Tow/Hitch Cover

[MikeAllard]

I do a lot of towing (Snowmobiles, boats, waverunners, and utility) and need to leave the Hitch Cover off all the time. My issue is how bad it looks off! Does anyone know of any trim/add on that would allow the 2 inch receiver/electrical to show, but not look so "broken"?

 

[Lexx]

I just bought a 2011 QX56, and I think Infiniti kind of agrees with you about an exposed trailer hitch, so as you may know there is a cover that goes over the entire hitch/electrical set-up on the 2011 model to keep it out of sight when not in use.

I guess buying a brand new vehicle is a little extreme, but you could buy one of these hitch lights. I had one on the van I've been driving for the past few years.
It does fill up that 2 inch metal hole, and adds another brake light to the vehicle.

Just a thought

 

[Lexx]

I just bought a 2011 QX56, and I think Infiniti kind of agrees with you about an exposed trailer hitch, so as you may know there is a cover that goes over the entire hitch/electrical set-up on the 2011 model to keep it out of sight when not in use.

I guess buying a brand new vehicle is a little extreme, but you could buy a hitch light. (Do a search on ebay for "hitch light". This message board won't let me post a link for some reason).

I had a hitch light on the van I've been driving for the past few years. It does fill up that 2 inch metal hole, and adds another brake light to the vehicle.

Just a thought

 

[MikeAllard]

Thanks for the feed back. I actually have a 2011, and it is that larger cover that you refer to that I need to keep off due to regular towing use. The problem is the back looks terrible with the cover off, there are mounting slots that are exposed, and the area looks unfinished. It seems like there should be a piece of trim or something that hides the covers mounting areas if you are going to keep the cover off. I have a picture but I can not figure how to post it on this forum.

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[Lexx]

Mike

No need for a picture, I'm about to see the problem myself. As mentioned, I just got a new 2011, and will probably have the cover off for most of the summer. Have a 24 foot pontoon boat to move about, and a small utility trailer that I'm always using for something.

I haven't had time to take the cover off yet, although I do go out to the garage every hour or so just to admire the truck and pinch myself. What a nice machine. Love those big wheels.

Doesn't sound like there's a solution to this visual annoyance, unless you can find a body shop to fabricate some kind of shield over the mounting points and still leave the tow assembly useable.

Peter

 

[2011 QX56]

Pics would be helpful to see what the hitch area looks like without the cover and maybe also a pic of the inside of the cover to see the connection points.

To post a pic, just scroll down below the area where you type your message and you'll see the "Attach Files" section. Just click on the "Manage Attachments" button. From there you can click "Browse" to attach a pic from your computer.

 

[Lexx]

Mike

The easiest thing to do may be to buy another hitch cover plate part and modify it. Now I'm up in Canada, so your prices may be cheaper, but the cover is $96 unpainted.

I haven't looked too closely yet at the electrical connection, but if it could be turned or moved slightly, I'm guessing you could modify this new cover so the only thing visible from the rear would be the two inch receiver hole or the tongue and hitch ball coming out from the bumper.

It might mean reaching under the bumper each time to connect the electrics, but it would be out of sight.

If you are braver than I, you could make a template somehow, and then cut a hole into your existing cover plate.

Peter

 

[MikeAllard]

Thanks Peter - I think I will order the extra cover and attempt a modification. I'm surprised there isn't a solution out of Infiniti. I forgot that I also use a bike rack (3 -4 times a week) that also needs access to the hitch. I will probably never put the cover back on (it screws in so not a quick removal process). I enclosed a picture of how it looks with the cover off.

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[gconradt]

I just got my new 2011 QX56 last week. Thanks for the picture with the tow cover removed. I was wondering how that was going to look removed. Question? Is it easy to remove and return?

 

[Lexx]

It could be easier. I'm too scared to force anything for fear of breaking it, so I reach up underneath to help move the tabs to oneside to remove it after the plugs are taken out at the bottom. (See your manual). The left tab takes a bit of practice since it's tight in there with the electrical trailer connection, but after a couple of times you'll quickly get the hang of it.

MikeAllard....... My 2011 is black, and since the tow assembly is also black it doesn't look that bad with the cover off. It's not attractive, but it's not too bad. I don't think I'm going to get a second cover to modify. I did see a white 2011 driving by with the cover off, and I see what you mean. It does stand out quite a bit more than my black version.

