Clean up area around the trailer hitch

[Don806]

If I had to do it over again, I would have put the piece in some hot water for 5-10 minutes right before installing, to see if I could soften up the piece just a little

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[Don806]

It was not super easy. It definitely helps to remove the push tabs under the bumper closest to the hitch. That gives you some flex that helps. Others have said to remove the wiring harness as well but I could never get mine to unclog and removed. I nearly gave up and was about to come back here to ask for mores specifics on getting the wiring harness removed but I tried bending and prying one last time and voila, the cover finally slid up and sort of snapped into place. I wish I could give you better instructions. But it’s just a tedious process that took patience and multiple attempts.

AND A LOT OF SWEAR WORDS WERE INVOLVED!!!!!!!!!

 

[Carlitos_92]

@Don806 I was gonna bump this thread yesterday to say THANKS for your dimensions several pages back! I did this mod yesterday and am happy to say it worked out fine. If anything, I could have tightened up the cut for the 4-pin connector, but I was more worried about neatness than tolerance.

All the key takeaways have been mentioned in the previous 7+ pages... Removing the 4-pin connector was helpful. As was pulling out a couple of fender screws either side of the hitch area.

The only tweak I can add is that I used some plastic push clips I had laying around for the two holes on the bottom. I had to rout out the holes in the trim piece and the fender a tiny bit. Looks 100% OEM except for my cutting. All in all, a great cosmetic mod for less than $30.

Edit: went out and took these pics, and looks like I never plugged the trailer connector back in yesterday. Oops.

 

[EONR24]

 

[EONR24]

I cut a rectangle because it was easier for me. I followed other users instructions and I removed one screw on each side nearest to the hitch under the rear bumper. This allowed me to slide the piece in little by little at an angle, while also pulling each side open to get more room.

 

[EONR24]

I then made sure all of the plastic clips were secure and everything was flush. Then I secured the bottom two holes with two zip ties

 

[Llamaryudo]

I'm going to try this again on the weekend when I'm less tired and have more patience. This looks simple enough but actually a pain in the ass to actually install. I already have some scratches on the surface even after using masking tape to prevent it. Good to see all the tips from here.

 

[Don806]

@Don806 I was gonna bump this thread yesterday to say THANKS for your dimensions several pages back! I did this mod yesterday and am happy to say it worked out fine. If anything, I could have tightened up the cut for the 4-pin connector, but I was more worried about neatness than tolerance.

All the key takeaways have been mentioned in the previous 7+ pages... Removing the 4-pin connector was helpful. As was pulling out a couple of fender screws either side of the hitch area.

The only tweak I can add is that I used some plastic push clips I had laying around for the two holes on the bottom. I had to rout out the holes in the trim piece and the fender a tiny bit. Looks 100% OEM except for my cutting. All in all, a great cosmetic mod for less than $30.

Edit: went out and took these pics, and looks like I never plugged the trailer connector back in yesterday. Oops.

Looks great
It was my 2nd favorite mod, but the biggest PIA, just due to the install

 

[Don806]

I cut a rectangle because it was easier for me. I followed other users instructions and I removed one screw on each side nearest to the hitch under the rear bumper. This allowed me to slide the piece in little by little at an angle, while also pulling each side open to get more room.

Nice work
I noticed part of your license plate in the pics, you anywhere near se part of the state?

 

[EONR24]

Nice work
I noticed part of your license plate in the pics, you anywhere near se part of the state?

Im in the CINCY area

 

[Don806]

Im in the CINCY area

I’ll keep an eye out for your truck when we’re over that way !

 

[First Sergeant]

I cut a rectangle because it was easier for me. I followed other users instructions and I removed one screw on each side nearest to the hitch under the rear bumper. This allowed me to slide the piece in little by little at an angle, while also pulling each side open to get more room.

That is a nice, clean install! I did mine a few months back, got the part with Ford Pass points and got to cutting. A little too large on my bottom cut around the 4 -pin, but it is what it is and doesn't look too horrible. I had a spare 7-pin laying around and out it on. Had to mount it where it is at because of the plastic bracing on the backside was in the way everywhere else. I sometimes pull small trailers that have 7-p

in and do not like those adapters. Just one more thing to fall out / go wrong. Looks like things are scratched, but no, just a dirty little truck in need of a bath!

 

[BlueMav43]

Thank you to all who have provided part#, measurements, experiences, & photos. I completed mine today. I'm sure the 90 degree temp helped with part flexibility. My dremel skills certainly are not what they used to be (I'm nearing 81), but it isn't too bad. It looks a bit more "finished" now. Bottom is secured with plastic push pins.

 

[EONR24]

Thank you to all who have provided part#, measurements, experiences, & photos. I completed mine today. I'm sure the 90 degree temp helped with part flexibility. My dremel skills certainly are not what they used to be (I'm nearing 81), but it isn't too bad. It looks a bit more "finished" now. Bottom is secured with plastic push pins.

Looks great! this is such a subtle mod but when you look at the entire rear of the vehicle after it is complete, it really does clean it up and it makes everything look more symmetrical !

 

[Carlitos_92]

Looks great! this is such a subtle mod but when you look at the entire rear of the vehicle after it is complete, it really does clean it up and it make everything look more symmetrical !

I was laughing the other day when I saw the camouflaged trucks in the recent spy photos are missing this trim piece too.

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