How to Route the Trailer Connector to the Trailer Hitch on a 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon
Question:
Hi, i am considering the hitch in the subject line have watched videos and am confident in installation, but do not want the wiring harness to hang out of the rear hatch door when in use. any instructions/video on how to run the wiring outside and have a plug attached directly to the hitch? Recommendations on a harness and holder that can be attached to the side of the receiver? Also seems to be some confusion about the foam pad. Early videos show not replacing the pad, but it says to replace it on the Drawtite. Current video recommends bending up the tab on the rear bumper that holds one clip near the center of the bumper. Several people have said that is not necessary, and careful trimming can be done to retain the clip. Any comments?
asked by: Mike
Expert Reply:
The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 76227 that you referenced is an excellent choice for your 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon. It has a 2" receiver tube opening and a class III rating. The hitch is a custom fit so no drilling is required. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
For a trailer wiring harness, I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 118467 because it offers a plug and play installation. We also find that Tekonsha brand wiring products tend to be the most reliable. In regards to installation, you can route the trailer connector under the vehicle and attach it to the trailer hitch with part # 18144. Then if you want to make it a no-drill application, you could add either a short # 18140 or long # 18136 bracket depending on where you decide to mount it.
In order to route the trailer connector to the trailer hitch I recommend using the rubber plug in the trunk under the spare tire which you can see in the attached review. We don't have any videos of this unfortunately.
Per the installation instructions, the foam pad behind the rear bumper fascia will be re-installed with the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 76227. It fits on the Draw-tite where it did not on others. In regards to the rear tab, the installation instructions state to "Bend center fascia tab flat against the end panel." therefore, this is what I must recommend you do. However, if you prefer to trim instead then I do not see any issue with this.
![Conner L](https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/catg/people/1234_tn.jpg)
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- 4 Round
- 5 Round
- 6 Round
- Tow Ready
more information >
No-Drill Mount for Electrical Mounting Bracket - Short
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- 4 Flat
- 5 Flat
- 4 Round
- 5 Round
- Tow Ready
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Review of Curt Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - Trailer Hitch Wiring - C56040
- Search Results: 118467
- Search Results: 63201
- Search Results: j~pin
- Video: Tekonsha Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - Trailer Hitch Wiring - 118467 Review
- Q&A: Difference between Tekonsha T-One and Curt T-Connector Wiring Harness for 2007 Toyota Sienna
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch for 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon 3.6R Limited
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - 3-1/2" Span
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Video: etrailer Class III Trailer Hitch Installation - 2022 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Q&A: How to Route The Trailer Connector To The Trailer Hitch On A 2020 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Video: Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2020 Subaru Forester
- Video: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Installation - 2020 Subaru Forester
- Video: etrailer Class III Trailer Hitch Installation - 2021 Subaru Forester
- Video: Hopkins Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - Trailer Hitch Wiring - HM11143865 Review
- Search Results: transmission coolers
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Install a 7-way and Brake Controller in a 2011 Subaru Outback
- Q&A: Will the Curt Hitch # C67JR Interfere with the Backup Sensors on My 2021 Subaru Outback?
- Q&A: Where To Plug In Wiring Harness on 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon That Has OEM Backup Sensors
- Q&A: Where Does the Fuse Install on the Curt Custom Wiring # C56040 for 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
- Shop: Transmission Cooler
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: 44649