Curt C13400 Hitch On 2022 Subaru Ascent - Does The Spare Tire Shield Need To Be Reinstalled

Updated 09/30/2024 | Published 09/16/2024

Question:

I forgot to install these spare tire heat shield when I was installing the hitch for my 2022 Subaru Ascent My question to you guys is drilling the holes that have the bolts that connect the hitch to the frame by making those bigger will it compromise the frame. Because I have to take the hitch down so that I can reinstall the heat shield for the spare tire and the only way I know that I can get those bolts out is by making the holes bigger

asked by: Rick A

Expert Reply:

Hey Rick, thanks for getting in touch. According to the instructions for the Curt # C13400, the spare tire heat shield is permanently removed. The instructions says to remove it and return it to the customer which means it does not go back on the vehicle after the hitch is installed. The verbiage in the instructions is a little weird and confusing on this. I even checked with our installers here at our shop and they confirmed the spare tire heat shield is not intended to go back on. So, you can leave the hitch as-is.

To answer your question, enlarging the holes in the frame rail slightly will not compromise the frame. As long as you only enlarge them as much as needed and don't make them all huge. Enlarging these holes is actually a quite common step for hitch installation. It sounds like you won't need to worry about it though. Let me know if you have any other questions.

expert reply by: Jesse M