Enterprising Tesla Model 3 Owner Adds Automatic Trunk & Frunk Opening

Published on January 14th, 2019 |
by Kyle Field

January 14th, 2019 by Kyle Field

i1Tesla was one of the first YouTube channels to show how to upgrade the frunk struts on the Model 3 to stronger ones that gave it enough oomph to open the frunk all the way with just the tap of the button on the app. Now, he’s released a new YouTube video that shows the process he followed to accomplish the same for the trunk, though it requires a bit more effort and a few more parts.

The Model 3 swept onto the electric vehicle (EV) scene with a promise of delivering a long range, affordable EV. Though, Tesla has admittedly had delays in actually delivering on the $35,000 Standard Range version of the Model 3. Part of trimming down the feature set of its more luxurious siblings, the Model S and Model X, to reach the more affordable price point was to remove some of the more glamorous features, like automatic trunk opening and closing at the touch of a button.

To add a similar set of functionality to the Model 3 trunk, or at least to get it to open automagically, i1Tesla tried a variety of replacement struts to get it to open by itself, but found that none of them actually had the strength needed to lift the much heavier trunk lid up at the mechanically disadvantaged angle that the struts are set at in the Model 3.

To give it the kick needed to lift the trunk up the first few inches, he started experimenting with springs mounted on the shaft of the struts. A few spring sets and a few bucks later, he landed on a set of replacement struts and springs that gave the trunk the right amount of pop to open up at the touch of a button from the app.

The new combination gives Tesla Model 3 owners the information they need to get the same one-touch opening functionality they have enjoyed with their frunks for a few months on the trunks. It’s not going to change the world, but it’s nice to have options to make owning a Tesla that much easier. I know I have enjoyed the one-touch opening of my frunk since installing the strut upgrade a few weeks back.

If you’re looking for a one-stop shopping solution for the frunk kit, our friends over at EV Annex have put together a quick auto-opening frunk strut kit for the Tesla Model 3 that comes with the upgraded struts and instructions to install them. It was one of the easiest upgrades I’ve done on a car and I would put it on par with changing out a license plate frame if not even a little easier.

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About the Author

Kyle Field I'm a tech geek passionately in search of actionable ways to reduce the negative impact my life has on the planet, save money and reduce stress. Live intentionally, make conscious decisions, love more, act responsibly, play. The more you know, the less you need. TSLA investor. Tesla referral code: http://ts.la/kyle623