Recommended Trailer Hitch for 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek to Tow Trailer or Carry Bike Rack

Question:

I am interested in your Curt 2 inch Hitch mount for my 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. I am interested in using it to tow a bike rack, but sometimes a small airstream weighing at 1200 lbs. Can you give me some information on this idea? Is it a good rack for that, or should I check out a different one? Any suggestions, or concerns? Thank you!

asked by: Tami

Expert Reply:

The Curt Class III Receiver Hitch # C13135 referenced in your question is custom-fit for your 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek and is a great option for either attaching a hitch bike carrier or towing your light weight trailer. The hitch itself has a 525 pound tongue weight capacity and a 3,500 pound towing weight capacity. Keep in mind that Curt requires all non-trailer loads like bike racks and cargo carriers to be supported with stabilizing straps # 18050. Because of this, I instead recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Round Tube Receiver Hitch # 76084. This hitch is also custom-fit for your vehicle and features the same capacities as the Curt model, however Draw-Tite does not have the same requirement when it comes to stabilizing straps.

Based on my research, it looks like your Subaru itself has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. I recommend verifying this in your owner's manual and ensuring that you stay under the listed limit.

For wiring, I recommend the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118467 to install a 4-Way connector that will power your trailer's rear signal lights. The T-One connector will plug directly into existing wiring behind the driver side trim panel. I have included the installation details for you to check out.

Then for a ball mount, I recommend looking at the etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit # 989900. This will include 2 ball mounts with different rise and drops as well as the two most common size hitch balls. If the rise or drop on these ball mounts are not sufficient to tow your trailer level, I have also included an article that will help you determine the correct ball mount for your setup and a link that will take you to our available selection.

If you do not already have a bike rack, I recommend looking at the Swagman Chinook 2 Bike Platform Rack # S64683. This will hold up to 2 bikes at 45 pounds each. It can tilt down with the bikes still loaded for rear easy cargo access and includes hitch and bike locks to secure the carrier to your vehicle and the bikes to the carrier. I have attached a video demonstration on this carrier and a link that will show you our available selection of hitch-mount bike racks for you to look through.