Any tricks on reinstalling the trailer hitch cover?

[Geomglot]

This trailer hitch cover has to be one of the worst design features of the R1S (which isn’t saying much I grant you - overall the design is pretty fantastic) but I’m finding I generally can’t get this darned thing back on without lying on the ground under the vehicle to see where the tabs go in and fussing around for ever until it slots in. I’m not looking forward to having to do this in the winter.

Does anyone have any tips they can share on how to do this?

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[VandalSibs]

I'm guessing that the cover on the R1S is the same as the one on the R1T (would be weird if they were different, right?)....

I don't have to lay down on the ground to put mine back on, but I do have to kneel for sure. I then make sure I have a coin or flat-head screwdriver with me. Then, line up and insert the tabs that go under the license plate, then pivot the whole cover up. Hold it in place, then use coin or screwdriver to lock the plastic screws in place.

 

[Killer95Stang]

I use masking tape so I don't scratch the shit out of it when reinstalling. Not sure why it is so hard.

 

[mkg3]

Does anyone have any tips they can share on how to do this?

I routinely take off the trailer hitch cover to use our bike rack, then put the cover back on. Taking it off is at PITA, and putting it back on is just as bad.

it is one of the worst design I have come crossed. Would have been much easier if the panel was designed with 90 deg corners so that you're not trying to fit a wider part of the cover onto a narrower opening as it is being inserted back.

What I do is to make sure that the tab inserts on the cover is aligned with the openings on the lower bumper trim and hold it securely and give it a whack with the side of my fist. This is the easiest way to get it snapped back in.

Since I live in SoCal, our winter is just lower temperature and not snow or ice. If I lived in the area with snaw and ice, and need the trailer hitch, I would simply leave the cover off for the winter and get a hitch plug cover of some type.

 

[waitingonanr1s]

Yeah it's not super user friendly. I thought I had mine reattached securely, but evidently didn't. Lost somewhere on 15 between San Diego and Utah, lol. Been waiting for my service appointment for a new one (not sure why they can't just ship one out to me).

 

[bfilippo]

I’m about to tow for first time to bring my boats in from the water. I don’t mind putting cover back in, but wondering if there’s a plug or other cover that makes it easier to access?

 

[GizmoCart]

What I do is to make sure that the tab inserts on the cover is aligned with the openings on the lower bumper trim and hold it securely and give it a whack with the side of my fist. This is the easiest way to get it snapped back in..

I second this. It may feel wrong but it works better than trying to wiggle the tabs back in.

 

[NY_Rob]

I wasted 5 min trying to put my cover back in place when recently trading in my R1T. After struggling with it, I just tossed it in the frunk and told the dealer where it was. I see saw the photos of my R1T on their website, looks like they couldn't be bothered putting it on either!

 

[Geomglot]

Yeah it's not super user friendly. I thought I had mine reattached securely, but evidently didn't. Lost somewhere on 15 between San Diego and Utah, lol. Been waiting for my service appointment for a new one (not sure why they can't just ship one out to me).

Those pegs have to be watched carefully. Twice I thought I had them properly secured and found the cover dangling at the end of my trip. I was lucky not to lose it. Now I lie on the ground to make certain I have them firmly turned and tightly connected.

 

[JohnB]

I’m with mkg3 on this one. I have to remove and reinstall the cover each time with the bike rack. So get on your knees with the knee pad, align the tabs and give it a whack with the side of the fist. You will notice that the cover (even if tabs are aligned correctly) will overlap the bumper trim, but a good whack will force it in. Then use the screwdriver to twist the screws and you’re set. Not ideal. But this is a first world problem. Keeps the rust out of the hitch.

 

[dradam]

Cover is a pita, and does take some finessing. I 3d printed retaining screws that you can twist with just your fingers. You can download and print the files but people sell them as well. Makes it a little easier.

 

[Redmond Chad]

If I lived in the area with snaw and ice, and need the trailer hitch, I would simply leave the cover off for the winter and get a hitch plug cover of some type.

That's me. I put the cover on twice, then decided it wasn't worth the trouble so I just leave it off.

I got an inexpensive hitch cover from Amazon and my life is easier.

 

[SANZC02]

Interesting, I never gave it much thought. Works the same as the cover my 2009 Tahoe had. I just undo the 2 screws and pull it down, putting it back on I just line the tabs up and push them in then rotate the cover up and attach the screws.

I’ve had mine off maybe 8 times, just like the one on the Tahoe, over time it is easier to pull out and push in, the first few times it is fairly tight.

 

[atebit]

There are a couple of vendors here on the forum that sell replacement fasteners that don’t require archaic coinage to use. It’s probably not appropriate to link to them outside of their respective subs, but if you poke around you will probably find them.

I use @Kuro-Rivian ‘s DIY solution myself that’s way easier than the OEM. Still have to kneel down, but I can secure each fastener with just a of their built-in knob.

 

[Cascadian]

I have a quarter in my center console for this, but for several months now I have just left it off.
Thanks for reminding me to put it back on for winter.

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