Built for Subaru

Tag: All Models

  • Roof Rack Locks for a Subaru: What to Lock and What They Protect

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    A roof rack holds gear worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, and most of it can be taken in seconds if it isn’t locked. Locks don’t make theft impossible, but they make your car a harder target than the next one. Here is what to lock and what to look for. We chose these for their high ratings and large review counts.

    Quick Picks

    • Best for matching keys: Thule One-Key System 4-pack, 4.7 stars from 1,300+ reviews, one key for your Thule bars, box and carriers

    White Subaru Crosstrek with a roof cargo basket, front three-quarter view
    Photo: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
    Subaru with a cargo box showing three lock points: crossbar to vehicle, box to crossbars and box lid

    Three Places to Lock

    WhatWhat the lock doesNotes
    Crossbars to the vehicleStops thieves removing the bars from the roofMany aftermarket crossbars accept lock cores
    Cargo box to the crossbarsLocks the box so it can’t be lifted offMost boxes lock the mounts
    Box lidKeeps the contents safeMost boxes lock the lid with the same key

    Keyed-Alike Systems Save Time

    Many rack and box makers sell lock cores that match a single key, so one key opens your crossbars, box and carriers. The Thule One-Key System 4-pack gives you four matching cylinders and keys, so one key opens your Thule bars, boxes and carriers. Check that your parts use the One-Key system before you order.

    What to Check Before You Buy

    • Brand compatibility: locks from one maker often don’t fit another’s crossbars or boxes.
    • What’s already included: many cargo boxes ship with locks.
    • Where the lock sits: a lock that’s hard to reach is a lock you stop using.
    • Cable locks for loose gear: bikes and kayaks often need a cable looped through the frame.

    FAQs

    Do roof rack locks stop theft?

    They deter it. A locked rack takes longer to defeat, so thieves tend to move on to an easier car.

    Do cargo boxes come with locks?

    Most do. Check the box’s listing and match the key to your bars if you want one key for everything.

    Can I use locks from a different brand?

    Sometimes, but only if the cores are listed as compatible. Check before you order.

    Is gear on the roof covered by insurance?

    It depends on your policy, so check your homeowner’s or renter’s coverage.

    Final Thoughts

    Lock the bars, the box and the lid, use one key if you can, and don’t leave valuables in a box overnight. It’s a small cost next to the gear on your roof.

    Related Guides

  • Subaru Towing Capacity by Model: Outback, Forester, Crosstrek

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Subaru’s towing ratings range from 1,500 lbs to 3,500 lbs depending on the model and trim. The number that matters for you is the one in your owner’s manual, but this guide lays out the current ratings side by side and explains what else limits a tow.

    Quick Picks

    • Best for securing a hitch accessory: Rhino USA locking hitch pin, 4.6 stars from 10,000+ reviews

    • Best use of the hitch when not towing: CURT folding hitch cargo carrier, 4.6 stars from 3,800+ reviews. It counts against tongue weight, so check the limit first

    Subaru Forester parked at a campsite next to a camper trailer
    Photo: Peterdownunder, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
    Bar chart of 2025 Subaru towing capacity by model from 1,500 to 3,500 pounds

    Towing Capacity by Model

    ModelTrimTowing capacity
    CrosstrekBase, Premium, Sport, Limited1,500 lbs
    Crosstrek WildernessWilderness3,500 lbs
    ForesterBase, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring1,500 lbs
    Forester WildernessWilderness3,000 lbs
    Outback2.5L trims (Base, Premium, Onyx, Limited, Touring)2,700 lbs
    Outback XT and Wilderness2.4L turbo trims3,500 lbs

    These are the 2025 figures from Subaru dealer guides, not a Subaru document, and some sources list slightly different numbers for the Forester Wilderness in 2026. Check the towing section of your own owner’s manual for your model year.

    The Hitch and Tongue Weight Limit the Real Number

    Towing capacity is the total trailer weight. The hitch has its own limit for the weight pressing down on the ball, called tongue weight, and Subaru’s hitch listings show it is much smaller. Listings for the OEM hitch show 150 lbs of tongue weight on a standard 2022-2024 Forester and 300 lbs on the Wilderness. For 2024-2026 Crosstreks they show 150 lbs standard and 350 lbs on the Wilderness. A common rule is that tongue weight should be about 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer, so check that your trailer lands inside both numbers.

    If you use a hitch cargo carrier or a hitch bike rack instead of a trailer, the carrier, the rack and everything on it count against the tongue weight limit. A CURT hitch cargo carrier is one example. See our hitch cargo carrier guide and hitch rack vs roof rack for bikes before you load one up. A locking hitch pin keeps the accessory from walking off.

    Other Things to Check Before You Tow

    • Trailer brakes: heavier trailers may need their own brakes. Your manual says where the line is.
    • Wiring: the hitch and a wiring harness are usually sold separately.
    • Passengers and cargo: weight in the car can reduce how much you should tow.
    • Roof loads are separate: see roof weight limits by model and year.

    Which Subaru Tows the Most?

    The Crosstrek Wilderness and the turbocharged Outback XT and Wilderness trims top the lineup at 3,500 lbs, and the Forester Wilderness follows at 3,000 lbs. Standard Crosstrek and Forester trims are rated for 1,500 lbs, which suits a small utility trailer, not a camper.

    FAQs

    How much can a Subaru Outback tow?

    Dealer guides list 2,700 lbs for 2.5L trims and 3,500 lbs for the turbo XT and Wilderness trims.

    Can a Crosstrek tow a trailer?

    Most trims are rated for 1,500 lbs, and the Wilderness is listed at 3,500 lbs.

    What is tongue weight?

    The downward force a trailer puts on the hitch ball. A common rule is 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer.

    Does a bike rack count toward tongue weight?

    Yes. The rack and the bikes both press down on the hitch.

    Final Thoughts

    Start with the rating for your exact trim, then check the hitch’s tongue weight, then weigh your trailer or load. If any one of the three is over, you are over.

    Related Guides

  • Hitch Receiver Guide for Subaru: Size, Class, and What It Can Carry

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Many of the guides on this site assume you have a hitch. This one covers the basics: what a receiver is, what sizes Subarus use, and what to check before you buy a hitch cargo carrier or bike rack.

    Quick Picks

    • Best budget cargo carrier: MaxxHaul 70107 hitch cargo carrier, 4.5 stars from 5,600+ reviews

    • Best premium cargo carrier: CURT folding hitch cargo carrier, 4.6 stars from 3,800+ reviews

    • Best bike rack for most owners: Kuat NV 2.0 platform rack, rated 4.7 to 4.8 stars on Amazon

    • Best premium platform rack: Thule T2 Pro XTR, rated 4.5 stars on Amazon

    • Best for security: Rhino USA locking hitch pin, 4.6 stars from 10,000+ reviews

    Three steps to check a hitch: measure the receiver opening, find the tongue weight rating and add up rack and gear weight

    What a Hitch Receiver Is

    The receiver is the square opening under the rear bumper that accepts a ball mount, a cargo carrier or a bike rack. Two things decide what you can use with it: the opening size and the weight the hitch is rated to hold.

    Receiver Sizes You’ll See on Subarus

    ModelHitch exampleReceiverTongue weight
    Forester (2022-2024)Subaru OEM hitch2 in150 lbs (300 lbs on Wilderness)
    Crosstrek (2024-2026)Subaru OEM hitch2 in150 lbs (350 lbs on Wilderness)
    Crosstrek (older)CURT Class 1 aftermarket1.25 invaries, check the listing
    Outback (select years)CURT Class 2 aftermarket1.25 in350 lbs
    ForesterCURT Class 3 aftermarket2 invaries, check the listing

    Hitch makers, years and trims differ, so these are examples, not a lookup table. Confirm the receiver size on the hitch installed on your car, or measure the opening.

    What the Receiver Size Means for Carriers and Racks

    • Most hitch cargo carriers and bike racks are sold for a 1.25 in or a 2 in receiver. Buy the size that matches your hitch, or a model sold with an adapter.
    • A 1.25 in receiver usually means a lighter-duty carrier, so check the rack’s own weight and capacity.
    • The carrier plus everything on it must stay under your hitch’s tongue weight rating.

    Tongue Weight Is the Number to Watch

    A 150 lb tongue weight limit disappears quickly. A hitch cargo carrier like the CURT carrier can weigh a good part of that before you add a cooler or bags, and a platform bike rack like the Kuat NV 2.0 or Thule T2 Pro XTR adds its own weight to the bikes. Pick a low empty weight, or choose a roof box if your tongue limit is tight. See our hitch cargo carrier vs roof box comparison. A locking hitch pin protects whatever you mount.

