Does Heat Shield Come off 2025 Subaru Forester to Install Trailer Hitch

Updated 05/12/2025 | Published 05/08/2025

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(665)

$177.43

EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(131)

$389.99

Question:

Considering purchase of e83Zr for my 2025 Forester Hybrid. Im reading that the heat shield must be removed and can not be reattached. Is this accurate, and if so, will it be a warranty issue? What is the installation time for a trained automechanic? How does the install time compare to the 306-x7391, which appears to be quite involved? Thanks

asked by: Gary

Expert Reply:

Hey Gary, you are correct the heat shield of your 2025 Subaru Forester does get removed permanently to install the etrailer hitch part # e83ZR. This is a pretty common step for hitch installs on modern vehicles and it does not affect the warranty or really anything you'd ever notice. Maybe if you were sitting in traffic you might notice the floorboards in that area get slightly warmer but that would be extent.

It would take about an hour for a shop to install. Maybe a little less but I would assume they want to charge you for an hour.

The part # 306-X7391 on the other hand would be about two hours.

expert reply by: Jameson C