Does Heat Shield Get Removed to Install Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch on a 2017 Ford Edge

Question:

Is it true that the heat shield above the exhaust can not be reinstalled with the hitch? From a customer review: Nowhere does it state that the Factory Heat Shield gets left off above the muffler at the rear Valance

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

The instructions for Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 75234 for the 2017 Ford Edge state "for Edge Sport and MKX AWD model, remove (6) bolts and (1) flange nut attached on center plastic panel with heat shields, see Figure 3, and then remove the panel. Return to owner." See instructions linked for reference.

This means that on the affected models the heat shield would not be reinstalled. The hitch itself can act as a heat sink though so nothing is really lost with the removal. I have linked a video showing an example installation on an SEL model.

If you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

And for trailer wiring on SE and SEL models you can use # 118669. But for Sport and Titanium models use # 118677. I have linked videos showing how each one installs.