Subaru Crosstrek Owners Manual: Trailer hitch (dealer option)
WARNING
- Never exceed the maximum
weight specified for the trailer
hitch. Exceeding the maximum
weight could cause an accident
resulting in serious personal injuries.
Permissible trailer weight changes depending on the situation.
For possible recommendations and limitations, refer to "Trailer towing" F8-17.
- Trailer brakes are required when the towing load exceeds 1,000 lbs (453 kg). Be sure your trailer has safety chains and that each chain will hold the trailer's maximum gross weight. Towing trailers without safety chains could create a traffic safety hazard if the trailer separates from the hitch due to coupling damage or hitch ball damage.
- Be sure to check the hitch pin and safety pin for positive locking placement before towing a trailer. If the ball mount comes off the hitch receiver, the trailer could get loose and create a traffic safety hazard.
Although towing regulations for trailer or caravan vehicles vary by state/region, all regulations agree that specifications such as the maximum gross trailer weight must not exceed the lesser of the following:
- Maximum gross trailer weight
- Maximum gross tongue weight
- GVWR
- GAWR
Failure to comply with the procedures set forth will not only compromise your safety, but will also negate your insurance coverage and/or may violate the state road and traffic acts and regulations.
Use only the ball mount supplied with this hitch. Use the hitch only as a weight carrying hitch. Do not use with any type of weight distributing hitch.
The standard bumper beam must be installed after you remove the trailer hitch. Consult a SUBARU dealer for purchase of a standard bumper beam if you do not have the original.
Safety performance is decreased and there is increased risk of injury to passengers in the case of an accident if the trailer hitch or a standard bumper beam is not installed. One of them must always be installed on the vehicle.
If a trailer hitch is installed, it is not possible to install the rear towing hook.
The maximum gross trailer weight and
maximum gross tongue weight are indicated
in the following table. 
When towing a trailer, refer to "Trailer towing" F8-17.
Roof rail
Roof rail
Crossbar
Cargo can be carried on the roof after
securing the crossbars to the roof rails and
installing an appropriate carrying attachment.
When installing crossbars and a
ca ...
Connecting a trailer
Ball mount
Hitch pin
Safety pin
Hitch receiver tube
1. Insert the ball mount into the hitch
receiver tube.
2. Insert the hitch pin into the hole
located on the hitch receiver tube ...
Other materials:
Front passenger's frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators
Front
passenger's frontal airbag ON
indicator
Front
passenger's frontal airbag OFF
indicator
The front passenger's frontal airbag ON
and OFF indicators show you the status of
the front passenger's SRS frontal airbag.
The indicators are located next to the
clock in the center po ...
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system
The EBD system maximizes the effectiveness
of the brakes by allowing the rear
brakes to supply a greater proportion of
the braking force. It functions by adjusting
the distribution of braking force to the rear
wheels in accordance with the vehicle's
loading condition and speed.
The EBD syst ...
Uniform tire quality grading standards
This information indicates the relative
performance of passenger car
tires in the area of treadwear,
traction, and temperature resistance.
This is to aid the consumer
in making an informed choice in the
purchase of tires.
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall ...
