Removal of Heat Shield from 2020 Subaru Forester When Installing Curt Class III Hitch

Question

Question:

I'm looking at the install sheet for the Curt # C13409. It says the heat shield needs to be removed and left off, and then not replaced. Will that cause a problem? Why isn't it replaced?

asked by: Jim T

0

Expert Reply:

This is a very common question we get. Part of the heat shield blocks the underside of the vehicle where the Curt # C13409 hitch needs to install. It's extremely important that the hitch sit directly against the underside of the vehicle, and not have anything sandwiched in between it and the underside of the vehicle as that can cause the bolts to loosen over time.

You could also notch the heat shield to fit around the hitch, but that eliminates a couple of the shield's attachment points to the vehicle which means that the shield might not be as tight to the vehicle as it should be. This could cause rattling or eventually work itself loose which could cause a road hazard. The truth is, the hitch itself will act as the heat shield and since it's much more substantial than the flimsy sheet metal it's replacing, the fact that it's been removed won't cause any trouble whatsoever.

To complete your towing set up if you're planning on doing some towing, you'll need a trailer wiring harness like # C56040, a ball mount like # 2753 and for a 1-7/8 inch trailer ball, use # 19260 or # 63845 for a 2 inch.

If you use the provided link, you can see an installation video.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

For a great hitch for your 2022 Subaru Forester Sport, I recommend the Curt Hitch - 2" #C13409. Not only is the Curt hitch assembled here in the U.S.A., it also comes with a gloss outer coating under the powder base coat that provides ultimate…

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Answer 2

The correct Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver for a 2019 Subaru Forester is part #C13409. This hitch is a direct bolt-on fit without any cutting or drilling required. I have attached an install video below.

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Answer 3

Yes, the Curt hitch part #C13409 has been carried over to the 2023 Subaru Forester since there were no changes between the 22 and 23' models.

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Answer 4

There are a few things that could cause a squeaking noise when carrying your loaded bike rack on the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13409. First if your Thule bike rack does not have an anti-rattle hitch pin the bike rack will move in the receiver…

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 7

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 8

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 9

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

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Answer 10

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 11

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 12

I definitely understand being a bit overwhelmed by the amount of options in front of you, however I can definitely help with differentiating the trailer hitches for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon along with explaining my personal recommendation,…

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Removal of Heat Shield from 2020 Subaru Forester When Installing Curt Class III Hitch

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