Should Hitch be Sealed to Frame on 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

Question:

Should I seal the hitch for 2021 Subaru Crosstrek to frame? I live in an area where roads are salted in the winter and undercarriage rust/rot is a problem. I am concerned that if the hitch is not sealed to the frame salt laden water will get between the hitch and the frame and the frame will eventually rust. It would seem to make sense to apply sealant/caulk to the the part of the hitch where it contacts the frame, or with the Curt hitch a thicker bead at the edges since a spacer is used to hold the hitch away from the frame on the forward end. I dont see sealant mentioned in any of the installation instructions I have read. Is a sealant called for and if so what should be used?

asked by: Steve B

Expert Reply:

While a sealant isn't necessary to install a trailer hitch receiver on your 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, you can do so with either of the hitches that fit:

- (Fits Hybrid and Non-Hybrid) Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76209

- (Fits Non-Hybrid Only) Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13382

Both use spacers to attach the hitch to your Crosstrek, and those spacers and the hitch are going to be up against the frame to the point where issues due to the hitch are not likely. That said, this won't hurt anything at all so you certainly can if you like with the Loctite RTV 598 High-Performance Silicone Gasket Maker # LT37467.

expert reply by: Kyle S