If you do modify a second cover, please post a photo or two

Thanks
Peter

 

[uwhusky]

I haven't taken my hitch cover off yet and I'm having my wife meet me at the warehouse where we keep our boat tonight so I can pick up my boat. She drives the QX.

What tools do I need to remove the hitch cover? Can anyone provide a quick hitch removal guide or a link to one so I can prep myself before tonight?

 

[baileych]

For UWHusky,
All you need is a flat head screw driver to pry the two tabs loose under the the bottom side of the cover. The owner's manual says to "remove" the two tabs. I'm assuming that is correct because there is no way to re-insert the tabs after they have popped loose to pull the cover off. And don't be shy about pulling off the cover. Just pull down and away and it will pop right off. If anyone knows a way to re-insert the bottom tabs I would love to hear it as I'm not sure why they would be there in the first place if they were not to be used to secure the bottom of the cover again.

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[mikefarm]

For UWHusky,
All you need is a flat head screw driver to pry the two tabs loose under the the bottom side of the cover. The owner's manual says to "remove" the two tabs. I'm assuming that is correct because there is no way to re-insert the tabs after they have popped loose to pull the cover off. And don't be shy about pulling off the cover. Just pull down and away and it will pop right off. If anyone knows a way to re-insert the bottom tabs I would love to hear it as I'm not sure why they would be there in the first place if they were not to be used to secure the bottom of the cover again.

If you pull the tab out correctly it will go back in, I've had min in/out 3 times already. You pull the small part first, it will extend about 1/4", then the full tab will come out undamaged.

 

[baileych]

If you pull the tab out correctly it will go back in, I've had min in/out 3 times already. You pull the small part first, it will extend about 1/4", then the full tab will come out undamaged.

As far as I can figure, there is only one way to remove the tabs and that is to pry them down until they pop loose from the insert holes. So I'm not sure what "pulling the tab out correctly" means if there is only one way to do it. The tab flanges extend out too far to make it a simple process to re-insert them. That is why I am questioning if they are even meant to be replaced. I have been driving around for a week without them, been through the car was, etc., and the cover is still on and tight.

 

[Lexx]

baileych

I don't think you are doing it correctly. I've had my tow cover on and off numerous times and it is not the tab flange you need to pry off.

It isn't explained well in the manual, but there is a moveable "flat headed pin" within the tab itself. The claws of the whole little tab assembly collapse when the centre pin is pulled, and the claws expand when the pin is pushed in again to secure the cover plate.

You need a very small flat headed screwdriver to slip between the tab flange and the flat head of the pin.

 

[baileych]

baileych

I don't think you are doing it correctly. I've had my tow cover on and off numerous times and it is not the tab flange you need to pry off.

It isn't explained well in the manual, but there is a moveable "flat headed pin" within the tab itself. The claws of the whole little tab assembly collapse when the centre pin is pulled, and the claws expand when the pin is pushed in again to secure the cover plate.

You need a very small flat headed screwdriver to slip between the tab flange and the flat head of the pin.

You sir, are correct! The first time I pulled mine out the pin and the surrounding tab came out, hence my issue with trying to push the flanged tab back in. I tried again and just kept the pressure on the pin head itself and it popped out without taking the tab with it. No problems. Thanks for the input.

Chris

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[MikeAllard]

A little pricy, but it looks decent. Here is the modified hitch cover, allowing constant use (though I have yet to try it).

 

[raress9596]

A little pricy, but it looks decent. Here is the modified hitch cover, allowing constant use (though I have yet to try it). View attachment 153

View attachment 154

Thats what i'm planning on doing. I have one question though. Could you have made the opening smaller? I'm planning on just putting a step hitch on the truck. If the hole was made slightly larger than the hole in the hitch can you slip your hand in behind the bumper and shove the pin in?

 

[MikeAllard]

Yes that would work. I need access to the electric harness as well (which is off center to the left, and I need to attach emergency chains, so I needed the opening quite large. It doesn't look great, but it is a LOT better than without the cover at all - at least it looks "finished" now.

 

[raress9596]

Yes that would work. I need access to the electric harness as well (which is off center to the left, and I need to attach emergency chains, so I needed the opening quite large. It doesn't look great, but it is a LOT better than without the cover at all - at least it looks "finished" now.

It looks very good. I wouldn't need to have the hole that big. For the few times that i'll trailer my vette to the track I'll just pull the entire cover off. I am going to order a new cover and modify it for the step hitch. Thanks for the info.