Installation Procedure for Curt Class I Hitch # C13144 on 2015 Subaru Forester
Question:
I just viewed the install video for a 2015 Subaru Forester installing hitch C13144. It showed removing the muffler heat shield BUT it didnt show reinstalling or noting it should be left off. So do I reinstall the muffler heat shield?
asked by: CJ B
Expert Reply:
According to the installation instructions, which I've linked for you, the head shields are removed and left off. With the hitch in place, the mounting flanges of the hitch will act as the heat shields and will prevent the heat from the exhaust from being conducted to the interior of the vehicle.
Please be aware that if the hitch is used for non trailer loads like a cargo carrier or a bike rack, a stabilizing strap like part # 18050 must be used to comply with Curt's hitch warranty requirements.
The Draw-Tite # 75876 has no such requirement for a stabilizing strap, but the heat shield would need to be trimmed and reinstalled during the hitch installation. Because the strap isn't needed, I'd recommend the Draw-Tite hitch over the Curt.
If you'll be using the hitch for towing purposes, you'll need the following to complete your towing system:
Trailer wiring harness, part # 118467
Ball mount, part # C45010
1-7/8 inch trailer ball, part # 19260
2 inch trailer ball, part # 63845
Locking hitch pin, part # e98882
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Tie Down Straps
- CURT
more information >
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
more information >
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 525 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 8-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitch - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Stainless Steel
- Trailer Hitch Lock
- Standard Pin Lock
- Keyed Alike
- Stainless Steel
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Flush Pin
- 2-5/8 Inch Span
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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