PSA - Removal and Re-install of Trailer Hitch Cover - Super simple, don't be afraid!

[Speedr]

Just wanted to show how simple it is to remove and re-install the cover over the trailer hitch.

There are 3 fasteners holding the cover on (see below):

They are all pointed front to back. Just turn them a quarter turn with a large flat head screw driver (very low effort).

Do this for all 3. Once done, it literally falls into your hand.

Complete view of it removed.

To re-install, just hold it in place and turn the fasteners the quarter turn the other way. Those tabs are for placement, and don't snap in or anything, so it's really easy and low effort to put it back in. This is done vertically BTW, NOT front to back. You're just lifting it up back to where it was, and then turning the 3 fasteners.

FYI, I'm just posting this since some might be gun-shy due to the way some Tesla add/removals can break things if not done exactly right (I'm looking at you Model Y Trailer hitch cover). This is NOT one of them, and is probably the easiest add/removal I've ever done, regardless of vehicle...

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[Sterling Shadow]

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Limes2]

Yes, took mine off earlier this year just ot make sure everything was there. Haven't towed anything yet.

 

[Speedr]

Yes, took mine off earlier this year just ot make sure everything was there. Haven't towed anything yet.

Towing is a dream BTW...

 

[koolio]

Just did this a few weeks ago. Great instructions and it’s super easy.

Just an fyi for anyone else’s removing it: on mine, after turning all three “screws”, I had to wiggle it a little to get it to come off.

 

[jeniferkey]

I do it frequently, but still forget which way to turn reaching up and doing it blind. I’ve debated replacing with thumb screws, but I don’t want it too obvious for someone to take. Still worth it to not worry about running into the ball like I would with my old truck.

 

[Cyber Pete]

Just wanted to show how simple it is to remove and re-install the cover over the trailer hitch.

There are 3 fasteners holding the cover on (see below):

They are all pointed front to back. Just turn them a quarter turn with a large flat head screw driver (very low effort).

Do this for all 3. Once done, it literally falls into your hand.

Complete view of it removed.

To re-install, just hold it in place and turn the fasteners the quarter turn the other way. Those tabs are for placement, and don't snap in or anything, so it's really easy and low effort to put it back in. This is done vertically BTW, NOT front to back. You're just lifting it up back to where it was, and then turning the 3 fasteners.

FYI, I'm just posting this since some might be gun-shy due to the way some Tesla add/removals can break things if not done exactly right (I'm looking at you Model Y Trailer hitch cover). This is NOT one of them, and is probably the easiest add/removal I've ever done, regardless of vehicle...

I've suggested to Tesla to redesign the head of the three removable slotted head fasteners to a low profile wing type head similar to what's on the opposite end of the current fastener which would allow for a no tool required (screwdriver) for removal.

 

[CapheDa]

Are US quarter will work too. Not sure about a Canadian quarter.

 

[Doberbane]

Are US quarter will work too. Not sure about a Canadian quarter.

Quarters are what I usually use. I’ve always got some quarters for buying lemonade from kids in the summer. Or in case I come across a pinball game

 

[Jimo]

Just wanted to show how simple it is to remove and re-install the cover over the trailer hitch.

There are 3 fasteners holding the cover on (see below):

They are all pointed front to back. Just turn them a quarter turn with a large flat head screw driver (very low effort).

Do this for all 3. Once done, it literally falls into your hand.

Complete view of it removed.

To re-install, just hold it in place and turn the fasteners the quarter turn the other way. Those tabs are for placement, and don't snap in or anything, so it's really easy and low effort to put it back in. This is done vertically BTW, NOT front to back. You're just lifting it up back to where it was, and then turning the 3 fasteners.

FYI, I'm just posting this since some might be gun-shy due to the way some Tesla add/removals can break things if not done exactly right (I'm looking at you Model Y Trailer hitch cover). This is NOT one of them, and is probably the easiest add/removal I've ever done, regardless of vehicle...

Side note: you must be lying on the ground to do this! So place a mat!

 

[linh3203]

Thank you. Are we able to just leave the tow hitch on there and not put the cover back on? Would it cause any type of damage?

 

[HaulingAss]

Are US quarter will work too. Not sure about a Canadian quarter.

I've noticed recently that, while Canadian quarters still work, they are about 37% less effective.

Seriously though, the hitch receiver cover is easy to remove normally, but it becomes exponentially more difficult if you are stuck in the mud or snow up to bumper lever and need to access the receiver to use as a recovery point.

Pro tip:

If you think you (or a buddy in another vehicle) might become stuck and need a rear recovery point, remove the receiver cover before that happens!

 

[HaulingAss]

Thank you. Are we able to just leave the tow hitch on there and not put the cover back on? Would it cause any type of damage?

While the cover might prevent some amount of mud or sand from fouling the receiver slot, it's no big deal to leave it off, just make sure it's free of sand and mud before inserting a ball mount into the receiver. The cover is also part of the rear aerodynamics treatment, but probably pretty minimal impact on that.

 

[JFD361]

Is on, easy off. Towed a big mower over the summer. Towing is easy. Going to try the ride hight option to bring the hitch up to the level of the trailer hitch.

 

[HaulingAss]

I do it frequently, but still forget which way to turn reaching up and doing it blind. I’ve debated replacing with thumb screws, but I don’t want it too obvious for someone to take.

True, "righty-tighty, lefty-loosey" only works if you are looking down at the head. If it's hard for you to reverse that in your mind's eye (I know I've had trouble occasionally), here's a technique that works no matter what:

1. Point the thumb of your right fist up, then rotate your wrist until the thumb points in the direction you want the screw to move (in or out).
2. The direction your fingers curl indicates the direction you need to turn the screw.

This rule works regardless of your vantage point. For a left-handed thread, you would use the same technique, but with your left hand.

Still worth it to not worry about running into the ball like I would with my old truck.

Honestly, that only has to do with whether you leave your ball mount in the receiver when not in use or not. With either style of truck (Cybertruck or traditional truck) you can leave the ball mount on or off without regard to whether it has a cover available or not.

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