Can You Flat Tow A 2023 Subaru Crosstrek With A Manual Transmission

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Question:

Hello, I bought a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Manual transmission, and I was told by the dealership I can flat tow it, because it’s manual. But people are telling me no because of the AWD system. But when the vehicle is neutral, isn’t everything disengaged. Can I flat tow my Crosstrek across country behind my class c motorhome?

asked by: Douglas V

0

Expert Reply:

As long as your transmission is placed in neutral you will be able to flat tow your 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. To flat tow your Crosstrek you'll need the following parts:

Baseplate: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-52927-5.

Tow Bar: etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar # e74ZR. This tow bar is designed to work with the baseplate I recommended above and comes with an adjustable head and shank to help keep the tow bar level between your motorhome and vehicle. It also includes safety cables so that you don't have to purchase them separately.

Tow Bar Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This diode kit will transfer your motorhome's brake and turn signals through the tail lights of your vehicle to keep you street legal. This method is super easy and is a one-time installation, unlike magnetic lights.

Braking System: Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System # HM39524. This system comes with a remote to alert you when the brakes are depressed in your vehicle and will also allow you to adjust your brake settings while on the go. It also comes with a charge line kit for your vehicle to keep the battery charged while you tow.

I've attached some videos below to help walk you through the installation process. If you have any other questions then please let me know.

expert reply by: Kevin C

0

Anton K.

3/17/2025

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek 6 sp has a push button start. It apparently needs to be in the ACC position. Will that not drain the battery or automatically shut off after a certain time potentially locking the steering.?Owner manual isn’t all that helpful

Jameson C.

3/17/2025

@AntonK It will eventually drain the battery. Is there a section that states you need to disconnect the battery after putting it in ACC?

Anton K.

3/17/2025

@JamesonC no mention of that in the owner’s manual

Jameson C.

3/18/2025

@AntonK That is interesting because the info we have from Roadmaster shows that the battery would need to get disconnected. I did pull up the owners manual as well and I saw that it shows the key needs to be in the ON position. But what's interesting is that there isn't a recreational towing section and instead it looks more like an emergency tow procedure. In this situation I would recommend checking with a Subaru dealer to see what they recommend on flat towing procedures as the battery would definitely drain over time. Typically we recommend the Roadmaster charge line kit part # RM-156-25 for situations like this.

Answer 1

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Answer 2

There typically aren't any part numbers stamped onto the trailer spindle that can be used for identification. There are however numbers stamped onto the hub most times which can be used for identification. The TDE46210 tells me you have a 3,500…

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Answer 3

The etrailer hitch #e98912 that you referenced does not require removal of the rear bumper to install on your 2022 Subaru Crosstrek. For more info on how it installs check out the install video and instructions link I attached to this page as well.

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Answer 4

Actually, there's a little more to it than that. The magnets on the #K23-478-479 are a little different, but the primary difference is the mounting bolt pattern. On a typical 3500 lb brake assembly, the mounting studs will all be 2-7/8 inches…

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Answer 5

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

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Answer 9

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Answer 10

The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part #RM-52927-5 is what I recommend for a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek as the option with least amount of modifications required. The only drilling/cutting into the frame that is required is enlarging an…

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Answer 11

Thanks for the pictures and all the information! Since you have the Falcon 2 Tow bar you can use the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit item #RM-52927-5 you were looking at and get rid of the crossbar. This kit is confirmed to fit your 2022…

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Answer 12

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Can You Flat Tow A 2023 Subaru Crosstrek With A Manual Transmission

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