SeaSucker cracked Tesla Model 3 rear glass
#76
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Just because a piece of glass is laminated doesn't make it super strong relative to a piece of tempered glass-- it just stays together when it breaks. Watch a FailArmy video. Most any one of them will have someone breaking a windshield by putting just the weight of one leg on it. Bikes are relatively light, but I"m not going to stick one to my glass hatch with suction cups, just because that sounds like a recipe for "something broken." Bike, glass, or both.
#77
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Just because a piece of glass is laminated doesn't make it super strong relative to a piece of tempered glass-- it just stays together when it breaks. Watch a FailArmy video. Most any one of them will have someone breaking a windshield by putting just the weight of one leg on it. Bikes are relatively light, but I"m not going to stick one to my glass hatch with suction cups, just because that sounds like a recipe for "something broken." Bike, glass, or both.
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A friend has a Tesla X that contains absurd square meters of glass. Difficult to clean; Tesla seems to be the only company that advises against using Rain-X etc. Not surprised the Mod 3 glass breaks; even as the "affordable" Tesla style seems to trump function.
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I don't think this has anything to do with bike weight. From the looks of it, that's a full-carbon bike that's probably <15lbs, and only over half of that (due to the sloping angle) is supported by the rear glass.
The problem is the force generated by the suction cup's attachment area. I'm somewhat surprised it cracked in a circular pattern rather than randomly (though there is that crack going across the footprint). I'd argue that simply attaching a suction cup to the rear window would've cracked it.
The problem is the force generated by the suction cup's attachment area. I'm somewhat surprised it cracked in a circular pattern rather than randomly (though there is that crack going across the footprint). I'd argue that simply attaching a suction cup to the rear window would've cracked it.
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Weird coincidence, tonite a neighbor mentioned he was getting a Tesla 3 delivered soon, I told him about the Seasucker issue, just for fun 'cause he doesn't cycle anyway.
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Electric would seem to be eco but I think most Tesla owners (esp S & X) have 1 or 2 other vehicles so one has to consider the energy/pollution used to make an additional vehicle. In re the bike rack, I can't recall seeing a Tesla with a bike rack despite high local ownership. IMHO the whole company is a stock scam. Other current electrics are much cheaper & the big car companies are introducing ~auto-pilot cars so Tesla is basically toast.
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#83
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I'm no Tesla fanboy but no. The CHEAP EVs are still $35k-$42k which is the Model 3 SR and SR+ price range and the only other cars that are really worth looking at in that price range are the hyundai kona and kia niro.
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fwiw: 2014+ Jeep Cherokees have a known issue w rear windows imploding w/o cause
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this was fun to watch
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Doesn't Tesla make a hitch receiver for the back?
#89
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A good welding fabricator may make one on site.. why wait for Elon Musk to take the initiative?
Maybe get a Polycarbonate rear window .. Lexan the stuff that takes bird strikes on aircraft..
Maybe get a Polycarbonate rear window .. Lexan the stuff that takes bird strikes on aircraft..
#90
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You can see exactly what happened in these two photos. The crack goes precisely across the diameter of the suction cup's imprint and nowhere else.
The damage is localized to the site, indicating that the pressure differential on the two sides of the glass exceeded the strength of the glass.
The suction cup pulled too hard on your window and broke it.
And, to whoever considered mounting one of these on your aluminum roof, it will do the same thing there, but the damage bill would be far higher.
The damage is localized to the site, indicating that the pressure differential on the two sides of the glass exceeded the strength of the glass.
The suction cup pulled too hard on your window and broke it.
And, to whoever considered mounting one of these on your aluminum roof, it will do the same thing there, but the damage bill would be far higher.
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The SeaSucker was not installed properly, is too far to the back of the roof. It should be all the way to the front.
Last edited by SeaSuckerTesla; 07-15-19 at 06:44 AM. Reason: photo
#92
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I still think the back of the bike would be resting on glass. Looks like it broke at both contact points. And as someone else pointed out, it's questionable whether the thin aluminum roof would be up to handling the weight of a bouncing bike.
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Also the whole roof is glass so all tires rest on the glass, the important part here is that the rear tire rests close to the cross bar in the middle of the roof. and the front tire rest close to the windshield. Finally the pedal crank needs to be secured with included velcro straps if not they can start spinning and hit the glass causing it to crack
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There are a couple of errors or assumptions in your response... First the bike is not suppose to bounce if properly secured... Second the roof is not made of aluminum.
Also the whole roof is glass so all tires rest on the glass, the important part here is that the rear tire rests close to the cross bar in the middle of the roof. and the front tire rest close to the windshield. Finally the pedal crank needs to be secured with included velcro straps if not they can start spinning and hit the glass causing it to crack
Also the whole roof is glass so all tires rest on the glass, the important part here is that the rear tire rests close to the cross bar in the middle of the roof. and the front tire rest close to the windshield. Finally the pedal crank needs to be secured with included velcro straps if not they can start spinning and hit the glass causing it to crack
Did you just join the forum to post on this one subject? Crazy screen name.
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Yes, I just did . I am going to return the SeSucker I dont want a broken roof or glass
Last edited by SeaSuckerTesla; 07-15-19 at 10:53 AM.
#96
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After having worked at a glass shop when I was in school, there is no way I will ever use any rack that touches the back glass in any way. No matter how many racks are out there that utilizes the back glass, it is an extremely poor idea. While you can have great luck with one, it doesn't take much for that luck to disappear and the glass to be broken. Sorry, as much as I would love to fault Tesla for this, it isn't their fault, the back glass isn't designed for that use.
And think about the OP and what he's going through..... Gee, was it the sea bee or the glass.?? A question that never be answered. I'm not going there.
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Tesla now recommends that the rear wheel mount be placed on the metal section below the back glass. NOT entirely on the back glass like above. YMMV.
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Just that particular glass on that particular car, which happens to be on a Tesla. I had a chance to drive a Tesla for a few months and I did not like it. Even though the glass did not break when I used a sea sucker on it. Others love it. Such is the human condition, it is very dynamic. Life is a risk. Nobody makes it out alive. Internet handwringing is a waste.
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