Trailer Hitch for 2018 Subaru Crosstrek for Using Hitch Cargo Carrier and Towing Utility Trailer
Question:
what trailer hitch can I put on my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek XV....? I see there are two sizes. I want to be able to use a cargo carrier and occasionally also tow my neighbor's small utility trailer that I use to get mulch.
asked by: John
Expert Reply:
You are correct that both 1-1/4-inch and 2-inch hitches are made for your 2018 Crosstrek, but we always recommend going for the 2-inch size for their usually higher weight capacity and broader compatibility with accessories like cargo carriers and bike racks. There are simply more options for these items in the 2-inch size.
I suggest the Draw-Tite 2-inch Class III hitch # 76209 because it offers the highest tongue weight rating of any hitch made for your car, 675-lbs, and because it offers simple no-drill installation on your Crosstrek. I included a video for you along with the written instructions to help you with the installation. If your utility trailer has lights you'll also need a 4-pole wiring harness # 118467 which is an easy plug-in install as shown in the included video.
For a 2-inch cargo carrier I suggest the 49 x 22-1/2-inch aluminum Curt # C18113 if you prefer a lighter weight carrier that does not fold up (it is only 25-lbs). But if carrier weight is not a primary concern and you want a one that does fold up then I suggest the Curt 25 x 20-inch steel carrier # C18151. Both carriers can handle up to 500-lbs of loaded cargo. Often a cargo net like # C18201 or a set of cargo straps like # IMF12637 make for a worthwhile addition to your cargo setup.
For towing your neighbor's small utility trailer you will need a ball mount and a hitch ball of the size that matches the coupler (which should have a stamping on it to tell you the right ball size). A handy way to cover all bases is our kit # EBMK4 which includes two ball sizes along with a ball mount, pin and clip.
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Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
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Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 675 lbs TW
- 4500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
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22-1/2x49 Curt Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches - Aluminum - 500 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Fixed Carrier
- 22-1/2 Inch Wide
- Heavy Duty
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 49 Inch Long
- Aluminum
- CURT
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20x59 Curt Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - Folding - 500 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Folding Carrier
- 20 Inch Wide
- Heavy Duty
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 60 Inch Long
- Class III
- Class IV
- Steel
- CURT
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Curt Stretchable Cargo Net - 38" Wide x 65" Long
- Cargo Nets
- Cargo Rack Net
- Roof Rack Net
- 38 Inch Wide
- 65 Inch Long
- Black
- CURT
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etrailer 2-3/4" Rise or 4" Drop Ball Mount Kit - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- etrailer
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CargoBuckle Cam Buckle Tie-Down Straps w/ S-Hooks - 1" x 6' - 267 lbs - Qty 4
- ATV-UTV Tie Downs
- Trailer
- Truck Bed
- S-Hooks
- 4 Straps
- Manual
- 6 - 10 Feet Long
- Cam Buckle Strap
- 0 - 1 Inch Wide
- 851 - 1200 lbs
- CargoBuckle
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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