Can 2019 Subaru Crosstrek with Manual Transmission be Flat Towed behind Motorhome

Updated 06/10/2021 | Published 02/06/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3493)

$575.00

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(475)

$1658.75

Roadmaster Accessory Kit for Falcon Tow Bars - Tail Light Wiring - Safety Cables - Lock Set

(76)

$328.85

Question:

Is this vehicle ok to flat tow? Flat towing a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek with manual transmission

asked by: Fawn K

Expert Reply:

Yes, your 2019 Subaru Crosstrek with a manual transmission is flat-towable. You'll need a few things to do this. First is a base plate kit. For that you'd want the Roadmaster Direct Connect kit part # RM-52927-5 which is custom fit for your vehicle so it will install easily and work well.

In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon All Terain, # RM-522. This has non-binding arms which makes the setup very easy to connect/disconnect.

For lighting/safety cables, locks, and covers for the tow bar we have the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain kit part # RM-9243-1 which comes with all of that as one part number. The diode kit that comes with this allows you to splice into the taillight wiring so that your RV controls the vehicle taillights and does not require drilling into the taillight housings. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

Most likely you will also need a high low adapter so that the tow bar will be level when you are flat towing. I attached a link to a page that has all of the ones we carry.

I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing your vehicle.

expert reply by: Jameson C

click to enlarge

Arthur P.

1/25/2020

Can I uses the same components from the 2019 Crosstrek on my 2020 Crosstrek w/ manual 6 speed transmission. But would need a charging line for the car battery .?

Jason S.

1/27/2020

The manufacturers have not yet confirmed the fits for your 2020 Crosstrek. I don't believe there were changes for the new models so it is likely everything would fit but I can't confirm as it hasn't been tested as of today (1/27/2020). The charging line would be the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-156-25 on the vehicle side. If you need the motorhome side as well then use # RM-156-75.

Helpful Links

tv-install-roadmaster-battery-charger-line-kit-2018-subaru-forester-rm-156-25.aspx

tv-review-roadmaster-battery-charge-line-kit-rm-156-75.aspx

Brad C.

7/19/2020

@JasonS Has there been an update to the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek M6 flat towing yet? Thanks in advance.

Chris R.

7/23/2020

@BradC There has! All of the above components will also work great on the 2020 model Crosstrek.

Lynzay

7/2/2020

Will Subaru void the warranty if you flat tow? I read that someplace. TIA

Chris R.

7/7/2020

The owner's manual for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek has a section dedicated to how the vehicle can be safely towed with all 4 wheels on the ground, so I'm not sure Subaru would have any valid reason to void its warranty when doing so. Of course this can change from model to model - not all vehicles can be flat towed. You'll want to check your owner's manual or even with a local Subaru dealer if you're not sure.

Vmb

9/1/2020

@ChrisR I am getting 2021 Crosstrek with MT. Can I use the 2020 Blue OX baseplate? Any reason to think this model year cannot be towed all 4 wheels on ground? No engine or transmission changes to the base model of which I am aware.

Jon G.

9/4/2020

@VMB From what I can tell it looks like the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek MT can be towed with all 4 wheels on the ground like what you'd find with recreational towing. I recommend verifying this is your copy of the owner's manual or with your dealer. As of this writing it doesn't look like anybody has confirmed a base plate kit fit so I don't have anything that I can point you to.