Is Tongue Weight Limited by the Frame of the Car or the Trailer Hitch?

Question

Question:

Im looking for a receiver for my 2023 Crosstrek Base. Subaru lists the tongue weight for that car at 150lbs, but I see several receivers here that list a higher tongue weight... Is the crosstrek tongue weight limited by the frame of the car or by the receiver that Subaru would usually include from factory?

asked by: JC

0

Expert Reply:

Hi JC,

In any towing set up you'll be limited by the part with the lowest tow capacity and tongue weight. In the case of adding a trailer hitch to your 2023 Subaru Crosstrek base model, the frame of your Crosstrek is only rated for up to 1,500lbs tow capacity or 150lbs of tongue weight, so it's only able to handle that much weight on the frame. Aftermarket trailer hitches are frequently rated higher than a vehicle's tow capacity and tongue weight because they're tested at higher weights to ensure durability and make sure the hitch can withstand overloading and the force pulling or pushing it when towing/hauling.

The etrailer Trailer Hitch part # e98912 is rated for 525lbs of tongue weight and 3,500lbs towing. But, since the frame of your Crosstrek is only able to handle 150lbs (1,500lbs towing) you will only be able to tow/haul 150lbs.

What are you wanting to tow or haul with your Crosstrek?

expert reply by: Claire H

0

Jc

10/16/2026

Thanks for the reply. I am looking to carry mainly a bike rack with 2-4 bikes on it, but trying to make sure that's even feasible.

Claire H.

10/16/2026

@Jc What kind of bikes are you wanting to carry? The lightest 4 bike rack that we offer is the Thule Camber Bike Rack for 4 bikes part # TH9056. This rack only weighs 34lbs which leaves you with 116lbs for the weight of the bikes to stay under your 150lb tongue weight. Since it's a hanging bike rack, it won't work with electric or carbon fiber bikes. If you have kid bikes or a women's step through bike you may need an adapter bar so that it can hang on the rack.

Frank K.

10/17/2026

Hi JC, I have a 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness so I have a bit more towing capability than you will. BUT the two frames are the same and you are choosing the very best tow package you can find for the money. My best advice is this: when the hitch comes to your door, put the box in your Subie and drive to your central UHAUL dealer (not one of the contractors like gas stations and such... but to the place often with storage, propane fills etc.). My Uhaul dealer has installed four hitches for me now and they always do a great job while I wait. It is NOT expensive to have them install it either. And yes they will install your hitch even though you didn't buy it there. I use mine to tow groceries for a local food pantry. I usually have 1000 pounds of food back there and the car/hitch has no problem with it at all. I hope this helps, let me know if you have further questions. Frank

Claire H.

10/17/2026

@FrankK Thanks for sharing your experience and the helpful installation tips! Glad the hitch has worked out so well for you. We also love hearing that you're using it to help your local food pantry. A trailer with a 1,000lb load is around 100lbs of tongue weight which falls perfectly within the tongue weight range of your Subaru.

Doug

10/17/2026

I installed the hitch myself on my Crosstrek Wilderness. I had to bore out a couple of the bolt holes but works great. I pull a ten foot single axle trailer with my Polaris RZR side by side with no problem. Hitch is sufficient for my use. /Doug

Claire H.

10/19/2026

@Doug Glad to hear the hitch is working great for you! Sounds like the installation took a little extra effort, but it's nice to hear you're happy with the results. Thanks for sharing your experience!

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Is Tongue Weight Limited by the Frame of the Car or the Trailer Hitch?

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