Parts to Flat Tow a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek with a Manual Transmission

Question

Question:

Hello Charles, Thank you for the response. I finally received written response from Subaru Corporate stating that although Subaru doesn’t recommend flat towing their vehicles the restrictions only apply to AT and CVT’s. The 6sp. Crosstrek can be towed 4 wheels flat. The owners manual is quite vague and must have lost something in the Japanese to English translation. The Subaru rep. who I spoke with stated that this is a frequently asked question. Won’t you know!! Now I need to figure out the best setup for the 2018 Crosstrek. I’m thinking either Blue Ox or Roadmaster systems. I’m not sure if Blue Ox makes a Base Plate for the 2018 Crosstrek. I would welcome any recommendation’s you might have on the subject.

asked by: Stephen M

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I wasn't able to find anything that said the manual transmission model cannot be flat towed. With that being said it's not up to me, it's up to Subaru. And I can't recommend you going against what they're telling you. There very well could be other factors that prevent the car from being flat towed other than the transmission. I can't recall the exact model/year but there are some Subarus that cannot be flat towed because the front bumper is rated or towing. Not sure if this is the case with the 2018 Crosstrek but it's just an example.

In short, if Subaru says don't flat tow it but you do anyway and there's damage to the vehicle in some way they won't cover it under warranty. So if Subaru tells you no, I recommend not flat towing it.

I looked at the owner's manual and it is quite vague but it sounds like there are no issues to flat towing the manual transmission model. A CVT transmission can never be flat towed behind a motorhome without damage. I'm surprised the reps you spoke with at Subaru told you no.

I wish I had better or at least more conclusive info for you. It seems everything says it can be towed except for the Subaru reps you spoke with.

expert reply by: Charles S

1

Stephen

3/17/2018

Hello Charles, Thank you for the response. I finally received written response from Subaru Corporate stating that although Subaru doesn’t recommend flat towing their vehicles the restrictions only apply to AT and CVT’s. The 6sp. Crosstrek can be towed 4 wheels flat. The owners manual is quite vague and must have lost something in the Japanese to English translation. The Subaru rep. who I spoke with stated that this is a frequently asked question. Won’t you know!! Now I need to figure out the best setup for the 2018 Crosstrek. I’m thinking either Blue Ox or Roadmaster systems. I’m not sure if Blue Ox makes a Base Plate for the 2018 Crosstrek. I would welcome any recommendation’s you might have on the subject.

Reply

Charles S.

3/17/2018

Well that's great news. Thanks for getting back with me and letting me know. I can definitely help you find some parts you need to tow the Crosstrek now that you know it can be towed. Blue Ox does make a base plate kit that fits, part # BX3622, but I recommend using the Roadmaster EZ5, part # RM-52927-5, because I think the install is a little easier. I've linked the instructions to both on this page for you. Then I recommend pairing that with the Falcon 2 tow bar, part # RM-520, with Roadmaster safety cables # RM-643. You also need wiring to power the Subaru's lights. The Roadmaster diode kit # RM-15267 is great because it installs a 6-way connector at the front and it includes the cable to plug in the vehicle to the motorhome. The 6-way gives you more options if you need them for things like a charge line kit, part # RM-156-25. I almost always recommend the Stay-IN-Play DUO, part # SM99251, for a braking system. The install is more involved than a portable system but once you have it in the vehicle all you need to do is hook up to the motorhome, flip a switch, and it's set. No setting up or adjusting each time you tow. You may need to add a Brake-Lite relay, part # RM-88400, to make sure the Subaru's lights don't override the motorhome's. This is pretty common unless you're using magnetic lights. Finally, you'll likely need a high-low adapter. I've attached an article to help you determine the correct rise or drop your setup requires. I've also linked our selection of adapters for you to look at once you know what you need. In addition to my recommendations I've linked some articles on flat towing that you may find helpful.

Reply

Answer 1

As long as your transmission is placed in neutral you will be able to flat tow your 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. To flat tow your Crosstrek you'll need the following parts: Baseplate: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit #RM-52927-5. Tow Bar:…

view full answer...

Answer 2

I do have a solution for you however the Stromberg Carlson Folding Bumper Mounted Tire Carrier #TR-2 will not work with dually wheels. In order to mount your 75 pound Class C tire, I recommend looking into a hitch-mounted carrier like the Curt…

view full answer...

Answer 3

I checked the owners manual of your 2021 Subaru Crosstrek and it is flat towable as-is which you can confirm if you check out the owners manual as well. You'd need to start with the Blue Ox base plate kit part #BX3622 which is a confirmed fit…

view full answer...

Answer 4

You will want to pick a base plate kit that is a fit for your vehicle (the base plate fits are very specific so year/make/model info is needed) and you'll also need to match the brand of the base plate with the brand of the tow bar. Feel free to…

view full answer...

Answer 5

For your 2018 Subaru Forester we have the Blue Ox base plate kit part #BX3619 which is a confirmed fit and will work well. I attached an install video for this kit on a similar 2018 Subaru Forester as yours for you to check out as well. For a tow bar…

view full answer...

Answer 6

It does not look like you will be able to use the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller #90195 with your US Gear tow brake. I recommend changing over to the Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System #SM99251. This system provides…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Supplemental braking systems are required by law in most states (with the exception of Missouri). In addition to being required by law, a braking system is just a good idea in general. It prevents all the braking being done by the towing vehicle…

view full answer...

Answer 8

It looks like you have the Valterra RV Sewer Hose Storage Hatch w/ Lock #D04-0471VP, which means you'd have a lock like the Replacement Cam Lock with Key #A510 instead of the Valterra Replacement Cam Lock #A520VP. The correct keys would have that…

view full answer...

Answer 9

The Camco #CAM43503 adjusts from 9 to 13 inches wide, and is 11 inches long, so it should just fit in your kitchen cabinet drawers.

view full answer...

Answer 10

To protect the bottoms of your FasTen RV Leveling Blocks Item #CAM44525 and Item #CAM44512 when on gravel I recommend using outrigger pads like Item #337OP18X18R. These are a durable rubber pad so whether you are using them on concrete or asphalt…

view full answer...

Answer 11

If your 2017 Subaru Crosstrek has an automatic transmission then no, it cannot be flat-towed with four wheels down. It must instead be towed on a trailer with all four wheels off the ground. However, if your 2017 Subaru Crosstrek has a manual…

view full answer...

Answer 12

In looking at the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek it is unchanged from the previous 2022 model year that the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 fits. I recommend installing the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness #118467 so you will be able to add Auxiliary Lights…

view full answer...

Parts to Flat Tow a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek with a Manual Transmission

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching