If you own or are considering a Subaru Crosstrek and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Subaru Crosstrek pull a trailer?
Yes, a Subaru Crosstrek can pull a trailer or camper up to 1,500 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a trailer or camper with your Subaru Crosstrek which we’ll cover below.
Pulling A Trailer With A Subaru Crosstrek
So, can my Subaru Crosstrek tow a camper? Yes: the Subaru Crosstrek towing capacity is 1,500 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, teardrop trailer, or pop-up camper is under 1,500 lbs your Subaru Crosstrek can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing a trailer with your Subaru Crosstrek.
Subaru Crosstrek Towing Details
Does The Subaru Crosstrek Come With A Tow Hitch?
The Subaru Crosstrek does not come with a tow hitch included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Crosstrek Tow Rating
The Crosstrek tow rating is 1,500 lbs which falls under a Class 1 hitch.
Subaru Crosstrek Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to pull a trailer or camper behind your Subaru Crosstrek.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With A Subaru Crosstrek?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
You won’t need a brake controller due to the fact that the Subaru Crosstrek can only tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Subaru Crosstrek Hitch Kit Cost
Subaru Crosstrek Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Subaru Crosstrek trailer hitches run between $100-$200.
Take a look at this recommended Subaru Crosstrek Hitch Kit:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 525 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling.Main Body:Square
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid Bonderite and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Subaru Crosstrek
A Subaru Crosstrek trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $25-$50.
- EASY TO INSTALL. No cutting! No splicing! This trailer wiring harness kit plugs into existing factory wiring on your vehicle and equips it with a standard, rear 4-pin trailer wiring connector for plugging in and towing a trailer
- STANDARD CONNECTOR. This plug-in 4-flat trailer wiring can be used to connect trailer tail lights, brake signal lights and turn signals. 4-way trailer light wiring is popular on a wide variety of trailers, adding versatile towing options for your vehicle
- VEHICLE-SPECIFIC. This aftermarket, vehicle-trailer wiring harness is designed for select years of the Subaru Ascent, Forester, Outback, Crosstrek and XV Crosstrek (factory tow package required)
- RELIABLE POWER. This 4-way trailer wiring harness is built with surface mount technology. This type of circuitry generates less heat, optimal light intensity and durable performance
- DUST COVER. To promote long-lasting use and weather resistance, this 4-pole trailer lighting wire harness comes with a rubber dust cover. It easily fits onto the 4-way flat connector when not in use, protecting it against the outdoor elements
Subaru Crosstrek Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Subaru Crosstrek (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Subaru Crosstrek Brake Controller Cost
Subaru Crosstrek brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Trailer Hitch On A Subaru Crosstrek? Subaru Crosstrek Towing Package Installation
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Subaru Crosstrek towing hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Subaru Crosstrek?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Subaru Crosstrek, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
What Trailers And Campers Can A Subaru Crosstrek Pull?
Can A Subaru Crosstrek Tow A Camper?
Yes, as long as it is under 1,500 lbs, your Subaru Crosstrek can tow a camper.
Can A Subaru Crosstrek Tow A Pop Up Camper?
Yes, a Subaru Crosstrek can tow any pop up camper under 1,500 lbs.
Your Subaru Crosstrek can pull a trailer, camper, or pop-up camper under 1,500 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Subaru Crosstrek can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 1,500 lbs:
- Riverside Retro
- Happier Camper HC1
- Palomino Palomini
- Jayco Hummingbird
- MeerKat Camper
- InTech Flyer Pursue
- Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro
- Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth
- Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro
Subaru Crosstrek Teardrop Trailer Options
- nuCamp Tag
- Prolite Mini
- Rustic Trail Teardrop Camper
- Timberleaf Pika
- Go Little Guy MyPod
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Subaru Crosstrek.
When determining what trailers you can pull behind your Subaru Crosstrek, you’ll want to know the following specs:
- UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
- Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 1,500 lbs so your Subaru Crosstrek can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 1,500 pounds.
Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity
So, how much can a Subaru Crosstrek tow?
The Subaru Crosstrek towing capacity is 1,500 pounds.
- Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs
- Subaru Crosstrek GVWR: 4,343 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Subaru Crosstrek can tow your camper or travel trailer:
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Subaru Crosstrek GVWR or Subaru Crosstrek towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Subaru Crosstrek Pull A Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can pull a trailer with a Subaru Crosstrek as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 1,500 pounds).
Subaru Crosstrek models don’t come with a towing package installed, so you’ll need to add one to the vehicle. Once complete, you’re ready to hit the road and get camping!
What hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Subaru Crosstrek, and what camper or trailer are you towing with it? How did the hitch installation go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
While you’re here, check out our other helpful travel trailer, camper, and RV repair guides:
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- Our guide to motorhome fuel pump replacement
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