Anyone create/buy a cover for the hole in the bumper with hitch installed?

[GPSMan]

This is one of those 99.9% chance it is OK things.

Don't you think there is a less than 1% chance, less than 1 in 100 trips when the hitch comes off the ball?

Then if such event happens, 9 of 10 times the weld will hold?

I'm not a welder by trade but it's not like glue. The two metal pieces become one, but yes there can be stress cracks from the heating and cooling and the metal can be more brittle, etc. for sure more unknowns than the OEM set-up.

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[Mymaverick2021]

You are correct about the attaching the chains in an X pattern. I don't believe it to be a law, just a good safety advice. Thanks for bringing up this point. I forgot about that important bit of information. I wonder if cutting off the OEM rings prior to install, then re-attaching them is a possibility and worth the effort.

I actually tried that 1st but to no Avail, Which led me to just cutting them off I have a hybrid and don't plan on towing anything more than a trailer to haul trash to the dump so it works for me.

 

[Dad]

I actually tried that 1st but to no Avail, Which led me to just cutting them off I have a hybrid and don't plan on towing anything more than a trailer to haul trash to the dump so it works for me.

Makes sense. Anyway, thanks for pioneering this modification and sharing. Much appreciated.

 

[GPSMan]

1) yes. I may tow 20 times in my lifetime

2) you are being ridiculously ridiculous

 

[Eber1988]

I do the x with the chains if I can. There have been times where the chain wasn't long enough to do so. I also have never had a hitch bounce of the ball and have towed a lot of trailers for personal use and for work.

 

[Don806]

Wonder if someone would like to start a post and poll asking for pics and we can vote on the “least scratched up” bumper cover piece from the hitch cover install?

 

[JfredTrem]

Wonder if someone would like to start a post and poll asking for pics and we can vote on the “least scratched up” bumper cover piece from the hitch cover install?

Least scratched I win... easy way to get it in if you don't need the 4pin.. where the red highlight is.. cut away the back lip part that tucks under. On the top left cut to right before the clip. Right side.. right before the curve. I ziptied the pins out of the way as I will never use it.

 

[Dad]

The X chain arrangement does a few things for you.

Can and should create a cradle to "catch" the tongue of the trailer so it won't hit the ground should the trailer come off the ball.

Insures you have enough slack to turn in both directions.

Less likely to drag on the ground making sparks when making sharp curves. That part IS illegal in western states. Maybe anywhere.

me neither although dynamic shock load needs to be higher than static load. If you weigh 100# and jump off a building do you hit the ground with 100# of force? No.

i looked at home depot and they had a bolt on for 3600lbs and a weld on for 6200lbs - more concern is with lack of X connect for the chains.

Excellent post. Very informative and you're spot on about why the chains are crossed.

 

[Dad]

Least scratched I win... easy way to get it in if you don't need the 4pin.. where the red highlight is.. cut away the back lip part that tucks under. On the top left cut to right before the clip. Right side.. right before the curve. I ziptied the pins out of the way as I will never use it.

Not sure why one would not "need" the light harness. If you're pulling a trailer of any kind that's a necessity. Perhaps you have other uses in mind for the hitch.

 

[JfredTrem]

Not sure why one would not "need" the light harness. If you're pulling a trailer of any kind that's a necessity. Perhaps you have other uses in mind for the hitch.

I will never use the hitch for anything. Wish it wasn't there.

 

[Dad]

I will never use the hitch for anything. Wish it wasn't there.

Understood. Install looks good.

 

[CZaugg]

Here's how mine turned out. If and ever I need to use the electrical hook up, it is zip tied behind the bumper and easy to connect. In the meantime, out of sight.

 

[Montana]

I agree with others, once you see it, you can't unsee it

But I have the 7 pin, so no joy for me. Thought about ordering one anyways and trying to make it work but it looks impossible with the 7 pin cover. If I was to remove the cover it may be possible. I even considered removing the hitch since I don't actually tow, I just wanted the 4k tow for the gearing lol. Of course, the second I do that I will need to tow something. I just haven't needed to in over 5 years.

 

[Mervin the Maverick]

Sell me one, please! I am lazy!

 

[capecruiser]

I agree with others, once you see it, you can't unsee it

But I have the 7 pin, so no joy for me. Thought about ordering one anyways and trying to make it work but it looks impossible with the 7 pin cover. If I was to remove the cover it may be possible. I even considered removing the hitch since I don't actually tow, I just wanted the 4k tow for the gearing lol. Of course, the second I do that I will need to tow something. I just haven't needed to in over 5 years.

With 7 pin connector. Scratched it on the final fitting lol.

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