Wiring a 2010 Tribeca for a Trailer Mount Brake Controller or a P2 Brake Controller  

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In order to use a brake controller, including the Tekonsha Prodigy RF Brake Controller - Proportional - Trailer Mounted, # TK94FR, your 2010 Subaru Tribeca will have to have a 7-Way connector. This will require a 7 and 4 way installation kit # ETBC7, to hardwire a brake controller on the vehicle. This RF Brake Controller is a good investment if you plan on towing the trailer with multiple vehicles (each vehicle would need a 7-Way). Then you could just move the remote from vehicle to vehicle.

What you will need to do is plug in your 4-Way into the back of the ETBC7 and wire the black wire, and white ground wire (tape off and secure the blue and purple wires) to your vehicle. Attach the white ground wire to an existing ground point or to the vehicle frame. Route a length of wire from the black wire, under the vehicle, and up into the engine compartment avoiding areas that might pinch or burn the wire. This wire will connect to the positive battery terminal via a 40 amp breaker you will mount near the battery. After that, mount the RF brake controller to the trailer and you are ready to go. I have included a link to the installation details for the RF unit below.

But if you are just towing the trailer with the Tribeca, I would recommend a more traditional, in cab brake controller that will be much more economical for you. Since you all ready have a 4-Way, you will Just need a brake controller and ETBC7 kit. Starting with the ETBC7, you will start wiring it the same way. Instead of taping off the wires, you will need to run them. Attach a length of wire to the blue wire on the ETBC7 and route it under the vehicle, up through the firewall, and into the cab of the vehicle. The purple wire will attach to a reverse light wire behind your taillights.

In the cab, mount the brake controller in a suitable place with easy access. I recommend the Tekonsha P2, # 90885, as it is one of our best selling and highest rated controllers. I have included the mounting instructions below. The blue wire you ran from the ETBC7 to the cab connects to the blue wire on the brake controller. The white wire is the ground. The black wire gets routed through the firewall and connects to a 20- or 30-amp circuit breaker (see instructions for which to use) and then from the breaker to the positive battery post. The red wire connects to the stop light switch above the brake pedal. Using a circuit tester like # PTW2993, find the wire on the brake light switch that only carries a signal when the brake pedal is pressed. Connect that wire to the brake controller red wire. Installation is now complete. I have included an FAQ article on wiring a brake controller from scratch that will help.

expert reply by: Michael H

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