Does anyone know if there is a readily available trim ring to dress up the awful hole left in the bumper for the receiver hitch? The cover was a pain in the a$$ to get off, and I ‘d rather leave the hitch installed if I can find a chrome or paintable piece to cover the ugly edges of the bumper cover. I suppose I could cut a square hole in the stock one, but that gives me a little heartburn.
Hitch cover replacement
- Thread starter TravisD
- Start date
Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
JAMADOR
Full Access Members
I don't think I've ever seen a dress-up kit for any SUV with a hidden hitch.
Worked for Chevrolet for 2 years, and my dad has a Denali & never really thought about the aesthetic part of it.
Would be nice to have an option to clean it up with the cover off.
Following for updates.
Worked for Chevrolet for 2 years, and my dad has a Denali & never really thought about the aesthetic part of it.
Would be nice to have an option to clean it up with the cover off.
Following for updates.
Sounds like a good idea for a product. I don't do much towing but I agree the bumper looks like crap with a hitch in. Nothing some steady hands and a Dremel can't fix. If you mess it up you can always buy another one?
JAMADOR
Full Access Members
That looks pretty good, looks like a fairly simple mod.
Would probably buy a 2nd to hack up, just in case.
Would probably buy a 2nd to hack up, just in case.
Meeker
Full Access Members
Personally I would like to trim a full inch all the way around the hitch - always end up with scratches putting the hitch pin in and hooking up the trailer. And I would leave it open full time and ditch the cover if I could get it looking nice...
That does look slick. I'd buy that. Or try modifying one if they're available pre-painted
JAMADOR
Full Access Members
That's a good point. Looking at that image, I guess you'd have just the space for the chains to secure the hitch pin, would want to be sure you have enough space to get your hand in there. Bit of a theft deterrent as well, with no easy access appearance.
A bit of buffer room for slop in the hitch & inserting/removing the hitch would keep it cleaner looking.
sjwhiteley
Full Access Members
To me, it looks like that hitch on the overland concept has been just cut for a photoshoot to look clean. As noted, from and actual practical standpoint, cutting a bit more clearance would be likely the bet path. Of course, if you’re cutting your cover, cut small first, and enlarge until it works…
Who is gonna be the first to do it so we have a pattern?
Who is gonna be the first to do it so we have a pattern?
^^^^^^^^ This!! LolWho is gonna be the first to do it so we have a pattern?
Retiredusps
Full Access Members
Maybe the door edge guard that slips over the edge
Raposa
Member
It almost looks photo shopped.Don't know what they were hooked up to but that's an awfully high drawbarTo me, it looks like that hitch on the overland concept has been just cut for a photoshoot to look clean. As noted, from and actual practical standpoint, cutting a bit more clearance would be likely the bet path. Of course, if you’re cutting your cover, cut small first, and enlarge until it works…
Who is gonna be the first to do it so we have a pattern?
That would be me. I’ve got a replacement cover ordered to cut on and plan to start with small openings and enlarge as necessary, then I’ll paint to match.To me, it looks like that hitch on the overland concept has been just cut for a photoshoot to look clean. As noted, from and actual practical standpoint, cutting a bit more clearance would be likely the bet path. Of course, if you’re cutting your cover, cut small first, and enlarge until it works…
Who is gonna be the first to do it so we have a pattern?
Keeping the factory one stock in case I ruin the replacement one.
ColoradoJason
Member
Following.
I plan to use a hitch mounted doggy step when the pups go in the back, which is once or twice a week. The hitch cover was very difficult to get off, and I expect something will break eventually.
I could just leave it off, but it looks broken/unfinished with the hitch cover removed. I’m very curious to see how your project goes.
I plan to use a hitch mounted doggy step when the pups go in the back, which is once or twice a week. The hitch cover was very difficult to get off, and I expect something will break eventually.
I could just leave it off, but it looks broken/unfinished with the hitch cover removed. I’m very curious to see how your project goes.
Have to agree with OP. Just picked up my 2023 Expedition with tow package. Couldn't remove the hitch cover plate for fear of breaking it. The dealer removed it. I will leave a hitch in the receiver, but this really looks terrible. Unfinished, just like parts are broken or missing. Why wouldn't they have had at least a rectangular trim ring to cover the holes for the tabs. Very disappointed.
GixxerJasen
Full Access Members
Did they change the cover? The one on my 2019 comes off easily.
I had a tough time getting mine off the 22 the first time. Much harder time than I remember with my 2019. After a few times it seems the tabs have been worked in a little and it comes off easier. I find it easiest to grab it from he bottom first.
GlennSullivan
Full Access Members
Just looking at the example, wouldn't you need to install the hitch and then pin it to the receiver inside the cover or are you thinking of sliding the cover onto the hitch tube, installing and pinning the hitch and then pushing the cover forward into place?
If installing the hitch with the cover in place, there does not appear to be sufficient space to install the pin unless the bottom of the cover is wide open allowing access to the pin from below, which is not visible from the picture.
Also, the trailer electrical connector example shows an opening with a bushing that is large enough to pass the cable through but not the connector itself, unless possibly a 4 pin. The opening would need to be large enough to pass the connector itself through the cover, or possibly a slot cut from the bottom of the cover up to the cable hole in order to pass the cable up to the hole with the connector already on the vehicle side of the cover. This method would also require a split circular grommet to allow the cable to enter the grommet, protecting the cable from chafing on the cover edges.
I use the WeatherTech bump step on both my Expys when not towing. It hides most of the ugliness of the trailer connections while protecting the bumper cover from idiots behind me and in parking lots not paying attention to driving.
In any case, I would love to see how the finished product turns out.
If installing the hitch with the cover in place, there does not appear to be sufficient space to install the pin unless the bottom of the cover is wide open allowing access to the pin from below, which is not visible from the picture.
Also, the trailer electrical connector example shows an opening with a bushing that is large enough to pass the cable through but not the connector itself, unless possibly a 4 pin. The opening would need to be large enough to pass the connector itself through the cover, or possibly a slot cut from the bottom of the cover up to the cable hole in order to pass the cable up to the hole with the connector already on the vehicle side of the cover. This method would also require a split circular grommet to allow the cable to enter the grommet, protecting the cable from chafing on the cover edges.
I use the WeatherTech bump step on both my Expys when not towing. It hides most of the ugliness of the trailer connections while protecting the bumper cover from idiots behind me and in parking lots not paying attention to driving.
In any case, I would love to see how the finished product turns out.
