Tesla’s Cybertruck, which features aluminum gigacasting for its front and rear frame, was recently put to the test against a steel-framed RAM 2500 pickup in a trailer towing hitch downforce challenge.
The Cybertruck’s rear gigacast aluminum structure failed at approximately 10,400 lbs of tongue load, while the 1994 RAM 2500 withstood even greater pressure.
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The Cybertruck utilizes a 6000-series aluminum alloy for its gigacastings, a material known for being lighter but softer compared to steel. The test highlighted the different fatigue characteristics of aluminum versus steel, with the Cybertruck’s frame snapping completely under stress.
In contrast, while the RAM’s hitch bent under similar conditions, its steel frame remained intact. The test also exposed structural epoxy used in the Cybertruck’s frame, a common automotive adhesive, though its appearance drew criticism.
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Despite the failure in this specific test, the Cybertruck remains capable of towing its rated 11,000 lbs under normal conditions. However, experts suggest that owners should be cautious when subjecting the truck to extreme vertical loads, such as pulling heavy vehicles or navigating rough terrain with a loaded trailer.
“The Cybertruck nearly doubled the SAE J684 standard’s required vertical pressure limit before its frame broke,” a commenter noted, indicating that the material still performed beyond regulatory thresholds.