Recommended Trailer Hitch for Towing Small Rental Trailer With 2008 Subaru Impreza

Expert Reply:

I'm seeing conflicting information regarding towing with a 2008 Subaru Impreza. Online searches seem to agree that the 2008 Impreza can tow 1200kg, or about 2600 lbs if the trailer has brakes.

The owner's manual bluntly states that the car isn't intended to be used as a towing vehicle and lists no capacity. I'd recommend checking with a Subaru dealer for clarification. My suspicion is that the the 1200kg towing capacity I found refers to vehicles outside the US. This wouldn't be the first time I've seen that vehicles that are very commonly used for towing in Europe have prohibitions about using the same vehicle for towing in the US. I'm guessing this is to prevent liability due to the overly litigious environment in the US.

If you get the okay for towing, I'd recommend using a Curt Class I hitch but the hitch you need will depend on the model Impreza you have and how it's equipped. For the sedan, except for WRX STi, use part # C11317, for the 5 door wagon with a single exhaust, use # C11315 and for the 5 door wagon with quad exhaust, use # C11120. For a ball mount, use # C45521 along with a # PC2 hitch pin and an # A-82 hitch ball.

The wiring harness will depend on the vehicle model like the hitch fit does. For the sedan, use # 118464 and for the 5 door wagon, use # C56111.

U-haul rental trailers typically use a surge coupler and an adjustable coupler that'll fit any ball size. You won't need to install a brake controller.

expert reply by: Mike L

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