Will The Stealth Hitches Hidden Trailer Hitch SH32TR Affect The Foot Sensor On A 2026 BMW X5?

Updated 12/05/2025 | Published 11/24/2025

Question:

Will adding this stealth hitch affect the operation of the tailgate kick open sensor?

asked by: Corey J

Expert Reply:

Welcome back, Corey!

Will the Stealth Hitches Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver w/ Towing Kit - Custom Fit - 2" # SH32TR interfere with the foot sensor? Yes it will. Will it completely negate its use? Absolutely not.

I have been doing this for over a decade now and I have never see a hitch make that foot sensor completely not work. You will just need to find that sweet spot on either side of the receiver tube/ball mount (when you have it installed) and the sensor will work as normal. It will probably take a few times to get used to the new spot, but it will become second nature pretty quickly.

What are you planning on using the hitch for? The 2026 BMW X5 does look like it can tow a pretty good amount!

expert reply by: Lazer S

Corey

12/3/2025

So the sensor is not removed, disassembled, or repositioned during the installation of the stealth hitch? One just needs to kick in the right place?

Lazer S.

12/3/2025

@Corey That is correct on all points. Well, it does need to be unplugged while you are installing the hitch so you can remove the bumper fascia (see instructions linked to this response), but it gets plugged back in when you are reassembling everything.

Helpful Links

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2182/3043/files/shr31028__pn_2120-31028-2_07_15_2025.pdf?v=1752693038

Corey

12/5/2025

@LazerS the link you shared doesn’t work. Can you send me one that does?

Lazer S.

12/5/2025

@Corey Sorry about that. We have been having a few issues with instructions for some reason, so try copying and pasting this one in the URL/Address bar: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2182/3043/files/SHR31028__pn_2120-31028-2_07_15_2025.pdf?v=1752693038