Is it Safe to Remove Heat Shield on 2015 Subaru Forester to Install Curt Hitch # C13144
Question:
2015 Subaru Forester Premium Is there a liability issue by removing the heat shield from the car? Subaru put the shield there for a reason? any thoughts? Thanks
asked by: Marlin
Expert Reply:
When it comes to installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver, # C13144, on your 2015 Subaru Forester, the hitch itself will now act as a heat shield for your vehicle. If you would feel more comfortable re-installing the original heat shield, you could do so just as long as you remove the portion of the shield that comes in contact with the frame. Please keep in mind that you will be removing some of the mounting points so there is a good chance that this will cause the shield to rattle and the cutting of the metal could cause it to rust.
I spoke with my contact at Curt and they have no reports of any issues from the heat shield being removed for hitch installation. Extensive testing is done before they release their instructions and since they specifically state to remove the shield, Curt will stand behind you should an issue arise.
Just a quick reminder, Curt does require the use of Support Straps, # 18050, for all non-trailer loads including bike racks, cargo carriers and so forth. Failure to properly support these loads will void your hitch warranty from Curt.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Tie Down Straps
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Trimming Around Heat Shield to Install Hitch on 2017 Subaru Forester
- Search Results: brake wiring
- Search Results: class 3 trailer hitch
- Search Results: t~one vehicle wiring harness
- Video: Setting up the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2015 Subaru Forester
- Video: Installation: Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2015 Subaru Forester
- Video: 2015 Subaru Forester Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver: Complete Installation
- Video: Set up: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2017 Subaru Forester
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: 2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 5/8" Rise, 1-1/4" Drop - 7" Long - 3.5K
- Video: Comprehensive Review: Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories
- Q&A: Does the Heat Shield Need To Be Reinstalled With Trailer Hitch on a 2019 Subaru Forester
- Q&A: Need Installation Instructions for Curt Class III 2-Inch Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13144
- Q&A: Will Removing the Heatshield For Installation of Curt Hitch Cause Damage to 2014 Subaru Forester
- Q&A: Is it Okay to Remove Heat Shield of 2018 Subaru Forester When Installing Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Ultimate Overview of the No-Drill Mount for Electrical Mounting Bracket
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Search Results: hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
on Trailer Hitch
