Additional Components Needed to Flat Tow 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek with Roadmaster Sterling Tow Bar

Updated 05/11/2015 | Published 05/09/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,000 lbs

(157)

$1375.00

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2126)

$670.00

Heavy-Duty Magnetic Tow Light Set - Red Incandescent - 30' Harness with 4-Pin Round Plug

(48)

$77.79

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2126)

$575.00

RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs

(656)

$71.00

Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(56)

$1930.00

Question:

I met a gentleman here in Ut selling a Roadmaster Sterling 1018-1 6000# tow bar settup, and was curious what would be adaptable / needed on it to flat tow my manual, 2014 Subaru XV Crostrek ? Thanks for any help

asked by: Robert R

Expert Reply:

The five basic components required for flat towing are a tow bar, safety cables, wiring or lighting, base plates for the towed vehicle and a supplementary braking system. All of these items are explained in detail in the linked article.

Some vehicles will require specific preparation steps to make them ready for towing and some even require addition of items such as a transmission lube pump so it is important to check the owner's manual for your 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek. You'll want to follow those guidelines precisely to ensure no damage is done to your vehicle. It is also necessary to check that your motor home has the towing capacity to pull your other vehicle.

Now for the basic components. It sounds like you are considering purchasing a RoadMaster Sterling All Terrain Tow Bar, # RM-576, from a private owner so you would just need the following:

Roadmaster EZ2 Base Plate Kit, # 52922-1A.

Safety Cables come with the Sterling Tow Bar but if they are missing you can use Roadmaster Coiled Safety Cables, # RM-643.

Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Light Set # 337TL257M, which provide the emergency flashers and signal lights required and are an easy set up.

Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Proportional Braking System, # RM-9400, with inertia-activated proportional braking for quicker, safer stops and less wear and tear on your vehicle and motor home.

I have included links to several of our articles about flat towing.

The base plates, part # 1018-1, which you referenced in your question where designed for the 2006-2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara and will not work with your XV Crosstrek.