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This completely hidden hitch keeps your Tesla Model 3 looking like it just came off the assembly line. Remove the receiver for a fully concealed look when you're not carrying your bikes to the trail. Only for use with hitch-mounted racks and carriers.
Features:
Specs:
Note: This rack receiver is for hitch-mounted accessories only. The receiver tube included with this hitch cannot be used for towing.
If you would like to upgrade this rack receiver for towing, you will need to purchase the Stealth Hitches towing kit (391CONVB7 - sold separately). The ball mount included in this kit inserts into the center block of the hitch in place of the receiver attachment. A 2" hitch ball is included with the ball mount, making it ready to tow with out of the box.
If you want to take your bikes to the trail with your family this summer, you have plenty of options. You can carry your bikes on top of your car with a roof rack, but that bulky rack can increase drag on your ride. You can use a trunk rack, but that's a pain to mount and it can scratch your car's paint. Or you can install a hitch on your ride and use a hitch-mounted bike rack to carry your bikes.
This rack receiver is designed to act as a mounting point for your hitch bike rack or cargo carrier. Just slide the shank of your carrier into the receiver for use, and when you're done you can not only remove the carrier, but the receiver as well, leaving your vehicle looking clean and unmodified.
Nothing can ruin the clean, stylish look of your vehicle like a giant piece of metal bolted beneath its bumper. Luckily, with the Stealth Hitches rack receiver, you never have to worry about messing up your vehicle's lines.
This hitch installs behind your bumper, keeping the cross tube concealed and leaving only the hitch receiver visible. Even better, the receiver can be easily removed from the cross tube when it's not in use so that you won't see any trace of the hitch. This means that you can retain that clean, from-the-factory look for your ride, while still being able to carry your bikes and gear on the next family road trip.
The receiver can be attached or detached in seconds with no tools required. To insert the receiver, simply pop the base up into the stainless steel block at the center of the hitch until it automatically latches in place.
Be sure to then press the lock on the side of the block to fully secure the receiver. When you're finished carrying your bikes or cargo, use the included key to unlock the latch. Then turn the handle on the block clockwise and remove the receiver. You can stow the receiver in a safe place, like your vehicle's rear cargo area, or you can use a convenient carrying case (391CASER - sold separately).
And when you're not using the receiver attachment, the included hitch plug covers the center block's opening to protect the hitch's body from dirt and debris.
At etrailer.com we're committed to the products we sell, and to our customers. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff are available via both phone and email to address your questions and concerns for the lifetime of your hitch. The technicians at etrailer perform hitch installations on a daily basis, making them a valuable resource for do-it-yourselfers. The one-on-one, personal service you'll receive comes straight from an expert in the towing and automotive field. We've installed it, we've wired it, and we've towed with it, so whatever your question, we can answer it.
Alternate Instructions
Tech Tip
The included receiver is not designed for trailer towing. The Towing Package Upgrade Kit, 391CONVB7 (sold separately), is required for towing capability. No drilling required for installation , Requires temporary removal of bumper/fascia during installation , Trimming or removal of underbody panel required for installation
Average Customer Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars (139 Customer Reviews)
This completely hidden hitch keeps your vehicle looking like it just came off the assembly line. Remove the receiver for a fully concealed look when you're not carrying your bikes to the trail. Only for use with hitch-mounted racks and carriers.A compact and sturdy build. Very good instructions, particularly for the 2024 Model 3 Performance. If working alone, support the bumper cover on boxes or blocks when removing/installing. Unplugging the two wiring connections on the bumper can be tricky, so take your time. I modified the bumper beam with a grinder, but a drill will work fine. it's aluminum, so easy to cut. My only issue with the install is that the hitch sits a hair low, so that the rubber plug in the bottom of the locking mechanism hits the bottom inside of the bumper cover. But, that closeness doesn’t really interfere with hitch installation or the cover plate for the hitch opening when the hitch is not in use. My car is now ready for my bike rack, or hitch mounted luggage rack. I do not tow with this vehicle, although it is certainly capable.
