Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek for Towing Small Trailer

Updated 10/11/2017 | Published 10/10/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(186)

$193.36

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(2943)

$45.41

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1369)

$92.75

Question:

Hi there, Ive been thinking it would be great if I could get a class 3 hitch on my 2014 cross-trek so I can tow a UHaul trailer. I looked through your alls recommendations, and see you recommend the Draw-Tite. Im a little nervous about it because on all the other forums, people only talk about the Curt and the Ecohitch. Is Draw-Tite new or are you all owned by the same company or something? Also, Im starting to reconsider if this is a good idea in the first place. Looking at my manual, it seems my maximum tow capacity is 1500 lbs, and even the smaller of the trailers I was considering UHaul 5x10 weighs 1250 pounds empty, which seems like not enough margin if my car is going to be loaded too. If you have any guidance on that or any recommendations for lighter but still reliable and secure trailers that could handle a trip across the US, Id appreciate any advice! Thanks!

asked by: Benny B

Expert Reply:

You did the right thing by first checking your owners manual to determine it's towing capacity. That figure is going to be the overall capacity of your vehicle regardless of the capacity of the hitch you go to install so you should keep it in mind with what you'd plan to tow. You'd probably have to find a lighter trailer in order to make this endeavor worthwile.

The Draw Tite hitch part # 76084 is not a new brand or hitch. It's been around quite some time and is typically what we recommend for owners of your vehicle. Reason is because it costs less than the EcoHitch and if you were to ever carry a bike rack you wouldn't have to use a stabilizer strap like you would with the Curt.

Then for trailer wiring you'd want the part # 118467 which is also a confirmed fit.

Since you wanted to do 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.