Adding a 7-Way Trailer Connector and Brake Controller to a 2010 Subaru Outback with 4-Way

Question:

Greetings etrailer team! I am an absolute newbie to rv/pups and I recently purchased a 1983 Starcraft Galaxy Popup camper with many more issue than I wish to speak of. I am trying to get things sorted one step at a time. My 2010 Subaru Outback towed it home just fine with the 4-Flat T-one vehicle connector adaptor installed with the etrailer video help Thank you SO MUCH! mucho help with the hitch install too! Over the years, the trailer wiring had been bypassed of its original square 7-port adapter and new temporary lights had been installed for a 4-port flat connector for convenience. If you still follow, nod yes : OK so the original square 7-port connection installed into the trailer itself with wiring to the interior of the pop up will need some updating since its 83 creation. I found a harness to convert this old school blocky 7-port connection to a female circular 7-way connector I will now be able to fully utilize the trailers original wiring and remove the temp lights. Now that you know my ride and rig, my question is, why does this 7-way ETBC7 model include both a 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat connection. Are they to be used in tandem or its one or the other. To my understanding, the 7-way port should give brake controlling in addition to electrical lighting. Please help me understand this better so I dont have to spend a load of time and money looking for old school camper specialists.

asked by: Chris G

Helpful Expert Reply:

the 4- and 7-Way installation Kit # ETBC7 has both a 4-Way flat and a 7-Way blade style connector. You would use one or the other but not both at the same time. A 4-Way only provides the basic lighting functions. A 7-Way has the lighting functions but also a brake output circuit, 12 volt power, and reverse lights or auxiliary power.

So you can tow trailers that use just a 4-Way flat or ones that use a 7-Way RV style connector. I have included some links that show and explain the ETBC7 installation on a 2010 Subaru Outback for you.

For a brake controller I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it is easy to set up, easy to use, and it is reliable.

expert reply by: Michael H