    FAQs

    What size hitch receiver does a Subaru have?

    OEM Forester and Crosstrek hitches are listed with 2 in receivers. Aftermarket hitches vary, including 1.25 in options, so check yours.

    Can I put a bike rack on a Subaru hitch?

    Yes, if the rack matches your receiver size and the rack plus bikes stay under the tongue weight limit.

    What is tongue weight?

    The downward force on the hitch. Carriers and racks count toward it.

    Do I need a hitch for a cargo carrier?

    Yes. Hitch carriers mount in the receiver. A roof box is the alternative.

    Final Thoughts

    Know your receiver size and your tongue weight limit before you shop. Those two numbers decide which carriers and racks you can use.

    Related Guides

  • Subaru Roof Tent Setup

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Our Roof Tent vs Ground Tent guide covers whether a roof tent is the right choice. This one assumes you’ve already decided and covers what actually happens next — mounting it correctly, using it for the first time, and keeping it in good shape.

    Black Subaru Outback with a Thule roof tent fully deployed, ladder extended
    Photo: Bull-Doser, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

    Confirm Your Crossbars Can Actually Support It

    This is the step that gets skipped and shouldn’t be — a roof tent is one of the heaviest common crossbar accessories, and mounting one on crossbars rated below its weight is a real safety issue, not a minor technicality. Check both the tent’s weight and your crossbar’s dynamic (driving) rating before ordering anything. See our How Much Weight Can Subaru Crossbars Hold? guide.

    Positioning on the Crossbars

    Center the tent’s weight between the crossbars rather than favoring one end — most tents ship with a mounting template or clear guidance for this. Getting the position right the first time matters more for a roof tent than almost any other crossbar accessory, since it’s not something you’ll want to readjust often once it’s loaded and in regular use.

    Practice Setup and Breakdown at Home First

    The first time deploying and folding a roof tent should not be at a campsite in the dark or in bad weather. Practice the full cycle — open, ladder out, mattress unrolled, then fully broken back down — at home first, ideally more than once, so it’s familiar before it actually matters.

    What Changes About Daily Driving

    Once mounted, expect a real fuel economy hit, more wind noise, and a permanently increased vehicle height — worth remembering at parking garages, drive-thrus, and your own garage door. Most roof tents aren’t practical to remove and reinstall for every trip, so plan for these tradeoffs as ongoing, not occasional.

    Basic Maintenance

    Check mounting hardware periodically for looseness, especially after the first few hundred miles of driving with it installed — vibration can work fasteners loose faster than a static accessory would. Let the tent fully dry before folding it down after a wet trip to avoid mildew building up in storage between uses.

    Common Mistakes

    • Skipping the crossbar rating check. The single most important step, and the easiest one to skip.
    • Learning the setup process for the first time at a campsite. Practice at home so it’s second nature before it matters.
    • Packing it away wet. Leads to mildew and odor that’s genuinely hard to fully remove once it sets in.

    FAQs

    How long does it take to set up a roof tent?
    Most fold out in under a minute once you’re familiar with it — longer the first few times before the process is second nature.

    Do I need to check anything before driving with it installed?
    Yes — check mounting hardware periodically, especially after the first few hundred miles, since vibration can loosen fasteners faster than expected.

    Can I remove it between trips?
    Technically, but most roof tents are heavy and awkward enough that frequent removal and reinstallation isn’t realistic for most owners — plan for it to stay mounted.

    Gear Worth Considering

    Three well-reviewed items for time away from home. We chose them for their ratings and review counts.

    See our full guides to the best sleeping pad for a Subaru and the best power station for Subaru camping.

    Final Thoughts

    A roof tent is a genuinely good setup once it’s properly mounted and you’re comfortable with the routine — the real work is upfront: confirming crossbar capacity, positioning it correctly, and practicing setup before the first real trip.

    Related Guides

  • Subaru Adventure Setup: What Actually Works

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    This site covers a lot of ground — road trips, camping, dogs, family setups, storage, roof accessories. This one doesn’t re-explain any of it. It’s a single starting point that connects the pieces, so you can find the specific guide for whatever kind of adventure you’re actually planning instead of piecing it together from scratch.

