2023 Subaru Crosstrek
Alice is our 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Premium Model. She boasts a 2.0L DOHC Subaru Boxer Engine, with a 6-Speed Manual Transmission. The Premium model includes a few extra features beyond the basic model. Such as the Subaru Starlink multimedia plus system, and an all-weather package, which includes heated front seats and side mirrors. Standard technology includes USB ports, Apple Car play and wireless connectivity.
The Crosstrek’s 17″ alumnium-alloy wheels combined with raised roof rails and black matte trim package provides a sporty appearance. The 8.7″ of clearance and symmetrical All-wheel drive delivering power to all four wheels all the time makes traveling off-road to remote trailheads possible.
Alice has space for five people with just over 100 cubic-feet of interior passenger room. The large hatch back rear door allows easy access to 19.9 cubic feet of cargo storage space. The rear seats split 40/60 and lay flat increasing storage space to 54.7 cubic feet. Voyager has a total of 15 cubic feet of exterior storage, the volume of storage options the Subaru provides is necessary for our full-time RV life.
To Tow or Not to Tow That is the Question
To tow or not to tow is a passionate debate whenever it it discussed on social media. The Leisure Travel Van Wonder RL https://hikingmemere.com/our-gear-list-leisure-travel-van/ is a nimble, easy to drive vehicle. I am comfortable taking it through big city traffic and graveled country roads. Why would we want a tow vehicle?
We are living full-time in our LTV and exploring the states as we travel. We hike, back country camp, bicycle, kayak, rock climb, and many more outdoor activities. These activities require gear, lots of gear, backpacks, harnesses, tents, bikes, helmets, life jackets, etc. Where will this stuff fit in our RV?
Negatives first
I want to discuss negatives first. Number one towing is more work. Flat-towing or dolly towing requires extra steps when moving, flat-towing additionally limits the ability to back-up your vehicle. It is more difficult to drive with a tow. The vehicle is longer requiring more stopping distance and merging is more complicated. Towing a vehicle also requires more space when fueling and stopping at roadside attractions. Maintaining, insuring, and registering, a tow vehicle is more expensive.
Now the Pros
The pros of a tow for us start with additional storage, our Subaru carries our gear. Beyond carrying our gear Alice is so much more. Our tow vehicle gives us safety and freedom we would not have without it. I am confident exploring deeper into the backcountry, knowing I have two vehicles to rescue my family if anything unexpected happens.
We also have three elderly pets, two dogs and one cat. These pets are no longer as adventurous as us. They prefer laying in their bed enjoying the air conditioned RV. Alice can take Jess and I on our journeys while the pets relax in Voyager. This freedom has also been beneficial when we have visited National Parks, many of which do not allow dogs.
Storage, safety, freedom, and best of all the Subaru can take us off-road to hiking spots we would not be able to get to otherwise. Voyager is able to stay set-up and safe with less wear and tear. Voyager is our home and Alice is our garage and OHV. For us our Subaru Crosstrek is an invaluable piece of gear!
Blue-Ox Flat Tow System
This is the Blue-Ox flat tow system https://www.blueox.com. Each part is important and enables the system to work efficiently and safely. Blue-Ox tow bars, safety cables, coiled electrical connector, and a trailer breakaway cable. It is a quick easy system to maintain and hook-up. We chose a hitch company to install our Blue-Ox system.
It was a simple process taking less than a day. Necessary parts were ordered and installed professionally when they arrived. We dropped off the Subaru and a few hours later we picked it up with the RV. Every piece of the system was explained and tested and we practiced connecting the two vehicles. We left the hitch company towing Alice, with the confidence to do so.
Pictured above is the RVibrake 3, included with The Blue-Ox system. It is simple to set-up and plugs into the auxiliary power outlet. It also provides a trickle charge to the Subaru’s battery, ensuring it will not be discharge during a trip. Most states require auxiliary braking, I recommend looking up the laws where you will be traveling.
Another important thing to understand is, the towing capacity of your tow vehicle. Our LTV Wonder RL has a maximum tongue weight of 400 lbs. with a tow rating of 4000 lbs. It is also important that the combined weight of the RV and tow vehicle do not exceed the GVWR or Gross vehicle weight rating of the RV.
Thule Force XTL Roof Box
Thule Force XTL Roof Box https://www.thule.com/en-us/cargo-carrier/car-top-carrier/thule-force-xt-l-_-635701 has sixteen cubic feet of storage. It’s sporty aerodynamic look compliments the Subaru’s trim package. It’s made from impact resistant ABS plastic, and has dual-side locking openings. It was easy to install and did not require any tools, we purchased it in person at REI and installed it in their parking lot.
This model is 6’3″ long, 33″wide, and 18″ at its highest point. The unit weighs only 41 lbs. There are internal straps which hold our gear in place. Additionally, we purchased the cross bars for the Subaru using the Thule Fit Guide https://fitguide.thule.net/. The guide specifies the proper style and length for each vehicle, the sales associate assisted us selecting the proper equipment.
Weight is important in all parts of this full-time RV lifestyle. The dynamic weight or driving weight limit for the Subaru’s crossbars is 165′ pounds. It is important to not exceed manufacturers specifications, safety begins with utilizing our gear the way it was intended. Because, this is not always easy, I recommend asking for help from the experts, when purchasing new equipment.
Rooftop Kayak Carrier-Thule Hull-A-Port
The Thule Hull-A-Port Rooftop Kayak carrier https://www.thule.com/en-us/water-racks/kayak-and-canoe-racks/thule-hull-a-port-aero-_-849 is designed to fold for ease of use and optimization of space. It simply folds up and it is ready to be used. Provided straps securely anchor the kayak to the rack. The weight rating for this rack is 75 lbs. It is pictured below in its folded position.
Advantage SportsRack TiltAWAY bike rack
The Advantage SportsRackTiltAWAY bike rack https://www.amazon.com/Heininger-Automotive-3010-Advantage-SportsRack/dp/B002CHBBFC, can carry 150 lbs. total weight and up to 4 bikes. The rack was easy to install in a 2″ receiver hitch. and is easy to use. It folds, like in the picture above by removing a cotter pin type connector. This same process easily tilts the rack away from the vehicle, allowing ease of access to the back of the vehicle.
We purchased the Advantage SortRack as a low-cost temporary solution. Because, the rack is not recommended for e-bikes, we will upgrade if we purchase new bikes. But, until then the bike rack has been performing well beyond it’s price point and has been an important piece of our gear.
This list is simply our gear, nothing more. We have no affiliation with these brands and recommend completing your own research as we did!
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