Can 2020 Subaru Crosstrek With Manual Transmission be Flat Towed and Parts Needed

Updated 09/09/2020 | Published 09/04/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3325)

$575.00

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

(48)

$83.16

Tension Release Tool for Roadmaster Tow Bars with Autowlok Buttons

(97)

$49.23

Roadmaster High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 4" Rise/Drop - 6K GTW, 200 lbs TW

(1572)

$95.06

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

(401)

$850.00

Roadmaster 80" Coiled Safety Cables - Double Hook - 10,000 lbs - Qty 2

(90)

$108.40

Roadmaster InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System - Preset

(284)

$1380.00

Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles

(700)

$47.73

Question:

Hi, the response by Expert reply about flat towing a 2019 Crosstrek I assume/hope that this applies to the 2020 version as well? Also, he has referenced a LOT of additions for towing - adding up to about $xxx or so. Is all of this absolutely necessary and if so where could I get this installed? Many thanks

asked by: Kevin W

Expert Reply:

According to the owner's manual I looked up online, your 2020 Subaru Crosstrek with manual transmission can indeed be flat towed. In regards to the parts, they aren't additions, they are necessary in order to safely tow, and for things like a supplemental braking system, the law in most states. Flat towing can be costly, but these parts are important in order to ensure everyone's safety.

I will recommend the most cost-effective parts for your 2020 Subaru Crosstrek's flat-towing set up so you can keep as much money in your pocket as possible.

- Base Plate Kit: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-52927-5
- Tow Bar: Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520
- RoadMaster Release Tool for Motor Home Mounted Tow Bars # RM-066
- Safety Chains: Roadmaster 80" Coiled Safety Cables # RM-653
- Light Kit: Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Light Set # 337TL257M
- Supplemental Braking System: Roadmaster InvisiBrake Supplemental Braking System # RM-8700
- Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-88400

The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates are great because they have removable tabs which means your Crosstrek is going to keep its clean look when you aren't flat towing. The Falcon 2 tow bar is a great option because it has long arms which make it easier to maneuver when towing, and the release tool will ensure it is simple to remove the tow bar. This bar with the release tool will still be more budget-friendly than other bars that don't need that tool.

The magnetic light kit is super simple and much more cost-effective than a kit that requires to add wiring to your Subaru, and the InvisiBrake is strongly recommended because it is a one-time install which will never require any type of removal or reactivation.

You may also need a high-low adapter such as # RM-070 in order to keep your tow bar level, and I've added a link to a help article which shows you how to determine if you need an adapter, as well as a link to our selection of adapters. Additionally, I have added links to instruction manuals, video reviews and installations for you to take a look at.

As for installation, a local mechanic will not have any issues; we don't have any affiliations or way to know who in your area does installs, so you'll just need to make some quick calls to mechanics in your area.