2021 Tesla Model Y Hitch Cover is SINGLE USE Only

The 2021 Tesla Model Y hitch cover is single use only according to Tesla. Once the hitch cover has been removed, Tesla recommends that you DO NOT put it back on. After removing mine twice, most of the clips are busted. Does this make sense? A hidden trailer hitch cover that can only be used once? Let me know in the comments.

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[camrodger]

I vaguely remember seeing a video or blog post suggesting that there were more clips than required, making removal difficult. The author recommended cutting a few of the clips off the cover to make removal easier.

[theartandscienceofflight]

I am surprised to see the response from Tesla. My wife and I just ordered a Model Y and shelled out the additional C$1300 for the factory hitch. Mostly we wanted a factory finish part that would be covered by warranty. We asked our sales person if the hatch was intended to cover the hitch receiver when not in use and he assured us that was how it would work. I will follow up with him to ensure that this is the case and let you know what we find out!

[KaceyGreen]

So many Model X owners leave their hitch installed but I did re-cover mine

[douchebagpatrol]

Great vid! Thx for always showing us both the good and the bad.

[OrganicStuff]

In coming hitch covers for the low cost of 49.99 on the site soon

[edsofla]

Presumably they took the cover off to install the hitch, then put the cover back on. So it seems to be designed for removal and re-installation.

[vadimus]

I'm taking my hitch cover on and off all the time, and it sticks as it should even I cut off half the latches.

[GG-vtfalcon]

Hi two thoughts
First before my Tesla Y I had a Toyota Prius V and I had a tow hitch added by the dealer. It was bolted to the frame under the rear bumper. It was a 2 inch standard hitch with a removable ball that extended beyond the rear bumper and came up to mid bumper height. When not using the car to tow I removed the ball section by removing 2 bolts (they were replace after removal to prevent loss) and I stored the ball in the trunk well. What remained was the main trailer mount bolted to the under side of the frame. It extended flush to the bumper without extending beyond the bumper. That was the way I used it for 8 years.
My second comment
I now have a model Y with the tow package and when I had the car in for service I had the Tesla tech show me how to remove the cover. He used a plastic spanner and pried very carefully and managed to get the cover off with out breaking any clips. By the way he actually went on his back and watched under the bumper as he did it. I tried 1 time so far when I wanted to use the hitch for with Thule bike rack. It took me almost 1/2 hour gently prying using 2 pry tools and I managed to get the cover off with out breaking any clips. Putting the cover back was not as big of an issue. So it can be done but I’m afraid that I may find that constant removal will cause the clips to break. I have explored using other fasteners but do not like the idea that I may have to drill through the cover to secure the fasteners to the cover . There are other fasteners that I found at my local auto parts shop that offer possibilities but I’m waiting for the time when I break the existing clips to decide what I will use. Good luck

[crag]

Seems like a poorly designed part. Hope the aftermarket will bring a solution.

[mitchellbarnow]

I am not qualified to answer that question, but my expectation would be that you shouldn't have to leave that cover off, unless you are towing. I see giant pickup trucks with their huge trailer hitch balls always sticking out of their rear bumpers. If one of those trucks parallel parks, they will do huge amounts of damage to passenger car bumpers. I once had an Isuzu with a rear mounted spare tire, put huge dents in my Honda Civics front hood and their exhaust pipe put round impressions into my bumper. I took a bunch of pictures with the other car's license plate included in the evidence, but they denied that they did the damage. They said that it must've been another car similar to theirs. What BS!

[jamesmoline]

Tesla absolutely should provide us with a cover that allows us to use the hitch when needed, and return to “stealth” mode afterward. It is nonsense that we pay over $60K US for this car and find an issue like that. I have not removed my hitch cover yet, and frankly, shy away from taking it off based on some of the reviews that I have seen. Some folks seem to cut off a few of the clips. Have you tried that? Nevertheless, even though I like my Model Y, it is no where near the excellence of my BMW, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes, Audi, or Volvo. They just don’t come close. But, having just driven my Tesla from Minnesota to Denver, I remain impressed by the Supercharger network, FSD, and accuracy of the onboard computer in terms of long distance travel. For now, we just don’t seem to be able to have it all. Keep us posted. Thanks!

[sirousmohseni]

Tesla's response doesn't make sense.
Sounds like an opportunity for an aftermarket clip design.

[rju]

This is bad engineering from Tesla seriously to get access to the Tow Hitch 🙈. I saw a guy that he actually cut some of those clips to make it easier for him to take off and on the cover. Look for his video on YouTube. I think his from Texas with a black model Y.

[RobertBratt]

That sucks. I’ve got a Model Y with the tow hitch on order, and while waiting I 3D printed some removal tools I’d seen before. The video showing the tool made the cover removal look easy, but I will still go careful every time I remove it. I agree that the hitch should stay covered when not in use.

[casperhansen]

Okay, so a Model Y is a no go, then it will be a ID.4!

[eloneatmyshorts]

Lame ass design from the engineers regarding this trim piece. This and the center console drink holders. Shows lack of forethought or experience with automotive engineering design.