Should the Heat Shield Be Reinstalled after Trailer Hitch Installation on 2016 Subaru Forester

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Question:

Hi, Im looking to install a hitch on our 2016 Subaru Forester. Your instruction video was helpful but I have a question. The video and the instruction shows removal of a heat shield but they never say to put it back on the vehicle. Should the shield be left off? Also, I do not own a torque wrench. Is it really required? Thanks,

asked by: John

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your 2016 Subaru Forester, the installation instructions for the Curt Class III Trailer Hitch # C13144 never say to reinstall the heat shield over the exhaust, which is why it is not shown in the video. If you'd like to reinstall the heat shield, it can be trimmed to avoid the hitch and reinstalled.

The installation instructions for the Draw-Tite Class III Max-Frame Trailer Hitch # 75876 for your Forester state to trim the heat shield to accommodate the hitch installation. I have attached a video of this hitch being installed for you to see how we trimmed the heat shield.

When reinstalling the heat shield, it is important to ensure that none of the shield is trapped between the vehicle frame and the hitch. This is why it is important to trim the shield to avoid the hitch before reinstalling it.

Between the Curt # C13144 trailer hitch and the Draw-Tite # 75876 hitch for your 2016 Forester, I recommend the Draw-Tite # 75876 because it will not require any additional supports when using hitch mounted accessories such as bike racks or cargo carriers. To comply with the Curt hitch's warranty, a support strap # 18050 must be used with all non-trailer loads. The Draw-Tite hitch's warranty does not have this stipulation.

You will need a torque wrench to install either of these trailer hitches on your Forester. The hitch hardware needs to be torqued to the specified ft-lb as listed in the installation instructions. A great option to add a torque wrench to your toolbox is the Powerbuilt Dual Drive Torque Wrench # ALL944001 that offers both a 3/8 inch drive and a 1/2 inch drive. This wrench will read torque from 10 - 150 ft-lb.

expert reply by: Victoria B

1

Answer 1

The etrailer.com hitch part #E98853 would be an excellent choice for your 2019 Toyota Sienna in terms of exhaust clearance. I attached a picture of the hitch installed and you can see that it easily fits with the exhaust with room to spare.

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Answer 2

The trailer hitch with the best ground clearance for a 2015 Toyota Sienna is the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part #e98853 which will measure are 10-3/4"-11" from the ground to the bottom of the receiver tube.

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Answer 3

Yes, depending on the hitch you choose, you will have to modify, reinstall, or remove entirely the heat shield from your 2020 Subaru Forester. While all the hitch options for your Forester except for the EcoHitch #306-X7391 are roughly the same…

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Answer 4

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part #76112 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part #e98853 are both great options for a 2015 Toyota Sienna. The Draw-Tite hitch measures around 12" from the ground to the top inside edge of the…

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 7

Hey Richard, thanks for reaching out! The Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator #099-175-00 is a great option for a replacement actuator because it's a direct replacement for the common Model 60 actuators that were popular in the '90s.…

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Answer 8

I have some great replacement brake actuator options but that is the route you'll need to go as Atwood has been out of business for quite awhile so replacement parts are almost non existent. The best replacement option we offer is the Demco…

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Answer 9

If you replace the current brakes on your trailer with the same uni-servo drum brakes and no lockout actuator (like #T2351000), the brakes will deliver 20 percent braking when traveling in reverse. However, the more pressure you apply going backwards…

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Answer 10

When we installed the Draw Tite hitch part #76112 on a 2015 Toyota Sienna similar to your 2017 model we found that from the top of the hitch opening down to the ground it measured 12 inches. Since this is a 2 inch hitch that would put the ground…

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Answer 11

For your 2020 Toyota Sienna I highly recommend the etrailer.com Trailer Hitch #e98853 because of its hidden-crosstube design and unique matte black finish that matches the Sienna well and is less prone to scratches. This Class III hitch will line up…

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Answer 12

The benefit to a non-powered trailer wiring harness is that it's a bit easier to install since you don't have to run a wire up to the battery of the vehicle. The advantage to a powered kit is that it does a better job protecting the taillight…

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Should the Heat Shield Be Reinstalled after Trailer Hitch Installation on 2016 Subaru Forester

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