Can Underbody Panel Be Left In Place After Installation of Curt # C11491 on 2010 Scion xD

Question:

Is it possible to reinstall the underbody panel after doing some trimming on the panel once the C11491 hitch is installed in a 2010 Scion XD. If the underbody panel cannot be reinstalled when using the C11491 hitch could a C11134 hitch work on a 2010 Scion XD? I am concerned about leaving the underbody panel out since I assume the designers put it there for a reason. I saw the C11134 hitch allows the reinstallation of underbody panel. What is the risk of leaving the panel off? Thanks in advance.

asked by: Jose

Expert Reply:

When Curt did the test fittings, they saw that it would be fairly difficult to modify the panel so it would fit around the hitch. Therefore, they haven't tested how to trim the panel.

The purpose of the underbody panel is to smooth and direct the airflow passing under the car while it's moving down the road, reducing some turbulence.

Leaving the panel off will not harm anything, although leaving the panel off might have a very small negative effect on the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

The # C11134 won't fit according to my Curt representative, due to slight underbody changes between the 2010 and 2011 model year.

expert reply by: Mike L