Still Leary of getting my Slate

[E90400K]

I was specifically thinking about aftermarket options but even if Slate did it, I don't know what regulations exist around doing something like a DIY kit that changes the manufacturer specified towing capacity. If it could be done, that would indeed be a great accessory.

Most every pickup truck offers a tow package (which is installed at the factory). For example, the Maverick tow package doubles the capacity from 2,000 to 4,000 pounds. The 4,000-pound kit is only offered on the Hybrid AWD version of the Maverick.

The Slate kit (as I said in the post above) would only be available for the 84kWh battery version. The kit would have to include a new CGVWR sticker for the door jamb.

 

[sodamo]

After sodamo clearly alluded to making it with my 3D printer, I plan to start selling these immediately upon release of the truck. 😀

“Tow rated” is more of a mindset than an engineering certification anyway.

Really? Please list the quote as I surely can’t remember making such a stupid suggestion

and when you cannot, please do me the courtesy and respect to correct your offensive statement.

 

[Bayfire2441]

Most every pickup truck offers a tow package (which is installed at the factory). For example, the Maverick tow package doubles the capacity from 2,000 to 4,000 pounds. The 4,000-pound kit is only offered on the Hybrid AWD version of the Maverick.

The Slate kit (as I said in the post above) would only be available for the 84kWh battery version. The kit would have to include a new CGVWR sticker for the door jamb.

Right, but that needs to be a factory installed option as far as I'm aware. I don't think the owner of a vehicle has any legal avenue to change the towing capacity listed. Which means that if any extra equipment is needed, it is highly unlikely to happen given Slates factory plans.

 

[NMNeil]

There seems to be a preoccupation that Ford may be the only competitor.
Join the dots and see the potential.
https://www.autonews.com/ev/
https://www.autonews.com/china/geely-begins-delivery-electric-pickup/
(Base price of $25,000)
https://www.reuters.com/business/au...hinas-byd-geely-bid-buy-car-plant-2026-02-12/
https://www.kbb.com/car-news/chinese-automaker-may-enter-u-s-by-2029/

 

[E90400K]

Right, but that needs to be a factory installed option as far as I'm aware. I don't think the owner of a vehicle has any legal avenue to change the towing capacity listed. Which means that if any extra equipment is needed, it is highly unlikely to happen given Slates factory plans.

Again, if Slate can add the SUV kit as a DIY add-on, which includes seats, seatbelts, airbags, and a rollbar, and certification it meets occupant safety regs, then surely it can create a DIY tow kit that allows it to increase the tow capacity. The CGVWR is not a Federal certification regulation for light-duty vehicles is my understanding. The trailer brake controler for 3,500-pound trailers may be a Fed regulation; some states definitely require it.

 

[sodamo]

Again, if Slate can add the SUV kit as a DIY add-on, which includes seats, seatbelts, airbags, and a rollbar, and certification it meets occupant safety regs, then surely it can create a DIY tow kit that allows it to increase the tow capacity. The CGVWR is not a Federal certification regulation for light-duty vehicles is my understanding. The trailer brake controler for 3,500-pound trailers may be a Fed regulation; some states definitely require it.

Any chance you have raised this directly with Slate? Their response?

 

[E90400K]

Any chance you have raised this directly with Slate? Their response?

I have not.

 

[sodamo]

I have not.

I think you should, especially if towing spec is important to you

 

[E90400K]

I think you should, especially if towing spec is important to you

I'm sure the answer will be, "We are looking into offering a DIY tow kit, and will know more about it as we get closer to production".

 

[E90400K]

Plus, then I stop getting the "FU you effing smartypants Troll, the Slate pickup truck was not designed to haul or tow anything. It's a customizable automotive art piece with 108 2080-Series 3M wrap color choices and 3D printing to make fancy blinker covers!"

 

[GaRailroader]

I think some of these specifications are semantics. Curb weight ~ 3600 pounds, payload is ~1400 pounds. Therefore, GVWR is ~5000 pounds. They are saying trailer weight rating is 1000 pounds, which in essence they mean the GCWR they have designed and tested for is ~6000 pounds. If my base slate plus occupants comes in at 4000 pounds(empty bed) then I would submit to you I have ~2000 pounds remaining for trailer towing. Worst case scenario, I utilize all my payload capacity and am at 5000 pounds then I only have 1000 pounds remaining for towing a trailer. Both scenarios I have complied with the 6000 lb GCWR.

 

[E90400K]

I think some of these specifications are semantics. Curb weight ~ 3600 pounds, payload is ~1400 pounds. Therefore, GVWR is ~5000 pounds. They are saying trailer weight rating is 1000 pounds, which in essence they mean the GCWR they have designed and tested for is ~6000 pounds. If my base slate plus occupants comes in at 4000 pounds(empty bed) then I would submit to you I have ~2000 pounds remaining for trailer towing. Worst case scenario, I utilize all my payload capacity and am at 5000 pounds then I only have 1000 pounds remaining for towing a trailer. Both scenarios I have complied with the 6000 lb GCWR.

The Curt trailer hitch manufacturing company has a page on what the definitions mean.

How to Measure Towing Capacity, GVWR, GCWR - Towing 101

 

[GaRailroader]

The Curt trailer hitch manufacturing company has a page on what the definitions mean.

How to Measure Towing Capacity, GVWR, GCWR - Towing 101

I've messaged Slate asking them what they are planning the GCWR to be.

 

[Tom Sawyer]

These posts on towing should really have their own thread, if only to make future searching easier.

Except for the bickering lolol 🤣

 

[GaRailroader]

These posts on towing should really have their own thread, if only to make future searching easier.

Except for the bickering lolol 🤣

You have picked up the mantle that AZFox dropped on enforcing thread posts match thread subject.