Recommended Components for Flat Towing a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek with Manual Transmission
Question:
I have already secured information from Corporate Subaru that the 2018 Crosstrek with manual transmission can be flat towed. My other concern is will towing the crosstrek damage the electronic power steering with the key in on position since the steering wheel must be in unlocked position. Would a battery disconnect switch cure such a problem?
asked by: Stephen M
Expert Reply:
The power steering will not be an issue and no battery disconnect is needed. If there were an issue with this, they would not allow it to be flat towed without restrictions, which they have not needed to do. For instance the CVT transmission for your model year cannot be flat towed or dolly towed as damage to the transmission would occur.
For your 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, I recommend you start your flat towing system with the Roadmaster Base Plate Kit # RM-52927-5 and install using Loctite # LT37420. Then for your tow bar, I recommend the Roadmaster Sterling Tow Bar # RM-576 which comes with the safety cables needed.
Then for your tow bar wiring, I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This will allow you to add the 12V charge line # RM-156-25 to maintain your Subaru battery as you tow. This isn't required but is a nice feature to have. The diode wiring kit allows you to utilize your vehicle lighting while protecting your electronics. It is a really clean look that is easy to install.
I then recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System - Proportional # SM99251 for your supplemental braking system to allow your vehicle brakes to align with your motorhome braking. This system only needs adjusting at installation and then becomes a plug and play system. You will want the relay kit # RM-88400 to prevent the towed vehicle's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from the RV when applying the brakes during a turn.
The final thing you need is a high-low adapter. I've attached an article to assist with measuring for the correct fit and have linked the page to your options.
Products Referenced in This Question
Loctite Threadlocker 262 - High Strength - Up to 3/4" Nuts/Bolts - 0.20-Fl-Oz Tube
- Lubricants Sealants Adhesives
- Sealant
- Nut and Bolt Sealant
- 0.2 oz
- Loctite
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Battery Charge Line Kit
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Light Relay
- Roadmaster
more information >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Aluminum
- 8000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
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