The model 3 stealth hitch is amazing. I primarily use it to attach a bike rack and have had no issues with putting it on or taking it off when not in use. Love that I can keep my model 3 body lines when not needing the hitch itself. Highly recommend this product!
etrailer’s exceptional service includes quick shipping and meticulous packaging with a step-by-step instruction manual. Attaching the stealth hitch differed from other videos; my bracket was welded to the steel beam, requiring an hour of chiseling and hammering. Thankfully, I had the right tools. The ground clearance is an issue with my 2019 Tesla Model 3 SR+ on 19-inch wheels. Pulling in/out at certain angles sometimes causes scraping on the bike rack hitch. I may need a different bike rack. Overall, give yourself ample time to go through each step carefully. It’s worth it. :)
I installed this hitch on my Tesla Model 3 to carry e-bikes (makes sense, EV + e-bike). The hitch is invisible until I add the receiver, which I do only when mounting the bike rack. This is the perfect solution for this application and car!
I absolutely love how it hides under the bumper cover. However, a drawback is that it is so low that when backing up I hit the curb if I have forgottent that I have the hitch installed. My next strike on the stealth hitch is its weight. How about making it from aluminum?
Very pleased with the hitch. It is well made and sturdy. Installation went very much as shown in helpful related YouTube videos. My son, an ex auto tech, got it done in around 1 1/2 hours. It likely would have taken me twice as long at least. One installation tip is that for our 2023 Model 3 install when removing the rear bumper we found that electrical connection was not connected as shown in many of the videos. The connector was there but not plugged in. A check with Tesla support gained the answer that for the new switch to cameras for driver assist no longer required that electrical connection. In other words it was not supposed to be connected.
Robert B.
6/15/2024
Great. This receiver hitch is very sturdy and convenient to make disappear when it is not needed. Would recommend highly to anyone for a long term hitch solution.
Love the product and service! etrailer is an awesome business! And my friend and owner of Subaru Guys in Albuquerque did this super installation. Thanks Jared!
Only used a handful of times after a year, but works great. I love being able to quickly install (~5 minutes) and remove the receiver so that clearance is not sacrificed when it's not needed. Install of hardware was straightforward with provided instructions. My Model 3 was older without the access hatch, so I bought the newer version underbody panel from Tesla, which provides the needed access with a replaceable panel for protection when not using the hitch.
I installed this hitch in about 3 hours, took my time to make sure everything was right. There’s nothing worse than completing a job then realizing you forgot a screw. The etrailer instructional video was perfect and made the job so much easier. Shipping was super fast !!! Ordered and received within 3 days !!! Best prices for most anything you order from them and customer support is on point. I’ve ordered several items from etrailer in the past and always get the absolute best price … oh yeah, they price match too !!!! Luv etrailer !!!
Leigh
4/12/2023
Receiver works perfect, solid quality product. Can’t comment on ease of removal because I always leave on my vehicle. I would buy again definitely.
A year in and still works great. Easy to put in and take out. The hitch does ride low, and coming out of steep driveways and some speed humps the bottom of the hitch will scrape. I can avoid it most of the time, but just go slow on steep inclines and speed humps.
The only other issue I had was that the cover that holds the keyway protector did not come installed and I didn't see a way to secure it. It is currently on with friction, and hasn't fallen off, but that's the only issue that could have been better.
All in all, still awesome and easy and I appreciate the very solid engineering. Worth the money.
Great hitch. I have a 2019 Tesla model 3 performance. My trailer fully load weighed close to 3500lbs. The EV pulled the trailer with ease. The installation was a bit time consuming, but went well.
Really nice hitch. Installed on my Tesla model 3 which has really low clearance. Love that I can remove it when it's not in use.
It works great for our Tesla model 3 and two e-bikes. No longer have to use our gas truck to go for a bike ride. Easy to install and great service from etrailer.
This is a very good receiver. It mounts solidly with no flex. I use it for a bike rack and even with 3 bikes this does not move around. The latch/release mechanism is very solid and works smoothly.
Well made kit with usable instructions for the Tesla Model 3. Tesla changes their assembly techniques frequently so the instructions may not be completely accurate, however, it is easy to see where you need to modify. Highly recommend using jack stands or ramps for easier access to the under tray. Also, use painters tape to protect the body panels due to removal and more importantly reinstalling the bumper. It took two of us just over 3 hours to complete.
