Tow Hitch Cover

[Kelowna Steve]

I removed my hitch cover at the time of delivery to confirm I had the OEM hitch installed, Removal of the cover without destroying any of the tabs was a PITA, but I managed it without instruction and was fairly straightforward. However, I went to remove the cover again a few days ago to trial the fitment of my new bike rack (Thule T2 Pro XTR) and found that removal of the trim was exponentially more difficult with the accumulation of road dirt around the perimeter. I recommend making sure you take a hose to the perimeter of the cover to clean out the gaps and tabs before attempting to remove it or you'll damage it. The dirt almost acted like a cement.
The cover is not going to survive multiple removal/replacements. I have been looking around to see if anyone has come up with some mods to the plate to allow easier access. It would be neat if it had a top hinge to allow it to be lifted and remain on the car for the time the rack is installed. There must be an elegant solution that uses velcro, zip ties or magnets, but I have yet to find it.

 

[rxlawdude]

I removed my hitch cover at the time of delivery to confirm I had the OEM hitch installed, Removal of the cover without destroying any of the tabs was a PITA, but I managed it without instruction and was fairly straightforward. However, I went to remove the cover again a few days ago to trial the fitment of my new bike rack (Thule T2 Pro XTR) and found that removal of the trim was exponentially more difficult with the accumulation of road dirt around the perimeter. I recommend making sure you take a hose to the perimeter of the cover to clean out the gaps and tabs before attempting to remove it or you'll damage it. The dirt almost acted like a cement.
The cover is not going to survive multiple removal/replacements. I have been looking around to see if anyone has come up with some mods to the plate to allow easier access. It would be neat if it had a top hinge to allow it to be lifted and remain on the car for the time the rack is installed. There must be an elegant solution that uses velcro, zip ties or magnets, but I have yet to find it.

There is a redesigned one on the newest MYs. I am hoping that this is backward compatible, because I agree the current design sux.

 

[ScottNY]

There is a redesigned one on the newest MYs. I am hoping that this is backward compatible, because I agree the current design sux

There is a redesigned one on the newest MYs. I am hoping that this is backward compatible, because I agree the current design sux.

How is the new cover different?

 

[rxlawdude]

It has some kind of handle that's accessible from the outside. I have not seen it personally, but I recall seeing the picture - it appeared there was a clip on the left side. Of course I can't find it now.

In the meantime, aftermarket suppliers have come up with replacements:

2020-2021 Tesla Model Y Tow Hitch Cover

This Tesla Tow Hitch Cover works with the Model Y for factory and aftermarket hitches. (It’s actually included with our aftermarket Model Y trailer hitch kit.) This convenient grab handle attaches to the factory trailer hitch cover plate to make removing the panel a breeze so you can easily...

torkliftcentral.com

 

[rxlawdude]

There is a redesigned one on the newest MYs. I am hoping that this is backward compatible, because I agree the current design sux.

 

[lyrebird]

It has some kind of handle that's accessible from the outside. I have not seen it personally, but I recall seeing the picture - it appeared there was a clip on the left side. Of course I can't find it now.

In the meantime, aftermarket suppliers have come up with replacements:

2020-2021 Tesla Model Y Tow Hitch Cover

This Tesla Tow Hitch Cover works with the Model Y for factory and aftermarket hitches. (It’s actually included with our aftermarket Model Y trailer hitch kit.) This convenient grab handle attaches to the factory trailer hitch cover plate to make removing the panel a breeze so you can easily...

torkliftcentral.com

Any review on this? Easy on and off?

 

[rxlawdude]

Any review on this? Easy on and off?

Not that I know of. I need to find a refresh Y to see the cover in person. And if the owner is nice enough, to see if it fits on the original bumper design.

 

[JonCarlson]

I have a brand new MY and was looking for how to handle the hitch cover. OEM cover is not built for more than one removal. Does the 3rd party one in this thread work well?

As long as I’m talking about hitch issues... the receiver square tube is a hair big - my hitch is kind of rattling around in it. Anyone else seen this?

Finally, the safety chain loops appear kind of high and hard to reach(?). Anyone had trouble with damage caused by trying to get hooks in there, it seems tight.

 

[Biscuitman]

Regarding the access to the safety chain loops I added a couple of carabiners to the end of my loops to make it easier to attach the chains to.

 

[JonCarlson]

Regarding the access to the safety chain loops I added a couple of carabiners to the end of my loops to make it easier to attach the chains to.

Thanks, good tip.

 

[ecarfan]

Finally, the safety chain loops appear kind of high and hard to reach(?). Anyone had trouble with damage caused by trying to get hooks in there, it seems tight.

They are easier to reach than on the Model X.

One thing you could do is add a permanent link to each loop, that would probably make it easier for you.