Does Appearance Panel of 2006 Toyota Prius Need to be Removed to Install Draw-Tite Hitch #24808

Question:

The hitch has been installed without the plastic underbody piece. I am told it is a purely cosmetic item no effect on gas mileage, no additional risk of corrosion etc. Is that accurate? If I do the cutouts and re-install the plastic cover, will it be overly flexible the mechanics reason for not modifying and re-installing the piece. Is there a template available for making the cutouts Id rather have it on!

asked by: Josh

Expert Reply:

If it was my vehicle I would just leave the appearance panel off of the 2006 Toyota Prius after installing the # 24808. Like the mechanic said, it's not going to affect mileage or corrosion or anything so it wouldn't be worth it to me to put back on.

That being said, if you have the panel and want to reinstall it you certainly could by trimming it. We don't have a template but we do have a drawing I took from the install instructions that I attached to this page.

expert reply by: Jameson C