Does Draw-Tite Class I 24965 Replace Factory Heat Shield When Installed on 2013 Hyundai Sonata

Updated 04/08/2021 | Published 04/06/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

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$187.04

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

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$57.04

Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitch - 2-1/8" Rise, 2-3/4" Drop - 6-5/8" Long - 2K

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$38.91

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

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Question:

does the actual hitch act as a heat shield after cutting the actual heat shield? i dont want my fuel tank to get hot and possibly catch on fire or worse explode. I do not have a hybrid.

asked by: Nathan

Expert Reply:

You're exactly correct. Once the # 24965 hitch is installed, it will act as the heat shield protecting the gas tank from the heat given off by the exhaust system. You needn't worry about the portion of the shield that's trimmed away, the hitch is constructed of much heavier and thicker metal than the very thin metal the heat shield is constructed of.

If you'll be using the hitch for light duty towing, you'll need a few other items to complete your towing system. For a trailer wring harness, use # 118557 which is a confirmed fit for your non-hybrid model. For a ball mount, use # 3593 and # 19256 for a 1-7/8 inch hitch ball or # 19258 for a 2 inch.

I've linked to install videos for the hitch you'd asked about as well as for the two trailer wiring harnesses mentioned above.

expert reply by: Mike L