Is Heat Sheild Trimming to Install Curt Hitch C13200 Safe

Question:

The instructions for the Curt 13200 say to trim part of the exhaust deflector plastic piece on the 2014+ Toyota Highlander. Why is that piece of plastic there? And will removing it cause issues? Thanks!

asked by: Andy

Expert Reply:

Sometimes it can be pretty hard to get a hitch to fit on modern vehicles due to the way newer vehicles have almost excessive fascias and heat shields at the rear under the bumpers. The manufacturers of the vehicles tend to be overly cautious with the placement of heat shields in most cases.

To install the Curt hitch part # C13200 there is some heat shield trimming required. Curt has tested and found that the trimming required does not adversely affect anything so it is totally safe.

expert reply by: Jameson C