Couldn't get TeslaTap 60 mini to work

[RMoore]

It's a release button.

So only relevant to charging a Tesla then I guess.

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[WNKent]

So only relevant to charging a Tesla then I guess.

Correct.

 

[RMoore]

Update: I just watched a video review of the TeslaTap mini and now realize that I did not fully seat the Tesla charger end into the TeslaTap. When inserting the charger end the latch on the bottom will initially jut out out but then return flush when fully seated so that the hole (to accommodate a lock) will be fully accessible. The fit was just too tight and there is no way I could have gotten it all the way on and be able to disconnect it--I could barely get it off when not fully seated. I carefully added some Teflon lubricant today, avoiding the pins (since its not conductive) and will give it a try next week.

The video I watched is here, and the part about the latch is at 20 min in.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Would it kill them to loosen the tolerances some? To me it seems like somebody messed up the dimensions in the mold, and rather than remake the mold properly (which would cost $$$$$) they just tell customers to grease it.

TelsaTap is a bad deal IMO, costs 60% more than the Lectron and you have fitment issues...

 

[RMoore]

Would it kill them to loosen the tolerances some? To me it seems like somebody messed up the dimensions in the mold, and rather than remake the mold properly (which would cost $$$$$) they just tell customers to grease it.

TelsaTap is a bad deal IMO, costs 60% more than the Lectron and you have fitment issues...

Agreed. Clearly some do not have an issue, but if you read reviews on Amazon etc it is clear that the tight fit is a common complaint. I don't know if it's variability in the TeslaTap or on the Tesla charging cord. But if I continue to have trouble after lubricating I'll try to return it, it's too stressful to worry about getting it stuck on a charging cord. I don't feel like carrying around some sort of lubricating product in my car all the time. The whole point was to make my life easier not more difficult.

 

[generaltso]

it's too stressful to worry about getting it stuck on a charging cord.

A tip for removing it after charging is to stand on the cord and pull up on the TeslaTap with both hands. Probably not the best for the Tesla cord, but it's really hard to get enough leverage to overcome the friction with only one hand.

 

[RMoore]

A tip for removing it after charging is to stand on the cord and pull up on the TeslaTap with both hands. Probably not the best for the Tesla cord, but it's really hard to get enough leverage to overcome the friction with only one hand.

Good tip but sounds extreme. I’d hate to see the engineers at work showing me a video of myself ripping off the Tesla charging end off the cord…

 

[generaltso]

Good tip but sounds extreme. I’d hate to see the engineers at work showing me a video of myself ripping off the Tesla charging end off the cord…

Yup, it’s extreme. But better than leaving the adapter if you’re stuck.

 

[generaltso]

Would it kill them to loosen the tolerances some? To me it seems like somebody messed up the dimensions in the mold, and rather than remake the mold properly (which would cost $$$$$) they just tell customers to grease it.

TelsaTap is a bad deal IMO, costs 60% more than the Lectron and you have fitment issues...

I didn’t at first, but now I agree with you. I’ve used the TeslaTap Mini a couple times with the MME, and other than having to stand on the Tesla cord to get it unplugged, it worked fine. But I just tried plugging it into my wife’s RAV4 Prime, which was apparently a bad idea. The J1772 end fits fine on the MME, but it was too tight to get it fully seated on the RAV4. When I gave up trying, I couldn’t get the Mini back off again. It took me a good 20 minutes to get the damn thing removed. I’m glad I tested it at home and not out on the road.

Why oh why did TeslaTap make the tolerances so damn tight? I guess I’ll give the Lectron a try. I’ll likely have a TeslaTap Mini 60A for sale soon.

 

[RMoore]

I didn’t at first, but now I agree with you. I’ve used the TeslaTap Mini a couple times with the MME, and other than having to stand on the Tesla cord to get it unplugged, it worked fine. But I just tried plugging it into my wife’s RAV4 Prime, which was apparently a bad idea. The J1772 end fits fine on the MME, but it was too tight to get it fully seated on the RAV4. When I gave up trying, I couldn’t get the Mini back off again. It took me a good 20 minutes to get the damn thing removed. I’m glad I tested it at home and not out on the road.

Why oh why did TeslaTap make the tolerances so damn tight? I guess I’ll give the Lectron a try. I’ll likely have a TeslaTap Mini 60A for sale soon.

Yep. Just curious, have you ever applied any sort of lubricant, either silicone grease or other, to either end? I’m guessing after the RAV4 experience you don’t want to try it again on that car with some lubrication if you haven’t already tried that yet.

 

[generaltso]

Yep. Just curious, have you ever applied any sort of lubricant, either silicone grease or other, to either end? I’m guessing after the RAV4 experience you don’t want to try it again on that car with some lubrication if you haven’t already tried that yet.

I haven’t. Honestly, I’m not interested in carrying lubricant with me in the car and having to deal with the possible mess or residue on things. It shouldn’t be necessary.

 

[RMoore]

I haven’t. Honestly, I’m not interested in carrying lubricant with me in the car and having to deal with the possible mess or residue on things. It shouldn’t be necessary.

Agree--I made the same comment above. I did add a bit of Teflon and I'll see how that goes. Hoping that small amount will be enough to help but not leave a residue on my hands. We'll see. I do carry some tissues and wipes in my car just in case.

 

[RMoore]

Another update: tried again today this time with some Teflon spray applied, but it was a no go. I was just too nervous about jamming it in with too much force, so didn't try that. Even with it partially seated I had to use @generaltso's method above to get it off. I'll see if I can return it (or possibly exchange it); if not I guess I'll have to sell it.

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