Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2016 Subaru Crosstrek to Tow Rental Trailer

Question:

Hello! Im looking at the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2 Item # C13135 to tow a 5x8 Uhaul trailer and eventually use for a bike rack. Uhauls specs are as follows - is this the proper hitch receiver? And which ball hitch would I need? Im mostly concerned with the 25inch maximum allowable hitch ball height... Volume: up to 208 cu. ft. Max load: 1,800 lbs. Gross vehicle weight: 2,700 lbs. max. Empty weight: 900 lbs. Towing vehicle requirements Must be equipped with a hard top if it is an SUV or Jeep. U-Haul does not allow any type of sport-utility vehicle not equipped with a hard top to tow U-Haul equipment. Tow vehicle and trailer lighting must be operational at all times, day and night. All U-Haul trailers and towing are wired with a 4-way flat light connector. The curb weight of your tow vehicle must exceed the weight of the loaded trailer. In order to tow, your vehicle must be equipped with an adequate hitch system and lighting connections. Your hitch system includes the receiver hitch, ball mount and ball. The overall rating is determined by the lowest rated component of the three. How to determine your hitch system rating. Must have 1-7/8inch or, 2inch hitch ball 2,000 lbs. minimum Must not exceed maximum allowable hitch ball height 25 Thanks,

asked by: Cav

Expert Reply:

For your 2016 Subaru Crosstrek the Curt hitch part # C13135 is a confirmed fit and would be a great option to tow the rental trailer you mentioned. The hitch height will be 14 inches from the ground to the top of the hitch opening so the 25 inch height max figure would not be a problem at all.

For a 4-way trailer wiring connector I recommend the Tekonsha # 118467 because it does not require any splicing to install and also it has the most reliable converter box of all of the kits we offer.

Since you plan on doing some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

expert reply by: Jameson C