How to Install a Trailer Hitch on a 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek (VIDEO)

Welcome to the installation video of the CURT 13135 Class 3 Trailer Hitch on the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek. For a better view of the installation, we will be using a lift. Like most of our installations, this vehicle does not need to be elevated for the install. We estimate this installation to take 30 minutes to one hour depending on your level of expertise.

These are the tools necessary for the install:

  • 3/4” Socket, 11/16” Socket
  • Ratchet
  • Die Grinder
  • Torque Wrench


Begin by removing four rubber plugs underneath the vehicle along the frame rails on either side. You will remove the foremost and rearmost plugs. Some vehicles will require you to enlarge the access holes to accommodate the hitch hardware.

Next, use a die grinder to enlarge the holes big enough to fit the carriage bolts and spacers. Fish wire the rearmost 7/16” bolts by inserting the coiled end of the included fish wire tool into the rearmost access hole and out through the enlarged foremost access hole. Place the CMSP16 spacer over the coiled end of the fish wire and insert the spacer up into the frame. Thread a 7/16” bolt into the coiled end of the fish wire and pull on the opposite end of the fish wire, pulling the carriage bolt up into the frame and down and out through the rearmost access hole. Remove the fish wire.

Continue by reverse fish wiring the foremost 1/2” bolt into place by threading a 1/2” carriage bolt into the coiled end of the fish wire tool and placing the bolt up into the frame. Place a 13135 SP Spacer over the opposite end of the fish wire tool and up into the frame as well. Pull on the fish wire tool pulling the carriage bolt down through the spacer and down and out through the enlarged access hole. Remove the fish wire tool. Repeat this process on the opposite side of the vehicle, leaving the fish wire tools attached.

Raise the hitch into position and thread the remaining fish wires through the side plate attachment points. Lift the hitch very carefully over the frame hardware. Remove the fish wires. To level the hitch sandwich the remaining spacers included in the hardware kit between the frame hardware and the hitch side plates on the two foremost attachment points on either side. Secure the hitch with the included hex flange nuts. Repeat this on both sides of the vehicle. Torque all hardware to the exact value specified in the supplied instruction sheet.

You just knocked out the CURT 13135 Class 3 Trailer Hitch on the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek. If you had any issues following this hitch installation tutorial, you can purchase a trailer hitch online and schedule to have it installed at a nearby U-Haul location.

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