How to Maintain Battery Charge in Flat Towed 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek

Question

Question:

Question for an expert am setting up my 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrex for Dinghy towing behind my 2009 Fleetwood Jamboree that has a 6 or 7 wire receptacle. The Subaru is a manual transmission so in addition to be kept in neutral the key may have to be kept in accessory. Really not sure why, the steering doesnt appear to lock when the key is off and removed, but it may have something to do with brakes? I have to check that out. Anyway, my question to you is if I run a single wire to the Subaru battery from the battery pole on the 7 way will it keep the battery charged in the car while running if I have to leave the key on ACC? Assume I would have to turn off vehicle or unplug when RV is not running . Could that damage eithers charging systems? Thanks.

asked by: Don E

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Expert Reply:

The 12V power circuit on a motor home's 7-Way socket, which is typically protected with a 40-amp circuit breaker like # PK54540, will deliver a maintenance level charge to a connected battery on either a towed vehicle or trailer. However, a depleted battery will NOT get a full charging current from this auxiliary 12V feed and will not fully re-charge. An A/C shore-power charger like the CTEK # CTEK56865 can re-charge a depleted battery.

Some vehicles when flat towed will need to have their key kept in the accessory position in order for the brake and tail lights to operate. This varies among auto makers, car models and model years so your owner's manual is the best place to find out the proper preparation steps for flat towing your 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek. I was not able to access the online version of the owner's manual because Subaru requires the VIN for the car. The part of the manual you want to check is usually referred to as "recreational towing". The manual's index should have this subject listed or it could be under "flat towing".

Some flat towed autos will require you to periodically stop the motor home, start the dinghy's engine and run it for about 20 minutes to re-charge the battery. If this is the case for your Crosstrek, or if other steps are required, your manual will tell you all of the procedures to get it ready for being towed.

For reference I have linked you to an article that covers each of the five basic components required to safely and legally flat tow a vehicle behind a motor home. These include a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution, and also base plates and a braking system on the dinghy. Some towing situations may also require a high/low adapter like # RM-076 to keep the tow bar level.

In case you're still checking out these flat towing items you might consider the base plates we offer for your Crosstrek, part # 52922-1A from Roadmaster. A popular tow bar choice for use with these is the Roadmaster Falcon 2, part # RM-520. The safety cable set I recommend is the Roadmaster # RM-643 whose coiled design helps keep them from dragging on the ground. For a lighting kit I suggest the Roadmaster bulb-and-socket kit # RM-155 which avoid cutting into your car's wiring.
Last, for a braking system the easiest to set-up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TRwhich is fully portable. You'll need a 12V outlet kit # RM-9332 to power the Patriot.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

Though Roadmaster has not yet come out with a baseplate setup for your 2023 Subaru Crosstrek we do have another available option for you. The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit #BX3622 is confirmed to fit a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek with a manual transmission. It…

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Answer 2

From what I have found in the 2021 Toyota RAV4 owner's manual, the front wheel drive version can be dolly towed. If you have all wheel drive then you would have to put it on a trailer for towing. This vehicle cannot be flat towed. I…

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Answer 3

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 4

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 5

When it comes to choosing between the Blue Ox Patriot #BLU37TR and the Brake Buddy Select 3 #HM39524, these systems are extremely similar in their setup and functionality. Both of these systems provide proportional braking in a compact and easy to…

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Answer 6

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 7

Both the Roadmaster and Blue Ox tow bars are great options. But if it was my decision to make I would go with the Blue Ox Avail part #BX7420 as we have found that the Blue Ox tow bars are a little easier to connect and disconnect from. Also this tow…

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Answer 8

I would be happy to! To flat tow your 2024 GMC Canyon Denali you will need the following parts: Tow Bar and Safety Chains - Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights item #RM-676 Base Plate Kit - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit…

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Answer 9

I would be happy to confirm the parts you referenced fit your 2019 Chevy Colorado and are compatible together. I have listed them below, along with any changes, and attached installation videos. Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar…

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Answer 10

Yes, your 2017 Chevrolet Equinox FWD can be flat towed with all 4 wheels on the ground. Do understand that you will need to run your Equinox for 5 minutes every time you stop for gas to properly lubricate your transmission and before towing. A better…

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Answer 11

Gladly! The difference between the Blue Ox Patriot 3 Radio Frequency, Portable Braking System BRK2019 and the Blue Ox Patriot Radio Frequency, Portable Braking System #BLU37TR is that the Blue Ox Patriot 3 RBRK2019 is older, no longer available, and…

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Answer 12

We do offer tow bar setups that can attach to the D-rings on the Warn Elite Bumper. Your will need to use a D-ring adapter to connect the tow bar. For the adapter you have the following options: 1" Thick D-Rings #RM-035-1 3/4" Thick D-Rings…

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