Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
Updated 02/08/2017 | Published 02/07/2017
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Hi. Can I flat tow a 2016 or 2017 Subaru Crosstrek with a manual transmission? Thanks for you help!
asked by: Dave
Expert Reply:
The owner's manuals I'm able to find online for a 2016 and 2017 Subaru Crosstrek don't mention flat towing at all. Your best bet is to check with Subaru to find out if it can be flat towed, and what steps are necessary to do so. From what I have found both model years can be flat towed since you have a manual transmission but I still recommend verifying with Subaru. Also, both models use the same parts to be flat towed so what I recommend works with either the 2016 or the 2017.
For a base plate kit I suggest the Roadmaster # 52922-1A. This kit has removable arms and mounting points for the electrical connector. The kit pairs right up with the Sterling tow bar # RM-576. The Sterling also includes safety cables so that's one less thing to worry about.
To power the Subaru's lights you can use the diode kit # RM-15267. This splices into the car's wiring system and will provide a connector at the front. It includes the electrical cord to stretch between the Subaru and RV as well. In addition, a Brake Light Relay # RM-88400 is needed to keep the Crosstrek's brake signal from overriding the RV's turn signals.
For a supplemental braking system I recommend the Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. The install is more involved than portable systems but after that's over with you just flip a switch to get it ready.
Finally, you'll likely need a high-low adapter. I've attached an article to help you determine the correct rise or drop your setup requires.
In addition to my recommendations I've linked some articles on flat towing that you may find helpful.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Partially Hidden
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: even brake
- Search Results: rm88400
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Q&A: What is a Complete Flat Tow Set-Up for My 2013 Subaru Crosstrek or XV Crosstrek?
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Replacement Quick Disconnect Crossbar Assembly for Roadmaster Tow Bars
- Shop: Roadmaster Falcon 3HD Tow Bar for Blue Ox Base Plates - 10,000 lbs
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Video: Breaking Down the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the Replacement Roadmaster Tow Bar Quick Disconnect Brackets
- Video: How to Install: Replacement Roadmaster Tow Bar Quick Disconnect Brackets on your 2014 Ford Focus
- Video: All About the Replacement Roadmaster Tow Bar Quick Disconnect Brackets
- Video: Mount: Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit on a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Blue Ox EZ Light Custom Plug-In Tow Bar Wiring Kit
- Shop: Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat-Tow a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek with Manual Transmission
- Q&A: Additional Components Needed to Flat Tow 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek with Roadmaster Sterling Tow Bar
- Search Results: cross bar
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2017 Subaru Crosstrek
- Q&A: Can The Arms From The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit Be Used On The Crossbar Style Kit?
- Search Results: roadmaster crossbar
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek Behind an RV
- Q&A: Is There a Replacement Thule Key N108
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Article: We Used 34 RV Tow Bars, and These are the Best for Flat Towing