Can a Heat Shield be Sandwiched Between the Frame and Trailer Hitch

Question:

Removing portions of the heat shield, render it unsupported by the muffler hangers. Will the 2 horizontal hitch bolts line up, if one were to only remove enough heat-shield material to expose bolt holes? Thus sandwichinginch the shield between the frame rail and hitch for an original type support method?

asked by: Max

Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C12111 on your 2017 Ford Escape will need to be attached directly to the frame without anything between it. Sandwiching the heat shield between the frame and hitch will affect the integrity of the hitch and void Curt's warranty. Therefore, I cannot recommend you sandwich the heat shield between the frame and the trailer hitch.

In order to further secure the heat shield onto the body of your Escape, you can always use a few self tapping screws like part # 1131832 to provide additional attachment points.

expert reply by: Conner L