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Leaving Tow Hitch cover off - any concerns about water getting in there?
- Thread starter Scott1258
- Start date
akballow
Member
water and just dust is not great. And it is not easy to clean. Better to keep it on.
Midnightsun
Active Member
I have had mine on and off a few times in bad weather and can say the covers does very little as for protection from the elements. Even with the cover on, once removed it is wet and filthy behind the cover.
akenham
M3 LR AWD+ 2020
I live/drive in reasonably inclement conditions - muddy single track lanes, lots of big dirty puddles.
Although it's very true that the inside of the cover/door gets a little wet & dirty the compartment inside is staying fairly clean and dry for me so the cover is doing its job IMHO and I'd be reluctant to run without it.
The dirt I'm seeing looks like a small amount of intrusion round the edges - it'd be nice if there were none, but I am sure it's much worse behind the aero shields in other places.
I'd love to see an aftermarket door/cover that would let you keep the tow ball on and provide a door or extension to the socket.
Although it's very true that the inside of the cover/door gets a little wet & dirty the compartment inside is staying fairly clean and dry for me so the cover is doing its job IMHO and I'd be reluctant to run without it.
The dirt I'm seeing looks like a small amount of intrusion round the edges - it'd be nice if there were none, but I am sure it's much worse behind the aero shields in other places.
I'd love to see an aftermarket door/cover that would let you keep the tow ball on and provide a door or extension to the socket.
The way I look at it, if the MY was designed such that you can use a bike rack or tow a trailer in all weather conditions, and not just when it is sunny and dry, then it really should not matter. In that case, it is a matter of how it looks, how much does that matter to you and do you want a cover to hide it.
ryanjeffords
Member
Consider the fact that the tow hitch cover is neither waterproof nor dustproof, I'm pretty sure you'll be fine. All of the wiring for towing is designed to be "weatherproof" in general, you're going to be ok.
akenham
M3 LR AWD+ 2020
Model 3 LR 2019
Well I've had random trailer connected symbol when it wasn't. Switching on the main lights would make the trailer symbol clear. The indicator would flash rapidly, but all indicators worked fine.
The trailer socket was filled with water from the rear. You need to unbolt the bracket which holds the connector to the frame. 2 bolts with 8mm heads
There is just enough cable length to allow you to work on it without removing the bumper.
Remove the 3 nut and bolts which hold the actual connector to the bracket. The bolts are Torx T25 the nuts are 8mm.
When you get this far water will come flowing out!.
You now have to separate the wiring part from the front section, it is held in place with 4 clips around the edge. Reason is this is cup/socket connection where all the water gathers and creates shorts and trailer connected symbol. Airline dry or blow dry.
I then literally filled this cup with di electric grease and blathered same grease on all the wires entering the back. The grease will ooze out sealing the pins from water ingress.
Reassemble applying copper grease to the nuts and bolts that hold it all together.
For good measure I drilled small holes in the socket perimeter where water could collect. These holes should let any water escape and not penetrate my sealed up area
Well I've had random trailer connected symbol when it wasn't. Switching on the main lights would make the trailer symbol clear. The indicator would flash rapidly, but all indicators worked fine.
The trailer socket was filled with water from the rear. You need to unbolt the bracket which holds the connector to the frame. 2 bolts with 8mm heads
There is just enough cable length to allow you to work on it without removing the bumper.
Remove the 3 nut and bolts which hold the actual connector to the bracket. The bolts are Torx T25 the nuts are 8mm.
When you get this far water will come flowing out!.
You now have to separate the wiring part from the front section, it is held in place with 4 clips around the edge. Reason is this is cup/socket connection where all the water gathers and creates shorts and trailer connected symbol. Airline dry or blow dry.
I then literally filled this cup with di electric grease and blathered same grease on all the wires entering the back. The grease will ooze out sealing the pins from water ingress.
Reassemble applying copper grease to the nuts and bolts that hold it all together.
For good measure I drilled small holes in the socket perimeter where water could collect. These holes should let any water escape and not penetrate my sealed up area
Last edited:
If you buy these Hitch removers, it takes me less than 15 seconds to get the hitch off. It is not difficult at all. If you don't have these then it can be a pain, but seriously, breaking certain clips off, replacing it completely (unless it is for aesthetics, like this from @yellowr6
those are cool and clean!
the stepper is great to clean the rear glass if you’re short, liked I am. Lol
Midnightsun
Active Member
That would be with a trailer that would be calculated for impact loading which is probably at least 4 times that. You can easily put at least 400 lbs on a hitch step if not 500.
Do you guys, but their manual clearly states the below and has been a major topic of discussion on multiple threads here:
Carrying Accessories
The hitch receiver is designed to support vertical loads up to 160 lbs (72 kg). When carrying bicycles, skis, or other items on the Model Y hitch, always check to ensure that the maximum weight is not exceeded.
Carrying Accessories
The hitch receiver is designed to support vertical loads up to 160 lbs (72 kg). When carrying bicycles, skis, or other items on the Model Y hitch, always check to ensure that the maximum weight is not exceeded.
