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Topic: Flat towing a Subaru Crosstrek (Read 506 times) previous topic - next topic
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Flat towing a Subaru Crosstrek
We just got back from spending a few days in Durango. We took our new toad which is a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek base model with a 6 speed manual trans. I used a Blue Ox base plate, my old Alladin tow bar, and the SMI Stay in Play Duo that was on the CJ-7. I ran the Blue Ox taillight kit and used the existing charge wire for the battery and I have the SMI indicator light on the coach dash. We drove up to Mesa Verde and to Silverton with 4 adults in the car. I had heard that it’s underpowered, but as long as I remembered to down shift, it was fine. Not a hot rod, but it got us where we wanted to go. If anyone is interested in this car as a toad, I’ll try to answer your questions. Mods please move this post as needed.

Larry In Monument
Larry in Monument, CO
2008 24' FD
Re: New Tosd
Reply #1 –
Do you know the ground clearance on the Crosstrek? I’m assuming it’s all-wheel drive.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: New Tosd
Reply #2 –
"Do you know the ground clearance on the Crosstrek? I'm assuming it's all-wheel drive."

Looks like 8.7 inches. 

I was enamoured of the Crosstrek for a while, but if you are thinking of trading in your Outback for this vehicle, please be sure to read several reviews and watch some videos.

2019 Subaru Crosstrek | Features and Specs | Car and Driver


   Virtual hugs,

   Judie
2015 Leisure Travel Unity (Sally Forth) - 2024 -
2009 Pleasure-Way Excel TS (Joyce) - 2019 - 2024
2018 Sportsmobile - (Hopper) 2023 - 2024
2005 RB (Dorrie Anne) - 2009-2022, 1985 TK (Gertie) - 1991-2001
1999 Mountain Aire (Francine) - 2001 - 2009
Re: New Tosd
Reply #3 –
Interesting that there are no 2019 Subaru models listed in Motorhome magazine's dinghy guide. Does  Subaru OK towing the 2019 manual?
2003 TK has a new home
Re: New Tosd
Reply #4 –
Thanks, Judie. No thoughts of trading in as we love our Outback!  Nice to see the Crosstrek has the same clearance as the Outback. I’m thinking of possible toads for the future. Will start off without one initially to see if there is a need.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: New Tosd
Reply #5 –
I see that I misspelled “toad”. The Crosstrek is definitely not the same as the Outback, but at ~3100 lbs, it’s easy to tow. We have an Outback 6 cylinder as our primary car, and it is more powerful and roomier. Subaru won’t recommend towing any of their vehicles after 2016 or so, but I did my homework, and several Subaru experts have said that there is no mechanical reason why a manual trans, non push button Crosstrek cannot be towed. Of course, the warranty issue could be a problem, but I probably voided it anyway when I installed the baseplate in place of the bumper.
Larry in Monument, CO
2008 24' FD
Flat towing a Subaru Crosstrek
Reply #6 –
Despite the fact that Subaru no longer supports flat towing a Crosstrek with an RV, we’ve been towing our 2019 Subaru Crosstrek 6 M/T behind our 2008 24’ FD since this last summer.  We use an SMI Stay N Play Duo braking system, a Blue Ox base plate, and a Blue Ox Aladdin tow bar. The only issue that I haven’t resolved is the key position to unlock the steering. The manual says to put it in the “on” position, but on our last trip  the seat belt chime was ringing all the time. I’ve read that it’s possible to turn the key to on and then to off and the steering stays unlocked if the key isn't removed but that hasn’t worked for us. Just checking to see if there are any other rebels out there.

Thanks,
Larry
Larry in Monument, CO
2008 24' FD
Re: Flat towing a Subaru Crosstrek
Reply #7 –
I think as long as you run an additional charge line wire from your RV to your toad, you will keep the battery from being pulled down by leaving the ignition turned to on.  The chime from not buckling your seatbelt can be solved easily by just buckling the seatbelt.  The sensor is located in the latch, buckling it will stop the chime.  Another option is to pull the fuse(s) that are affected by leaving the ignition turned to on.

Best,

Gary

PS If your manual does not explicitly state your car can be towed, you likely will lose out on any warranty claims that may be remotely related. 
2007 30' TB
Re: Flat towing a Subaru Crosstrek
Reply #8 –
Check the owners manual to see if you can determine which fuse powers the seat belt alarm and all the other circuits that are powered when the key is in the "on" position. I'm not sure if it is a good idea to leave it 'on' all the time, it must be a sizable power drain.
Many cars require pulling certain fuses, when towing, to prevent unwanted power drain from the battery.
I wonder if earlier, towable Subarus had the same issue and, if so, how it was solved.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Flat towing a Subaru Crosstrek
Reply #9 –
Thank you for the replies. I do have a charge line to the toad battery, and I’ve had no issues with the battery.

The local dealer could find no mechanical reason not to tow, but I’m pretty sure that any warranty claims coming from a towing related issue would be hard to make.

The earlier Subarus including Crosstrek up to 2016 used the accessory position to unlock the steering wheel.
Larry in Monument, CO
2008 24' FD
Re: Flat towing a Subaru Crosstrek
Reply #10 –
[merged two closely-related recent topics - Michelle]
Re: Flat towing a Subaru Crosstrek
Reply #11 –
Thank you, Michelle. I actually forgot about my earlier post. I apologize and ask tolerance for my “old timer’s” memory. Please consider it an unintentional update.

Larry
Larry in Monument, CO
2008 24' FD
Re: Flat towing a Subaru Crosstrek
Reply #12 –
Quote from: Larry & Kathy  - 
Thank you, Michelle. I actually forgot about my earlier post. I apologize and ask tolerance for my “old timer’s” memory. Please consider it an unintentional update.


Oh, no worries!  Just me and my eidetic memory going "I swear I saw a topic about this a couple of weeks ago"  ;)

(now if only I could forget a few things from high school that still make me cringe....)
Re: Flat towing a Subaru Crosstrek
Reply #13 –
I think many of us would prefer to forget those high school mishaps
Larry in Monument, CO
2008 24' FD