Why Do Some Hitches for 2016 Subaru Forester Require Removal of Heat Shield

Question:

2016 Subaru Forester Why does the Draw Tite 2 inch hitch instruct you to trim and replace the heat shields but Curt receivers say not to re-install them. Can you explain why and what difference it makes?

asked by: Cindy C

Expert Reply:

The 2 inch trailer hitches for your 2016 Subaru Forester, Curt part # C13144 and the Draw Tite part # 75876 are both very similar in the way they install and will perform. Heat shield modification is pretty standard as far as install steps go. We have found that leaving them on or totally removing them doesn't really affect anything. Sometimes one manufacturer will come up with a way to trim it and reinstall and another might just say get rid of it all together like in this case.

In either situation nothing bad would happen. I'd go with whichever you feel the most comfortable with.

expert reply by: Jameson C