    Start With What Kind of Trip This Actually Is

    A weekend trip, a family road trip, and a camping trip all call for genuinely different setups — see our Best Weekend Trip Setup, Subaru Road Trip Setup (Family + Space), or Subaru Family Camping Setup guides depending on which one matches. Over-preparing for a short trip or under-preparing for a longer one is the most common planning mistake on this whole site.

    Sleeping: Inside the Vehicle or a Tent

    For solo or couple trips, sleeping inside the vehicle is genuinely comfortable with the right setup — see the model-specific sleeping guides. For families or anyone who wants more space, a tent (roof or ground) is the better call — see our Roof Tent vs Ground Tent comparison.

    Cargo: What Fits and What Needs to Go on the Roof

    Know your actual interior capacity first — see the What Fits guides for your model — before deciding whether roof storage is genuinely necessary. Most people don’t need it as early as they expect.

    Organization: Match the System to How Often You’ll Use It

    Free DIY fixes solve most occasional needs — see Interior Storage Ideas. Real upgrades (organizers, drawer systems) are worth it once you know the need is frequent and genuine — see Storage Upgrades That Actually Help.

    If Dogs or Kids Are Coming Along

    Both change the setup meaningfully — see Most Useful Accessories for Dog Owners or Most Useful Accessories for Families depending on who’s along for the trip.

    Common Mistakes

    • Planning gear before planning the trip type. A weekend trip, a family road trip, and a camping trip need genuinely different setups.
    • Buying roof storage before checking actual interior capacity. Most people have more room than they think.
    • Over-organizing for a trip you’ll take once. Match the system’s cost and permanence to how often you’ll actually use it.

    FAQs

    Where should I start planning an adventure setup?
    With the trip type — a weekend trip, family road trip, and camping trip all need different gear and organization.

    Do I need roof storage for most trips?
    Usually not — check your actual interior capacity first using the model-specific “What Fits” guides before assuming you need it.

    Gear Worth Considering

    Three well-reviewed items for time away from home. We chose them for their ratings and review counts.

    See our full guides to the best sleeping pad for a Subaru and the best power station for Subaru camping.

    Final Thoughts

    There’s no single “adventure setup” that fits every trip — the right gear depends on trip type, group, and how often you’ll actually use each piece. Start with the trip type, then work through sleeping, cargo, and organization from there.

    Related Guides

  • Subaru Storage Upgrades That Actually Help

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Our Interior Storage Ideas guide covers free and cheap DIY fixes. This one is the opposite end — genuine upgrades worth spending real money on once you know a basic fix isn’t enough anymore.

    Quick Picks

    When a Storage Upgrade Is Actually Worth It

    An upgrade makes sense once a basic fix is genuinely failing you — bins you’re constantly re-organizing, gear that never has a fixed spot, or the same frustration coming up trip after trip. If a $10 fix from our Interior Storage Ideas guide is still working, there’s no real reason to spend more yet.

    A Drawer System Is the Biggest Single Upgrade

    For frequent, gear-heavy use, a drawer system solves the organization-degrading-over-time problem that bins eventually run into, plus adds real security for tools or valuables. It’s a genuine investment, not a minor purchase — see our full Drawer System vs Storage Bins comparison before committing.

    A Sturdier Organizer Beats a Better DIY Bin

    Once a cardboard box or basic bin has proven the need is real, a proper structured trunk organizer holds its shape better, doesn’t collapse when partially loaded, and generally lasts years instead of months.

    Common Mistakes

    • Upgrading before confirming the problem is real. Try a free fix first — see our Interior Storage Ideas guide.
    • Buying a drawer system for occasional use. The cost and permanent space commitment only pay off for frequent, gear-heavy needs.
    • Choosing capacity over durability. A smaller, sturdier organizer usually outlasts a larger, flimsier one.

    FAQs

    When should I upgrade from basic bins?
    Once a basic fix is genuinely failing — constant re-organizing, no fixed spot for gear, or repeated trip-to-trip frustration.

    Is a drawer system worth the cost?
    For frequent, gear-heavy use, yes. For occasional use, a sturdier organizer or bins usually cover it for much less money. See our full comparison.

    Final Thoughts

    Storage upgrades are worth it once a free or basic fix has genuinely proven insufficient — not before. A sturdier organizer, a cargo net, or a full drawer system for frequent heavy use are the real steps up once you’re at that point.

    Related Guides