If there is no access panel, the instructions will show you how to cut a hole in the bottom panel. Some postings describe simply leaving it open. Others use a panel. There is an access panel etrailer.com for the eco hitch stealth hitch but I don't see one for the stealth hitches specifically. Perhaps this might work. (https://www.etrailer.com/Accessorie...MI6qf8xOab6QIVENbACh1-7AG8EAQYASABEgITd_D_BwE) There may be other panels elsewhere.
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Model 3 with 5 bikes
- Thread starter lavarooster
- Start date
The 1 up rack is pricey, but very solid. Tons of great reviews. Very easy to add and remove.
The Yakima high speed roof bike carrier is great. I take it off after rides. It takes 2 min to install and about 30 seconds to remove. Solid carrier.
JCLeonard
Member
Also, the lines on the screen look like a mustache when the rack is mounted. Silence the backup sensors alert and it’s all good. I’ve been carting mountain bikes around with our stealth hitch and a Saris freedom super clamp rack since August 2018 with no issues.
Installing the stealth hitch took about 2 hours, my neighbor helped pop the bumper cover off and back on to avoid dropping it. Even cutting the hole in the bottom of the bumper cover was easy with a fine tooth blade in a jigsaw, although it felt weird to slice into a brand new car
The Stealth Hitch DIY install is not too difficult. See the install video on etrailer.com (https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Stealth-Hitches/391TES317T.html) and watch it a couple of times first. There's a list of the tools you will need on the Stealthhitches.com website under the instructions (Tesla Model 3 (2017 - Present)). Get the right tools, your investment in the tools will be cheaper than an install quote. Because of the low clearance, getting around under the car for some of it is a bit challenging without a lift. I installed the receiver and trailer hitch combo version, so it includes the trailer harness wiring. This involves some splicing, but it's straightforward. You will have to run a power line to the front of the car and the cable has to be tunneled under some trim. The video shows you step by step. It took me a few hours. If your comfortable and familiar with these types of projects it will probably take you only a couple of hours.
can the trunk be opened with the rack in the folded up position? What about with the bikes loaded?
This is a 3-tray 1UP rack, which means it is a double tray with a single add-on (you can add one more to make it 4 trays).
In the 3 tray configuration, I have only opened the trunk with the rack moved to it's middle position (not fully folded to the car, but not in the third position for loading). There is a lever at the bottom of the rack that allows you to move it between these positions. The adjustment lever is a bit cumbersome in location. They also sell an extension adapter for the lever to make it easier to adjust. I don't think the 3 tray configuration will have enough room to open the trunk in the folded state.
With bikes on the rack, the trunk will only partially open, then it hits the handlebars of the first bike. You do have about a foot of clearance to get partial access to the trunk.
You can also swing the fully loaded bike rack down to the ground to access the trunk. In the 3-tray configuration, this gets difficult because the lever is down near the base. With the lever adapter, this would be easier.
Alternatively, lay the back seat down to access the trunk space.
1up rack is the best 1-3 bike rack I’ve ever owned. When you add that fourth bike though, the aluminum flexes a lot. I’d worry about the rack hitting the highway with the low ground clearance on a M3.
Nice setup for the five bikes! Good point about getting up driveways. I have four mountain bikes and a tray style rack. The are about 25 lbs a piece but the rack itself is close to 100 so about 250 total. I think tongue weight is on the hitch is rated at 200 lbs so slightly over.
Has anyone tried a four bike tray style rack on the back of their 3? Pics?
Has anyone tried a four bike tray style rack on the back of their 3? Pics?
Update: the model 3 trunk will open with the 1UP rack (with 3 tray configuration) is in the upright position fully folded against the car.
Biscuitman
Member
Are you using t slots for the YAKIMA?
I have the 1 up rack and the Tesla bars, but have not mounted anything on the bars yet.
Hey 2TNE, I'm getting the EcoHitch Stealth for our Model 3 as well, but am having trouble finding a shop in San Diego to do the install. Who did you ultimately end up using? Any feedback on the hitch or the cargo carrier you are using? Thanks in advance!
Telstar
Member
My setup is a Rockymounts Splitrail. It easily carries our 2 fifty pound ebikes. The hitch installation is fairly easy with basic tools. I too turned off sensor warning chimes.
Biscuitman
Member
That rope touching the bumper (I see there is a sleeve at the contact point ) gives me sleepless nights and it’s not even my car
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