Does the Spare Tire Heat Shield Need to be Removed When Installing Curt Hitch on 2019 Subaru Ascent

Updated 03/21/2019 | Published 03/20/2019

Question:

I have bought this part for my ascent. I am noticing in the installation video and guide that there is no mention of reinstalling the spare tire shield. Is that a mistake and the shield can be reinstalled or is that something that cant be done once the part is installed?

asked by: Kaylee G

Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch part # C13400 for the 2019 Subaru Ascent does require the spare tire heat shield to be removed during installation. The spare tire shield does not reinstall because the side plates of the hitch are between the spare tire and the exhaust. The side plates of the hitch now act as the heat shield that was removed. I have attached a photo to show how the side plates protect the spare tire from heat from the exhaust.

There is a heat shield above the exhaust that does not require removal but it does need to be trimmed to allow access to the frame holes to install the hitch. The exhaust heat shield requires 5 by 2-1/4 inch square to be trimmed out of it.

expert reply by: Heather A