Can I install the spare wheel at the back without the back plate of wheel cover?

[Delta21 Moderated member Find all posts View Profile Close Delta21]

Hi all,

I am trying to remove the backplate of the wheel cover on the back of my Prado GXL 2021.

I am stuck, have removed 4 screws but still can't take it off.

Am I supposed to remove anything else before I am able to take it off? there is little round plastic, am I supposed fo undo that? If yes, how?

And once I am able to remove the back plate, can I put the spare wheel back on without the backplate?

I am not planning on putting the spare wheel cover on to get clear view of tow hitch and hence don't want spare wheel cover on.

Appreciate the help.

[Delta21 Moderated member Find all posts View Profile Close Delta21]

Hi all,

All good now, the little thing was a pop out screw, used a letter opener to pull it out and was able to remove the back plate easy as.

Have put the wheel back on and it doesn't seem to be touching the back of the car to damage the paint.

Final result, no wheel cover or back plate on, cut the housing of the rear camera a bit at the bottom and now we have a clear view of the hitch while reversing, yay!

[dershba Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close dershba]

Yeah mate, did the same thing with mine, works a treat

[carco Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close carco]

Stops stones from getting stuck between back plate and car too.
Most owners wouldn’t realise the damage that’s been going on behind that piece of plastic.