Bumper Hitch Cover Falling Out

[David Sheets]

This is my first post on this forum and have what may be a stupid question...Is there a trick to reinstalling the bumper hitch cover? I had to buy a new one - thought original one was stolen - but maybe not as I am having trouble with the new one working loose while driving. Seems simple enough to insert the tabs on the cover into the slots in the bumper. Unfortunately, that is not keeping it secure.

Anyone else experience this issue? TIA

 

[byathread]

1st time I took mine off I couldn't believe how hard it was to remove. Now it just pops on and pops off no issues. The little tabs hold mine on no problem. I give it a little smack with my hand to make sure it's all the way on/clipped on, so far so good...

 

[KJ-Idaho]

Same for me. Pops on and stays on.

 

[Uturn]

Make sure when you install the cover that the top tabs are fully engaged. You may think they are, but If you can see daylight at the upper corners they are not. You can use your thumb on the outside where the tabs are and give it a firm push.

 

[TM_Bob]

There are 2 sets of tabs on the hitch cove, an upper set and a lower set. It takes a little looking and adjusting to insure the lower set is also properly engaged to hold the cover in place

 

[Meeker]

There are 2 sets of tabs on the hitch cove, an upper set and a lower set. It takes a little looking and adjusting to insure the lower set is also properly engaged to hold the cover in place

I find the upper tabs are sufficient - it clicks in and stays there. I probably have never had the lower ones engaged since I first removed it...

 

[duneslider]

If you have the top and bottom tabs in their slots I can't imagine it ever falling off. It is stuck in there really good on mine. If you don't get the slots in I could see it not being secure. I do usually not hook in the lower ones, just the upper.

 

[David Sheets]

Thanks everyone. I had all tabs in place and almost lost the cap driving from Dallas to KC. Fortunately, I checked it during my first fuel stop and took it off so I wouldn't lose it. May be a dealer trip ahead for me.

 

[utmeep]

Does anyone have the part number for this cover by any chance?

 

[Dice Roll]

It’s printed on a label on inside of it

 

[Uturn]

Does anyone have the part number for this cover by any chance?

JL1B-17F000-ABW

 

[David Sheets]

Update: I discovered the problem and will post this for those who may experience a similar problem.

When attaching the OEM replacement cover, I had to spread/open/widen the cover to engage the tabs & clips. As a result, the lip on the clips was not engaging inside the slot on the bumper allowing the cover to work its way out of the slots. Therefore, I used a hair dryer to heat the cover allowing me to reshape and widen/spread open the cover so that when I insert it now, I have to compress it slightly to insert the tabs and clips and I am able to hear a distinctive "click" when the lips spring upward and lock into the slots. It's been a week and it is as snug as a bug in a rug!!

 

[Deadman]

Update: I discovered the problem and will post this for those who may experience a similar problem.

When attaching the OEM replacement cover, I had to spread/open/widen the cover to engage the tabs & clips. As a result, the lip on the clips was not engaging inside the slot on the bumper allowing the cover to work its way out of the slots. Therefore, I used a hair dryer to heat the cover allowing me to reshape and widen/spread open the cover so that when I insert it now, I have to compress it slightly to insert the tabs and clips and I am able to hear a distinctive "click" when the lips spring upward and lock into the slots. It's been a week and it is as snug as a bug in a rug!!

Ya, it has to line up....

 

[Air00Max]

Does anyone have the part # for this? Also, does it come painted silver or do you have to have it painted as well? Mine either fell off (which I don't think happened, since I think the tabs are pretty sturdy), or someone stole it. Hate not having the hitch cover on.

 

[Deadman]

Does anyone have the part # for this? Also, does it come painted silver or do you have to have it painted as well? Mine either fell off (which I don't think happened, since I think the tabs are pretty sturdy), or someone stole it. Hate not having the hitch cover on.

Every WalMart parking lot has an assorted variety of painted hitch covers! lmao. kidding.

 

[KJ-Idaho]

Same for me. Pops on and stays on.

Same for me. Pops on, stays on. ??? Sup?

 

[NyackRob79]

Speaking of the bumper hitch cover - Do models with HD Tow Package come without it? I only ask because when I build my 2020 Expy online, it shows the hitch cover removed once I add the HD Tow Package. Curious as to whether the HD Tow Package uses a different hitch that doesn't allow the fitment of the cover?

 

[Lou Hamilton]

Speaking of the bumper hitch cover - Do models with HD Tow Package come without it? I only ask because when I build my 2020 Expy online, it shows the hitch cover removed once I add the HD Tow Package. Curious as to whether the HD Tow Package uses a different hitch that doesn't allow the fitment of the cover?

At least with my 2019 w/ HD Tow, it has the cover.

 

[byathread]

Speaking of the bumper hitch cover - Do models with HD Tow Package come without it? I only ask because when I build my 2020 Expy online, it shows the hitch cover removed once I add the HD Tow Package. Curious as to whether the HD Tow Package uses a different hitch that doesn't allow the fitment of the cover?

I think all new expeditions come with a receiver that is hidden with that little POS cover. Maybe the XL trim doesn't, but, the receiver comes with all the other trims as far as I know...

 

[MxRacer965]

Does anyone have the part # for this? Also, does it come painted silver or do you have to have it painted as well? Mine either fell off (which I don't think happened, since I think the tabs are pretty sturdy), or someone stole it. Hate not having the hitch cover on.

I believe it has to be painted to match. I looked into it because at less than 1K miles some jerk scratched mine backing into a spot (and I parked away from everyone next to an “island” so I could only have a car on one side of me). I wanted to replace it if it was as simple as buying another painted to match. As misfortune had it, I hit a deer in August and the body shop repainted my cover as part of the $14K job for free. All good now.