Here's the stock receiver.
I bent the plastic out best I could using 2x4's thinking those top bolts would get past the plastic cover if I bent it out enough. No go. They were 2" bolts, not sure how you could get the top ones out while pulling the cover back without paint damage. As it was, the clear coat wanted to crack in some spots on the bumper cover as I stressed it.
That's when I decided to remove the cover all together. All three cover pieces are bolted together (left, center and right), so they came off as one large piece. Very easy once you understand how its all attached. (watch the video in my earlier link).
The bumper cover removal made the old receiver removal and new receiver installation much, much easier.
The big surprise was that the welded nut assembly WOULD NOT FIT through the access hole (on the spare tire side of the bumper) that is supposed to be used per the Hidden Hitch installation directions. This is Hidden Hitch's big screw up. As you can see, the plate and bolt are TOO THICK to go in the hole (holding all jokes about now
). If I had not removed the bumper cover, I would have had to ground the welded nut assembly down to make it go in. Unbelievable that they missed this.
The bumper cover removal made it so I could fit the welded nut easily through the large bumper hole located under the bumper cover (that I removed). This is on the opposite side of the access hole you are supposed to use per the instructions.
Buttoning it all back up was no big deal. I broke a few of the little insert clips, so I'll hit the auto parts store to replace. No biggie.
Here's a few of the finished project.
I really don't like that Hidden Hitch did not design this receiver to hug the bumper more. I guess when its designed to fit several vehicles, there will be compromise. I guess not that big of a deal. Overall quality of the receiver is very good (not counting the installation design issues).
It sticks out a bit more than the stock 2" Receiver.
I DO NOT like the fact that the electrical mount is the lowest point on the receiver by a few inches. The top of the wood is under the receiver plate. so this shows the lowest spot. I guess its not a big deal, but I just don't like what could happen with a squatted T4R and rough terrain. I'd hate to damage that in the middle of a trip.
I run 265/70-16's. This shows I can go maybe an inch or so more in diameter in there. But I'll need to pay attention to the space for the spare tire if I go with a larger diameter tire.
I hope this is helpful for others when they face this project on the 4th Gen.