SHould the Heat Shield be Reinstalled When Installing the Curt C13409 on my 2020 Subaru Forester

Updated 10/13/2020 | Published 10/10/2020

Question:

In the answer to Jim T about the heat shield on a 2020 Subaru Forester and the Curt 13409 hitch, you say not to reinstall the heat shield because there should be nothing between the hitch and the frame of the car and if you do the bolts might come loose. However, your install video shows the heat shield being re-installed, the Curt installation guide says its optional, and the fact that Subaru provides drilling dimples in the heat shield would seem to indicate that Subaru thinks it should be re-installed. Im not saying which is correct, but I think you should be consistent.

asked by: Mike M

Expert Reply:

I agree that while it is up to the consumer and either way is the correct way to do it in the end that when installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13409 that the heat shield should be re installed. If for no other reason just to add a little additional protection.

expert reply by: Randy B