The trailer hitch is covered by a nice body matched cover. To take it off you need to go under and pull two clips that are like clips that hold down plastic covers in the engine bay. Have to use a screw driver and pry the clips out.

Are there better clips for those holding the cover on? What it has don’t seem to be made for multiple use.

 

Gearwrench makes a nice set of clip removal pliers. They work well on the hitch cover and the engine shroud clips, and many of the other plastic clips you’ll encounter. To me they are worth the money. I use them frequently, and they beat trying to pry with a screwdriver since the pliers engage both sides of the clip at once and lever it up and out. Part number 41850 in the Gearwrench store. I have been re-using the same pair of hitch cover clips for ten years, since the pliers don’t deform them.

 

I haven't used those clips in over 3 years, Cover stays in place pretty well.
You could try the christmas tree clips.
I bet with a little creative magic you could get these to work https://catalog.monroeaerospace.com/...-turn-fastener

 

i was going to come up with a neodymium magnet system where the plate just slams itself on magnetically.....but never got around to actually doing it

the problem with not using the clips, is that they are at the leading edge of the airflow, and the most likely place for air turbulence to get in, and peel it off of the car

 

I am disappointed in the design of these clips. Toyota should’ve used a design similar to many other auto manufacturers…
The spring in the pic is a bad idea due to corrosion.
the clip shown is for a Subaru…

 

Are you saying the clip in the link post above yours is not good due to corrosion? Or that the pic you have here is not good due to corrosion?

If the one in your pic is good please let us know where you got it! Part number?

Tool-free would be best.

I am looking for a solution and this thread would be helpful for a lot of people if we can find something.

 

Is the clip in the picture above the factory one with your LX. If so mine came with very different clips - simply plastic with no springs. My 2013 clips are very simple to remove and reinstall either with a small screwdriver or the clip pliers I mentioned. And they are totally reusable. I tow both a horse trailer and a 16 foot dual axle equipment trailer so I have had a lot of experience with the clips over the past 10 years.

 

Sorry for the confusion everyone. I updated my post above to show the clip is for a Subaru.
My Cadillac SRX (Crossover) had a clip similar to the Subaru.
I am going to look for a solution and also want to have a quick disconnect for this cover.
we are going to use the hitch for our bike rack.

NOTE: metal in any clip may corrode unless it is stainless steel or you live in a dry salt free area.

 

Getting closer to a fastener solution.

This is a ‘Swell Latch”. Push the plunger in the hole and push down the lever to hold.

Need to find it in 1/4 inch. Does anyone have a source?

 

any luck on Amazon or eBay?

 

No or general google search for smaller ones.

 

they make cowl mounting hardware for aircraft that are stainless steel, able to handle 200 mph, and very secure. Planes like a Piper use them to hold the entire engine cowl down.
the ones i have seen need a screwdriver to turn the head 90 degree before it snaps free. and there would have to be a mating metal hole/plate that is attached to the car body too.

but i bet those would be the best ones. Maybe if they made one that did not need a screwdriver, but could be pushed in and turned 90 degrees by hand.

i will try to find some that will work. The hitch area looks hideous on my LX, but i have to leave it exposed now because i tow something every week or so, and do not think the OEM attachment buttons would hold up with repeated install/remove cycles.

 

here is one option. it has the pin and the receptacle too. thoughts???
i would prefer to find one where the pin is self capturing, so i do not have to keep track of the two pins every time i take the plastic plate off!


https://www.ebay.com/itm/27361638678...Bk9SR8qoz6CAYg

 

Rethinking the issue.

I would like to be able to reach under with no tools remove the clips to release the cover.

There are two clips 8 or so inches apart. Those clips just hold the panel from sliding backwards and out. The panel is quite secure by itself and clips may not be needed but to be safe it is better to have them.

What if no clips were used? Get a stainless steel wire 12 inches long or so. Put a “Z” bend about 2 inches from each end. The wire stays in the way it is bent but it can be removed by reaching under and pulling one side out then the other.

”Z” bend is like for the wire on the throttle on the carburetor of a lawn mower. Bent to “Z” shape to keep it there.

 

i bought some of those clips above. i do not think they are going to work....needs a rustproof spring in the thing somehow