Trailer Hitch for 2018 Subaru Crosstrek with Higher Tongue Weight Capacity Than Vehicle

Question:

The Curt C13382 is rated as 525lbs tongue weight and 3500 towing capacity. Subaru is rated at 200 lbs tongue weight and 1500lbs towing. I currently have the 1.25” stock hitch on it, but I am not happy with the 200lb tongue weight capacity, especially since when I add a 1.25 to 2” adaptor it supposedly cuts the rated tongue weight capacity in half. So if I get the Curt C13382 hitch instead, is my tongue weight truly 525Lbs? Or is it 200lbs, what is listed on my Subaru manual?

asked by: Daniel L

Expert Reply:

Long story short a towing setup is only as strong as it's weakest component. So even if you install a higher rated trailer hitch on your 2018 Subaru Crosstrek like the Curt # C13382 you'd still be limited to the 200 lb tongue weight capacity of the vehicle.

The hitches are designed to fit the vehicle and also designed to be as strong as possible. They are rated off of the vehicle and independent of it too. This is why the hitches will have much higher capacities than the vehicles typically.

expert reply by: Jameson C