Recommended Trailer Hitch for a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek

Question

Question:

I am looking to get a hitch put on to my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium trim if that makes any difference. My main reason for wanting to add the hitch is for a bike rack, but having the option to tow is important as well. I have also seen in some forums that hitch racks can affect the departure angle of the vehicle and crumple zones/safety features, I obviously want to mitigate these effects as much as possible. I have seen a couple options out there: 1 Subaru genuine parts bought through my dealership. The pros to this, as far as I can tell, are the OEM nature of the part and having the dealership install it. Id also assume that the quality would be very good and reliable. However, the major con here is price - my local dealership quoted me a price of $650 for parts + install! The dealer also told me that an access hole would need to be cut in the factory bumper I hadnt seen anything about this online, is this true? 2 Aftermarket parts bought through third parties. The main option I have seen here is the Curt Manufacturing #13382. The pros that I have seen: wayyyyy cheaper at only $$$ and easy install only have to widen the chassis holes a little Will this affect my Subaru vehicle warranty? What are your opinions on which route to go and how to get the most out of my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek? Thanks!!

asked by: Ryan

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I certainly understand your concerns with modifying a brand new 2018 Subaru Crosstrek as I am sure anyone who dishes out the money for a new vehicle would. However, there is no need to pay dealer prices for accessories that can be purchased through aftermarket manufacturers for a fraction of the cost. The aftermarket hitch manufacturers we carry (Curt/Draw-Tite/TorkLift) are no slouches. They are considered to be the premier supplier of aftermarket trailer hitches. They spend countless hours developing and testing their hitches on the vehicle to ensure everything goes accordingly. In addition to this, you are protected by the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act. This act states, in part, that unless the installation and the part caused a problem then the warranty cannot be voided. I recommend looking it up online for further information.

For your Crosstrek, I would have absolutely no issue installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13382. As you previously mentioned, the access holes may need to be enlarged just slightly but this is not always the case and will bear absolutely no effect on the structural integrity of the frame. As you can see in the attached install video, this is very easy to accomplish with just basic tools.

Since you mentioned towing a trailer, you are also going to need a wiring harness and ball mount/hitch ball. For the wiring harness I recommend using the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness part # C56040 which is a completely plug and play option that will not require you to cut or splice any wires. Again, as you can see in the attached install video this is very easy to install.

In order to choose the correct ball mount you will need to measure from the ground to the bottom of the coupler on the trailer while level and then subtract that measurement from the ground to the top of your hitch receiver opening. This will give you the correct amount of drop you will need to look for in a ball mount. I have also attached a help article that will walk you through this entire process as well.

If you can tell me what type of bikes you have I would be more than happy to provide possible rack option for you.

expert reply by: Conner L

1