Hitch Cover Slight Modification

[markmanner]

Hi, I got tired of removing the smaller inside hitch cover AND the larger outside hitch cover to put a bike rack or tow hitch with ball on the receiver. As those of you who have one know, that was necessary because with the outer piece on you can't get a hitch pin into the receiver with most hitch inserts. I made a small cutout on the right side of the outer plastic cover to allow a hitch pin to move over to the side allowing a bike rack or tow hitch or whatever to be inserted, and then move the pin back over. I leave the pin in the receiver when not in use, and can now just take only the small cover off and on as needed. The pin I'm using has a small rounded head on it, but by making the cutout a bit larger you could put a more traditional bent arm pin in.

Someday someone will come up with a prettier aftermarket solution, I'm sure.

 

[turbo8]

Hi, I got tired of removing the smaller inside hitch cover AND the larger outside hitch cover to put a bike rack or tow hitch with ball on the receiver. As those of you who have one know, that was necessary because with the outer piece on you can't get a hitch pin into the receiver with most hitch inserts. I made a small cutout on the right side of the outer plastic cover to allow a hitch pin to move over to the side allowing a bike rack or tow hitch or whatever to be inserted, and then move the pin back over. I leave the pin in the receiver when not in use, and can now just take only the small cover off and on as needed. The pin I'm using has a small rounded head on it, but by making the cutout a bit larger you could put a more traditional bent arm pin in.

Someday someone will come up with a prettier aftermarket solution, I'm sure.


View attachment 6583

I did they same but made a much larger cut. It was quite annoying removing the cover to put the bike rack on, now it is a little bit better.

 

[markmanner]

I am using a Factor 55 pin that is pretty compact on the right hand side, so the smaller opening works ok. I may enlarge it if I change pins.
Lot easier to use this way for me. I do wish someone would make a more attractive cover for when the hitch is in use. Leaving the larger piece on isn't too bad though (I think without the larger piece it looks pretty bad).

 

[JustinB]

Great, simple hack. Thanks!

 

[Sharky]

Hi, I got tired of removing the smaller inside hitch cover AND the larger outside hitch cover to put a bike rack or tow hitch with ball on the receiver. As those of you who have one know, that was necessary because with the outer piece on you can't get a hitch pin into the receiver with most hitch inserts. I made a small cutout on the right side of the outer plastic cover to allow a hitch pin to move over to the side allowing a bike rack or tow hitch or whatever to be inserted, and then move the pin back over. I leave the pin in the receiver when not in use, and can now just take only the small cover off and on as needed. The pin I'm using has a small rounded head on it, but by making the cutout a bit larger you could put a more traditional bent arm pin in.

Someday someone will come up with a prettier aftermarket solution, I'm sure.


View attachment 6583

Yes, you would think a 3D printer could produce something this simple. Still, great idea!