Can Heat Shield Be Retained When Installing Trailer Hitch On 2015 Subaru Forester

Updated 05/12/2015 | Published 05/10/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(798)

$170.60

Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(119)

$165.36

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(144)

$188.75

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(566)

$186.19

Question:

i just saw that you can install hitches over the heat shield. Your videos previously showed the removal of the heat shield or custom cutting it after hitch is installed. How can i install a Curt or Hidden Hitch without removal of the heat shield. Can you advise? PS My vehicle is a lease. i may need to remove the hitch when i return the vehicle. I would like to have minimal alterations to the car. Any advise? Thanks

asked by: Mike N

Expert Reply:

Per the installation instructions for the trailer hitches we offer for a 2015 Subaru Forester, the heat shield must either be removed or modified when installing a hitch.

For Draw-Tite part # 36523, the instructions say the heat shield must be trimmed or discarded after trimming when the hitch is installed. For Curt hitches like part # C13144 or part # C12100, the heat shield must be permanently removed for hitch installation. If you plan to remove the hitch when you return your leased vehicle, you may wish to remove the heat shield and re-install it when the hitch is removed.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L