Following the infamous “durability test” by Zack from JerryRigEverything, where he subjected a Cybertruck to extreme vertical loads that don’t actually occur in reality, Zack has now gotten his Cybertruck repaired.
While the original test created a stir, the real story is the follow-up from Tesla, which helps highlight Tesla’s approach to vehicle repair while also providing some insight into the work that went into engineering Cybertruck.
The whole incident has also caused Tesla to update its owner’s manual to show the maximum weight at different distances from the hitch receiver.
Gigacast Sectioning
The repair process was documented in a new video from JerryRigEverything (below), and was centered on a unique procedure that Tesla calls gigacast sectioning. This new method allows Tesla Service to field-replace only the damaged portions of the vehicle’s large rear casting rather than the entire component. This helps save time and cost while maintaining the same level of durability and structural strength.
Wes Morrill, Tesla’s lead engineer for the Cybertruck, commented on the process on X, framing it as an intentional outcome of the design process.
“Zack's repair was a perfect demonstration of the work the team put in hand in hand with service to consider repairability in the design. Crashes happen and lowering the cost of repair lowers the cost of insurance, and improves overall cost of ownership. Couple that with low maintenance costs and low $/mi and it's really hard to make an argument to buy anything else.”
The Cybertruck was not only designed to be durable but also easily repaired.
Tesla’s Repair Ethos
Beyond this specific repair, Wes also emphasized the collaborative nature of the repair experience and Tesla’s philosophy on service transparency.
“I'm also really happy to see the highlight on documentation and transparency of Tesla service. There is so much information both on Tesla's website as well as on the vehicle's UI to empower customers to learn about their vehicle and even repair it themselves if they want.”
This aligns with Tesla's principles, which have included opening patents to accelerate EV adoption, and now extends to trailblazing the right-to-repair movement. Alongside that, the service engineering team is also working on expanding the right-to-repair movement by building comprehensive documentation and opening up Tesla’s tools to make repairs and technology more approachable.
This expansion has been evident in the recent opening of Tesla’s Electronic Parts Catalog, which allows customers to order parts directly, as well as in recent software updates that introduce features from the technician-focused Service Mode+ to the regular Service Mode, which is accessible to all customers.
The Original Test
Wes also commented on the original test - to educate on the engineering principles at play in Zack’s test, and to clarify a common point of confusion between tongue weight and overall tow capacity.
“Zack's test demonstrated ~10x factory of safety on rated tongue weight. This should inspire confidence to use the vehicle up to its maximum rating,” says Wes.
Wes also pointed out that this thread from Bearded Tesla on X provides an excellent analysis of the difference between tow weights and tongue capacities.
While the spectacle of the initial “durability test” garnered widespread media attention, the subsequent repair and dialogue surrounding it reveal far more information about the Cybertruck's durability and repairability.
