Can Heat Shield on 2015 Subaru Forester be Trimmed and Left On Using Curt Class II Trailer Hitch

Updated 10/27/2014 | Published 10/26/2014

Products Featured in This Question

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

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$165.48

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(665)

$15.71

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

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$16.07

2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs

(2617)

$14.57

Draw Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitch - 5/8" Rise, 1-1/4" Drop - 9-3/4" Long - 3.5K

(2324)

$29.74

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(144)

$186.45

Curt Class II Drawbar - 3/4" Rise, 1-1/4" Drop - 9-3/4" Long - 3,500 lbs

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

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Question:

Comparing the Curt to Draw-Tite hitch for Suburu Forester 2015, they look very much the same. Yet the Curt calls for complete removal of the heat shield whereas the DT requires only the shield be modified slightly by cutting away where the hitch bolts to the frame, leaving 90 of the shield in place. I dont understand why this is not done with the Curt design, and I guess I dont accept a previous answer stating the heavier metal on the hitch will act as the heat shield, since it doesnt cover nearly the area the original shield did. Could the modification to the shield be done while using the Curt hitch, similar to the DT?

asked by: Warren

Expert Reply:

Though the instructions call for the removal of the heat shield for Curt hitch # C12100 it is up to you whether or not you want to trim it or not. So yes, you could trim the heat shield if you wanted to on your 2015 Subaru Forester.

If you go with this Curt hitch and you will be using it for a bike rack or a cargo carrier then Curt requires the use of stabilization strap # 18050. The Draw-Tite hitch, # 36523, does not have this requirement.

If you plan on doing any towing then for the Curt hitch the correct ball mount is # C45519. For a 1-7/8 inch ball use # 19256 and for a 2 inch ball use # 19258.

For the Draw-Tite hitch the correct ball mount is # 36053. You can use the same balls with this ball mount.

And for trailer wiring you can use # C56040. I have linked some videos and instructions to the right for you.