Parts Needed To Tow With a 2008 Subaru Tribeca Hitch

Updated 04/11/2019 | Published 04/10/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(50)

$220.33

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(373)

$42.00

InfiniteRule Lock Set for Andersen Rapid Hitch Adjustable Ball Mounts - Stainless Steel - Qty 2

(17)

$83.95

Rapid Hitch Adjustable, Aluminum Ball Mount Kit w/ 2 Greaseless Balls - 4" Drop or Rise

(534)

$292.91

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient

(867)

$112.40

Question:

Hello. I am looking to put a hitch on my 2008 Subaru Tribeca. We have a 1976 Starcraft Starmaster 6 pop up camper that we would like to tow. Would we need anything special installed on the Tribeca to tow this camper? I read in the owners manual something about a cooling system, but that appears to be for towing anything over 3500 lbs. I just want to make sure that the hitch we purchase would safely tow this pop up camper. I have read great reviews from etrailer hitch owners, and I appreciate any help you can provide.

asked by: Andrea K

Expert Reply:

In order to tow the 1976 Starcraft Starmaster 6 Pop Up Camper with your 2008 Subaru Tribeca you will need a trailer hitch, trailer wiring harness, and ball mount/hitch ball. These will be the only requirements to tow the trailer but you may also be interested in a transmission cooler to help prolong the life of your vehicle's transmission.

For a trailer hitch, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13046. This hitch is a custom fit so no drilling is required and it is super easy to install. I have attached both an install video and photo for you as well.

For a trailer wiring harness, I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 118461 because we find this brand to be the most reliable with their wiring products. This harness is also a custom fit so no splicing is required. I have attached an install video for you as well.

In order to find out what ball mount you need we need to measure from the ground to the top inside edge of the receiver tube and then subtract the distance from the ground to the bottom of the coupler on your trailer. This will then give you the correct amount of drop you need to look for in a ball mount. However, more often than not I recommend using an adjustable ball mount as I am sure it is not unreasonable to assume you might get a different trailer or need to tow one for a friend so this way we are not purchasing a ball mount for a specific trailer but rather one that can be used with many. For this, I recommend RapicHitch Adjustable, Steel Ball Mount Kit part # AM3461. You might also want the locking pins for this # 34061405-D.

If you choose to install a transmission cooler as well then I recommend the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit part # D13503 which has everything that you need.