Subaru Crosstrek dinghy

[Al_Fresco]

I am currently towing a Ford Fiesta with a Sunseeker 2300 (Ford E350, V10). The Fiesta tows great (as they say, you don't even know it's there). However, due to its rather low clearance, it is not well suited for off-roading. (By off-roading, I am not referring to rock climbing or other extreme usage. Rather, I am interested in exploring more of the sometimes rather poorly maintained Forest Service type of roads.)

I am seriously considering the Subaru Crosstrek as a more nimble replacement for Fiesta. I have a Ready Brute Elite tow bar and would be using that with the Crosstrek.

Does anyone have any experience towing the Crosstrek as a dinghy, and, in particular, setting it up and using it with the Ready Brute (Ready Brake) cabling system?

[Grumpy374]

Ordered the Ready Brake unit this morning. Will definately let you know how the install goes and any problems I run into.
Grumpy

[Al_Fresco]

Grumpy374,

I hope you will share your installation experience with those of us who are contemplating using the same setup. I am particularly interested in where the front cable attachment is positioned and how it is fastened to the grille work.

Here's hoping you have a trouble-free installation.

[Grumpy374]

No, nothing on the Ready Brake as to the Crosstrek. I did contact NSA and they have had the system installed on Subi Impreza's and Forester's. Since their both the same drivetrain, they feel I should not have any problem's installing it on the Crosstrek.
I will, infact, be ordering mine tomorrow and installing it next week. It should be a stright forward install, and wouldn't be getting it if I thought there would be any problem installing it.
Grumpy

[Al_Fresco]

Grumpy374,

Thank you for responding to my inquiry. I am aware that only the stick shift version of the Crosstrek can be towed four down. I test drove one yesterday and was very favorably impressed.

Are you aware of any discussions that deal specifically with use of the Ready Brake system on the Crosstrek? Any recommendations for routing the cable through the engine compartment would be helpful.

Thanks again for your input.

[Grumpy374]

We have a Forest River Lexi we just bought and also bought a 2013 Subi Crosstrek to use as my daily driver ane to use as a toad. It's our 6th Subaru. Choose it because of it's relibality, it only weighs around 3100 lbs, is all wheel drive, and will go just about anywhere a stock Jeep will go as far as trails.
Haven't towed it yet as still waiting on baseplate comming from Blue Ox. They have a dedicated baseplate for the Crosstrek. Will be using a Ready Brake system on mine.
There is a forum, SubaruXVForum.com, for Crosstrek's, and several members have set them up for towing with no problems. On another forum, clubcrosstrek.com, a member, CJBROWN posted his setup and photo's in a thread, "setting up the crosstrek for towing".
Just make sure that you get the standard 5 speed stick shift as it can be flat towed. Just put it in neutral, turn the ignition to unlock the wheels, and go. The auto tranny cannot be towed at all...
Grumpy