Can 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Manual Transmission be Flat Towed

Published 06/01/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3157)

$525.00

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(313)

$1529.51

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

(73)

$296.10

12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps

(300)

$29.16

Question:

Hello, I have been reading your responses to whether a Subaru Crosstrek with manual transmission can be flat towed behind a recreational vehicle. From your responses, it can be. I’m considering the purchase of 2022 Crosstrek with manual transmission to replace our current tow vehicle. Can you provide with additional verification, from Subaru or other sources, that the vehicle can in fact be flat towed without causing damage to the transmission of drive trains. Thank you very much.

asked by: David A

Expert Reply:

The owners manual of the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek says that the manual transmission versions of the vehicle can be flat towed with all 4 wheels on the ground. The Roadmaster base plate kit part # RM-52927-5 is a fit for the vehicle and would work great.
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. You'd also need the outlet kit # RM-9332 to power it.

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.