Torture Test Breaks Cybertruck's Frame, While Older Ram Endures Easily | Carscoops

      Tesla may have reduced weight and costs with the Cybertruck's frame, but it does not match the strength of an older Ram 2500 pickup in extreme tongue weight tests.

      In a recent towing weight hitch stress test, the Cybertruck's frame detached completely. An older Ram was subjected to the same test and endured even greater pressure.

      Tesla constructed the Cybertruck's lightweight frame from cast aluminum to minimize weight.

      Last year, YouTuber WhistlinDiesel generated buzz when he broke the frame of his Tesla Cybertruck during one of his notorious durability tests. Now, another YouTuber, who also owns a Cybertruck, has undertaken to determine if Tesla's electric truck is truly as robust as advertised.

      Unlike conventional pickup trucks that utilize solid steel frames, the Cybertruck features a cast aluminum frame. Tesla has been commended for leading the way in gigacasting technology in the automotive sector, but the decision to use a cast aluminum frame is increasingly raising concerns with each additional test.

      According to Tesla, the Cybertruck can tow up to 11,000 lbs (4,990 kg). To evaluate the frame's strength, YouTuber JerryRigEverything affixed a crane scale to assess the force exerted on the hitch by a large excavator pushing down on it.

      It's important to clarify that this test measures tongue weight, not towing capacity. Tongue weight is the downward force exerted by the trailer on the hitch, while towing capacity refers to the weight the vehicle can pull horizontally. These are different stress tests, so direct comparisons could be misleading. Many manufacturers indicate that for ball-mounted hitches, tongue weight typically constitutes 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight.

      Returning to the test, after enduring sustained pressure, the hitch began to crack and eventually snapped at over 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg). Moreover, aluminum does not have a fatigue limit, meaning it weakens progressively with each stress, unlike steel. This implies that, theoretically, Cybertrucks that frequently tow heavy loads could see their frames weaken over time, which is less than ideal for a vehicle marketed as tough and durable.

      It should be noted that in this test, the force was applied downward, while towing typically exerts force outward. Therefore, the Cybertruck should not face major issues as long as it stays within its trailer load capacity.

      JerryRigEverything posited that hitting a significant pothole at around 80 mph (129 km/h) while towing an 11,000 lb load could potentially cause damage to the Cybertruck's frame. However, this remains purely speculative, and we must assume Tesla considered such scenarios in the vehicle's design and capacity specifications.

      In contrast, the testing team also evaluated an old Ram 2500, which endured a 10,500 lbs (4,763 kg) tongue weight without any issues. So, it appears Tesla has some improvements to make to ensure the Cybertruck can truly perform as a workhorse.