The hitch seems well designed and doesn't affect the profile of the car when the receiver isn't installed. You can replace the hitch panel on newer model 3s and nobody would ever know it is there. Once the hitch receiver is installed it does stick out prominently from the body. Depending on your rack, this may be a great thing, or a slightly bad thing. My Yakima Dr. Tray sticks out quite a bit maybe impeding approach angles. I haven't had any issues yet, but does cross my mind while driving.
If you're carrying bikes on the Model 3, this seems like the best choice. I wanted to use suction cups on the glass, but both reviews and manufacturer recommends against it due to Tesla's glass crack issues. No guarantees it won't crack even when following updated suction cup locations. The Tesla roof rack is too cumbersome to mount and unmount and also has glass cracking issues. So, that leaves hitch racks and this seems to be the best solution.
Love that this is completely invisible when not in use. I installed it myself, and though it wasn’t “easy,” it’s very doable. (I’m not particularly handy…) Great product.
It does the job. I notice I drag it every once in a while but it does the job. Install is a bit rough. I like it.
Attila
9/14/2024
It does the job. No complaints. Works great!
Installed it myself. 2-3 hours for anyone mechanical, with all the right tools on hand. The hitch fits well, seems well made and is sturdy. the materials provided as well as the install video were a great help.
This hitch is expensive. I picked this over the others for design and the ease of use despite the sticker shock.
I wish I knew the keys were inside the hitch itself. I spent a little too much time searching for it before by chance stumbling upon it. Hopefully it shows this in the instructions and I just missed it. The directions also do not specify this to my satisfaction, but you will have spare parts. The factory impact bar mounting brackets come off and are replaced with supplied brackets. I hope they are up to the task of the original factory design.
The shipment was later than estimated, but the communication from etrailer was good after delivery.
This was my 1st time installing and it took a few hours. The passenger side 25mm torx screw was hard to get off and on from the Tesla. The kit is perfect and fits my 2021 Tesla Model 3 with no cutting. I did buy the separate black and orange plastic tool set, it made the job easier. I did use painters blue tape to prevent scratches. I did trim the small Rubber cap so I could out the removable black cover back on underneath when I am not usine the hidden hitch. Note older Teslas do not have the removable cover, so minor trimming of that cover will be required.
Received package three days after placing order! Put it on myself the same day. Had help from a friend; I have no experience working on cars and took about three hours to install. The instructions were pretty easy to follow, though I wish they had better pictures (angles). I got the rack only option, and step 14 of the instruction called to mount the chain hooks, I looked for the chain hooks for a good five minutes and thought they forgot to include it. Turn out the chain hooks only come with the tow package, silly me lol. The template for trimming the bottom panel is accurate, hopefully you have the newer model 3 and don't have to cut it (Dremel tool did a good job cutting it). The receiver and locking mechanism look a lot more solid than the EcoHitch version. Unlike the EcoHitch, there's no bolts to mess with when removing the receiver, so it's very easy to remove and install the receiver.
Excellent hitch, very solid, fitted to my Tesla mode 3, thoroughly recommend this hitch
The stealth hitch is worth the money spent. Easily detaches when not in use and does not affect the profile of the car. The process of setting up the free install with etrailer makes it even better.
This thing is a super well constructed and designed unit. Install took be about 2-3hrs and instructions were very good, if you have moderate DIY skills definitely doable. The best part is how easy and secure removing the receiver is.
Fits perfectly with model 3 2022. The only thing I noticed is the right side of my crush bar had only 2 holes instead of 3 as in the installation manual. Other than that installation went smooth. Thanks etrailer for prompt delivery.
Very happy with the hitch! Installed myself in about 2.5 hours. Video and documentation is easy to follow.
Instructions on how to actually use/lock the receiver could use more info.
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Galen
8/25/2024
I am very happy with the stealth hitch receiver. The only real negative that I discovered after installing it, is that when backing up to a curb with the receiver installed, it is low enough that hitting the curb is very likely. That would then damage the car. I have had to be very careful and remember not to back up too far into a spot if I have the receiver installed. So far so good. I absolutely recomend this product.