Installation of Stealth hitch on 2024 Tesla Model 3

Updated 08/27/2024 | Published 08/21/2024

Question:

I bought your hitch recommended for the tesla 3 2024 I am concerned that the installation has required to remove a large metal plate that protects/reinforces the bumper. Is that the normal procedure? That metal protector must have an important role

asked by: Denys L

Expert Reply:

Hi Denys; you must be referring to the factory reinforcement beam or the base plates. Removing these won't hurt anything and isn't uncommon for a hitch with this design. The instructions for the # 391TES317 actually allow for the reinstallation of the reinforcement beam after the hitch is attached. The base plates must be discarded if you do this but they're replaced by the brackets for the hitch. When the reinforcement beam is discarded the hitch takes its place.

expert reply by: Robin H

Model 3 Reinforcement Beam
(click to enlarge)

Denys

8/27/2024

I am talking only about the tesla 3 2024 which has one large metal/aluminium protection plate (different from 2023 and past models). According to steps 17-18 of your installation instructions manual, even if it appears optional, one has the option of putting back the large metal plate ?

Robin H.

8/27/2024

@Denys I went ahead and attached two pictures above. This is the reinforcement beam. Are we talking about the same thing? I don't see anything else that might qualify as a large metal plate in the instructions that needs to be removed. The only thing I see different for the 2024 instructions from Stealth Hitches is that plastic covers have to come off the end and you have to cut out the weld to separate it. Outside of that you can still reinstall the reinforcement beam on the 2024 by following steps 17 and 18.

Denys

8/27/2024

@RobinH yes we talk about the same thing. I was asking the question because when they installed the itch they discarded the reinforcement beam ( which is different than the 2 plates there was on preceding teslas before 2024) and the installator pretended it did not have to be put back on; I was surprised and prefered they put it back on, as it seems an important protection piece according to other Tesla mechanics that have installed your itch. So you are confirming it can be put back; thank you, this answers my question.