Parts to Flat Tow a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek with a Manual Transmission

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Question:

Hello Charles, Thank you for the response. I finally received written response from Subaru Corporate stating that although Subaru doesn’t recommend flat towing their vehicles the restrictions only apply to AT and CVT’s. The 6sp. Crosstrek can be towed 4 wheels flat. The owners manual is quite vague and must have lost something in the Japanese to English translation. The Subaru rep. who I spoke with stated that this is a frequently asked question. Won’t you know!! Now I need to figure out the best setup for the 2018 Crosstrek. I’m thinking either Blue Ox or Roadmaster systems. I’m not sure if Blue Ox makes a Base Plate for the 2018 Crosstrek. I would welcome any recommendation’s you might have on the subject.

asked by: Stephen M

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I wasn't able to find anything that said the manual transmission model cannot be flat towed. With that being said it's not up to me, it's up to Subaru. And I can't recommend you going against what they're telling you. There very well could be other factors that prevent the car from being flat towed other than the transmission. I can't recall the exact model/year but there are some Subarus that cannot be flat towed because the front bumper is rated or towing. Not sure if this is the case with the 2018 Crosstrek but it's just an example.

In short, if Subaru says don't flat tow it but you do anyway and there's damage to the vehicle in some way they won't cover it under warranty. So if Subaru tells you no, I recommend not flat towing it.

I looked at the owner's manual and it is quite vague but it sounds like there are no issues to flat towing the manual transmission model. A CVT transmission can never be flat towed behind a motorhome without damage. I'm surprised the reps you spoke with at Subaru told you no.

I wish I had better or at least more conclusive info for you. It seems everything says it can be towed except for the Subaru reps you spoke with.

expert reply by: Charles S

1

Stephen

3/17/2018

Hello Charles, Thank you for the response. I finally received written response from Subaru Corporate stating that although Subaru doesn’t recommend flat towing their vehicles the restrictions only apply to AT and CVT’s. The 6sp. Crosstrek can be towed 4 wheels flat. The owners manual is quite vague and must have lost something in the Japanese to English translation. The Subaru rep. who I spoke with stated that this is a frequently asked question. Won’t you know!! Now I need to figure out the best setup for the 2018 Crosstrek. I’m thinking either Blue Ox or Roadmaster systems. I’m not sure if Blue Ox makes a Base Plate for the 2018 Crosstrek. I would welcome any recommendation’s you might have on the subject.

Charles S.

3/17/2018

Well that's great news. Thanks for getting back with me and letting me know. I can definitely help you find some parts you need to tow the Crosstrek now that you know it can be towed. Blue Ox does make a base plate kit that fits, part # BX3622, but I recommend using the Roadmaster EZ5, part # RM-52927-5, because I think the install is a little easier. I've linked the instructions to both on this page for you. Then I recommend pairing that with the Falcon 2 tow bar, part # RM-520, with Roadmaster safety cables # RM-643. You also need wiring to power the Subaru's lights. The Roadmaster diode kit # RM-15267 is great because it installs a 6-way connector at the front and it includes the cable to plug in the vehicle to the motorhome. The 6-way gives you more options if you need them for things like a charge line kit, part # RM-156-25. I almost always recommend the Stay-IN-Play DUO, part # SM99251, for a braking system. The install is more involved than a portable system but once you have it in the vehicle all you need to do is hook up to the motorhome, flip a switch, and it's set. No setting up or adjusting each time you tow. You may need to add a Brake-Lite relay, part # RM-88400, to make sure the Subaru's lights don't override the motorhome's. This is pretty common unless you're using magnetic lights. 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. I've also linked our selection of adapters for you to look at once you know what you need. In addition to my recommendations I've linked some articles on flat towing that you may find helpful.

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Parts to Flat Tow a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek with a Manual Transmission

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