Does the Heat Shield Need to be Removed to Install the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver

Question

Question:

is it better to cut the heat shield or drill it? on a 2024 subaru forester

asked by: Fred H

0

Expert Reply:

The heat shield actually has to be permanently removed to install the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e83ZR on your 2024 Subaru Forester.

expert reply by: Bryce D

0

Fred H.

3/6/2024

it does not say that in the instruction sheet that comes with the hitch it said either cut or drill the heat shield and reinstall it

Reply

Bryce D.

3/11/2024

@FredH It's up to you then, our techs found it better to remove the heat shield all together, but if you want to keep it you'd just need to make sure there is a 1 1/8" hole on either side of the frame for the mounting hardware to pass through - but it really does not matter if you drill or cut.

Reply

Gary

5/8/2025

For a 2025 Forester, can the heat shield be reinstalled? Is trimming the shield necessary?

Reply

Jesse M.

5/14/2025

@Gary Yes the heat shield can be trimmed and reinstalled. Take a look at the video in the link below. Around the 8:30 mark you can see how to trim the shield.

Helpful Links

tv-install-curt-trailer-hitch-receiver-custom-fit-2025-subaru-forester-c13409.aspx

Reply

Answer 1

Hi Chris, We can definitely get you set up with an excellent hitch for your Kuat bike carrier! Since you mentioned liking the matte black finish (I’m a fan too, it really gives that nice OEM look), I’d recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver -…

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Answer 2

Hello Tom, Congrats on the new 2025 Subaru Wilderness! What is your favorite new feature? I went ahead and reached out to the Subaru OEM parts website and was able to confirm that the same hitch will work for the both the 2025 Forester and the…

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Answer 3

Hey Bruce, the hands free liftgate of your 2025 Subaru Forester would be limited with the install of the etrailer hitch part #e83ZR but you would be able to kick to either side of the hitch opening and activate it as the hitch would partially…

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Answer 4

All of our different trailer hitches for a 2020 Subaru Forester will require you to trim the heat shield in order for it to be reinstalled back on the vehicle. I recommend the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver item #306-X7391 because it requires…

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Answer 5

Installation of the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e83ZR will not void the warranty on your 2024 Subaru Forester. Consumers are protected under the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act. This allows aftermarket parts to be installed without warranty issues…

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Answer 6

The Draw-Tite #76271 and our etrailer #e83ZR trailer hitch receivers do have a fairly similar construction. While the Draw-Tite is listed at a higher towing and tongue weight capacity these numbers do not mean a lot since both are rated for more…

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Answer 7

For your 2023 Subaru Forester, I recommend the etrailer Hitch item #e83ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Subaru with included hardware. It is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. I have linked an installation video below and…

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Answer 8

Hi Jack; for your 2025 Forester I recommend the etrailer #e83ZR. This is a Class III hitch with a 2" receiver and bolt-on installation. It features a matte black finish which gives it an OEM look and helps hide dirt and scratches. The hitch also…

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Answer 9

The hitch with the highest tongue weight capacity for a 2024 Subaru Forester will be the etrailer Class 3 Hitch #e83ZR. This hitch has a TW capacity of 525 lbs and can tow up to 3,500 lbs. As far as installation, I would call this a medium…

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Answer 10

The main difference between these three hitches is going to be the looks and install time. EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #306-X7391. Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #C13409.…

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Answer 11

Hi Lyle; I just checked and it looks like Curt has confirmed their #C13409 will fit the 2025 Forester. Since our etrailer #e83ZR shares the same design that means it will also fit. Personally I would get the etrailer hitch since I prefer the matte…

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Answer 12

Cost and finish. You are correct they are practically identical because Curt makes both the etrailer item #e83ZR and their item #C13409. Both are confirmed to fit a 2023 Subaru Forester and are made to the same specifications. I recommend the…

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Does the Heat Shield Need to be Removed to Install the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver

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