Brake Controller Recommendation for a 2010 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question

Question:

Which brake controller would you suggest for a 2010 Subaru Outback towing a trailer that weights approx 2,000 pounds? Is the installation about the same for both controllers? Does the Drawtite controller work in reverse?

asked by: Tom M

0

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Brake Controller, # 5504, will work in reverse. It will engage the trailer brakes any time the vehicle brakes are used. The Prodigy P2, # 90885 will also work in reverse.

The main difference between these two controllers is that the Draw-Tite is a time delay controller and the Prodigy is a proportional controller. Time delay controllers have the benefit of being able to mount in any position. However, these types of controllers apply the same amount of braking to the trailer brakes in all braking situations.

Proportional controllers like the Prodigy, have a more limited mounting range (360 degree vertical range in the direction of travel), but apply the trailer brakes in proportion to how much the vehicle is braking. Brake hard, the Prodigy brakes hard. Brake lightly, the Prodigy brakes lightly. It is because of the proportional feature that I recommend the Prodigy over any time delay controller. I have included an FAQ article on brake controllers below.

In terms of installation, apart from how and where the controllers are mounted, the wiring will be identical. You will first need to install a 4-Way if your 2010 Subaru Outback Wagon does not already have one. You would use Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # 118467. I have included installation details and an installation video below.

You would then need to install a 4 and 7 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. The 4-Way you just installed will plug into the back of the ETBC7. The white wire gets grounded to the vehicle frame, the black wire attaches to the vehicle positive battery terminal via a 40 amp breaker, the blue wire attaches to the blue wire on the brake controller. The last wire attaches to a reverse light wire behind one of the taillights.

The black wire on the brake controller will attach to the vehicle positive battery terminal via a 20- or 30-amp breaker (see brake controller instructions for which size to use). The white wire will attach to the negative battery terminal. The red wire will attach to the brake switch above the brake pedal. Using a circuit tester, like # PTW2993, find the wire that carries a signal ONLY when the brake pedal is pressed. I have included a link to a video showing the installation of an ETBC7 kit below.