Is it Okay to Remove Heat Shield of 2018 Subaru Forester When Installing Trailer Hitch

Question:

your video instructions show removal of heat shield and no re-installation. removal of this shield makes me nervous since if it was not needed Subaru wouldnt use it. Is there a hitch option that allows heat shield to remain in place pr be re-installed?

asked by: Michael M

Expert Reply:

For all of the trailer hitches we offer for your 2018 Subaru Forester, including the Curt # C1200, the heat shield does get permanently removed. Our hitch manufacturers have determined that nothing adverse happens without the heat shield and the presence of the shield really doesn't make a difference. At worst the floor boards at the rear of the vehicle might get slightly warmer if the car is idling for an extended period of time, but we've yet to hear anything from any of our customers about this at all. And the Forester hitches are one of our best selling hitches so if this was an issue we would have heard about it by now.

expert reply by: Jameson C