabilities are unavailable or become limited. Two of these are Cruise Control and Auto Pilot (only available on specific models).
Cameras and sensors throughout your car must all be in sync for these options to work. When your trunk is open, the rearview camera is in the incorrect position, and they are disabled.
How Far are You Traveling with an Open Trunk?
This might seem like an obvious question, but if your journey is only a couple of blocks well, the range anxiety and the cold interior won’t be a big issue. But if you are traveling further afield, such as relocating or delivering a large item that is more than 30 minutes drive, I would consider other options – such as hiring an alternate car or shipping your item to its final destination.
Tesla Trunk Bigger than You Think
The Tesla trunk has a large capacity and can fit more than you imagine. Depending on the model you own, it outranks most other vehicles in the luxury category.
| Model | Trunk | Trunk + Folded Seats |
| 3 | 19.8 cu ft | N/A |
| Y | 30.2 cu ft | 72.1 cu ft |
| S | 25 cu ft | 61.4 cu ft |
| X | 37.1 cu ft | 85.1 cu ft |
The trunk space is impressive, especially in the X, and as you can see increases dramatically when the seats are folded. However, the Model 3 is not a hatchback, and the space in the trunk is limited. The lid’s design reduces what you can carry even further as the opening to the trunk is quite limited. This leads me to the next question – what are you transporting?
What are you Transporting with your Tesla?
As I say, the Model 3 has quite a small opening. Your item may not even fit past the entrance of the trunk. Flatpack items or anything long but not of great depth should fit all other models with no problems. Any bulky items you should definitely check before agreeing to transport them.
If you do find that you have to have the trunk open, ensure that your item is well tethered down and that your trunk lid is not free to move up and down. There are sensors in the lid and at the latch that can be damaged by repeated banging on the item.
Is it Legal to Drive with The Trunk Open?
In nearly all states, driving with your trunk open is legal, but there are limitations to the length of overhang you have.
If you are just traveling a few blocks, within reason, this isn’t going to be an issue, but if you are traveling further out of town or indeed out of state, I would recommend checking the state guidelines for overhang.
They vary from state to state; Alabama has a 4ft limit to the rear, whereas Louisiana has an 8ft limit. This distance is measured from the center of the rear axle to the end of your overhang.
Always better to check first before getting a ticket.
Here are a few common questions folks ask about Teslas:
- Can I use any tires on a Tesla?
- What to do if Tesla runs out of charge?
- What to do if Tesla has a flat wheel?
I’ve written a ton on common Tesla issues, which hopefully you won’t ever experience, but if you do, we have you covered with these posts:
Check out the Tesla troubleshooting page for problem Teslas.
Check out the Tesla charging page for common Tesla charging problems.
Check out the Tesla category page for a list of popular Tesla posts.
If you are curious about other EV models, check out the EV FAQ category.
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