Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Recommendation for 2018 Subaru Crosstrek For Towing

Updated 04/14/2021 | Published 04/12/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-3/16" Span

(2959)

$4.58

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1362)

$15.49

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

(815)

$195.94

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 4-1/4" Rise, 5-3/4" Drop - 7,500 lbs - Chrome

(48)

$58.71

Question:

Hi, eTrailer folks! Im looking to purchase from you guys all the equipment Ill need to tow a U-Haul trailer or something similar when I move this summer. I currently do not have a hitch receiver on my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, so I will definitely need to purchase that. Im thinking a Class III based on your hitch selection guide. According to Subaru, the max towing capacity of my car is 1,500 lbs. Ive perused some of the other QandAs on your site and Ive seen ball mounts and pin/clips mentioned a few times. Including this in case its helpful: the U-Haul website says that the optimal ball height for towing U-Haul trailers is 18-1/2 to 18-3/4 inches. What else do you recommend I purchase to ensure I can safely tow a U-Haul trailer? Appreciate any help you guys can provide - thanks!

asked by: Sophie C

Helpful Expert Reply:

We can absolutely help you out with all the parts you need for your 2018 Subaru Crosstrek for towing a small trailer so you can safely move. Let's go ahead and start with the trailer hitch I recommend, which is from Curt:

- Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13382

I really like this option the most due to the fact it has a nice, concealed look. That means the hitch tube won't be showing like with other hitches, and it also gives the hitch more ground clearance to help keep it from potentially scraping the ground if you go over a speed bump, steep driveway or something similar. Another thing you will need is a wiring harness for the lighting functions on the trailer, and the best option is from Tekonsha as we have found it to be the most reliable harness available. The correct fit is the following:

- T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118467

The harness will store inside the rear hatch of your Crosstrek so you won't need a mounting bracket or anything else for it. Finally, you will need a ball mount, and the ball height of 18-1/2 to 18-3/4 inches was definitely helpful so thank you for including that info. Based on that, and the height of the Curt hitch, we do have the ball mount with the correct rise; you will also need a hitch ball and the pin and clip you mentioned:

- Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches # C45297

- 2" Hitch Ball # 63845

- Pin and Clip # C21500

That covers everything you need for your 2018 Subaru Crosstrek so you can safely haul your trailer for your move!