Can Under Body Panel on 2017 Volkswagen Jetta be Trimmed Instead of Removed to Install Trailer Hitch

Question:

The video shows an under body panel covering the vapor canister and also states it doesnt need re installed after the hitch is installed. I have a 2017 VW Jetta S and asked my dealer service techs about this and they advised although uncovered wont affect functionality, this is a very expensive part and road debris could damage it. Is there a way the under body panel can be modified to be re installed to prevent such damage?

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

You can trim that panel on your 2017 Volkswagen Jetta when installing trailer hitch # 24926 though there are no specific instructions on how to do so. It looks like you could trim it in such a way so that the rear end rests on top of the hitch cross tube. How you trim it is ultimately up to you and I don't see a reason why you couldn't.

expert reply by: Michael H