Replacing Foam Bumper When Installing Curt Receiver #13410 On a 2019 Subaru Outback

Question:

I just had a shop install a Curt 13410 hitch on my 2019 Subaru Outback. During the install I noticed that they did NOT replace the foam panel over the bumper before they reattached the facia. The installer said that the foam panel no longer fits because of the hitch and that it was really not needed. Bumper seems pretty flimsy without the foam panel. Your video shows everything going back together just fine with the foam in place. Did I just get taken?? Do I need to go back to the shop and insist that they complete the install correctly by putting the foam back in place or is it really not a big deal?

asked by: Bob M

Expert Reply:

The foam panel is in the bumper to help support the bumper panel as well as provide a cushion for the cover if there is a minor collision. Without the cushion the cover will tend to break or crack easier as it does not have the support needed.

I have seen in some reviews that customers have had difficulties with installing the bumper cover and have chosen to leave it off. In every one of our installation videos we were able to attach the cover with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13410 installed on a 2015-2019 Subaru Outback. Also Curt shows in their instructions that the foam panel will fit. I would insist that they install the foam piece or have a shop that is capable of installing the cover with foam properly install it.

expert reply by: Bud M