Trailer Brakes and Brake Controller Recommendation for 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

I have a 2017 Subaru outback with a Subaru hitch rated for 2700 lb with a 4 point electrical connection. I have a 1996 Shorelander Profile 2000 boat trailer with an 18foot Searay boat 2000 lbs. Subaru Outback rates its towing capacity from 1000 lbs to 2700 lbs requiring the trailer to have brakes. What type of trailer brakes do you recommend?

asked by: Homer W

Expert Reply:

Easiest to install and setup is electric brakes. Plus, surge brakes don't work as great on lighter trailers.

You will need to check out the help article I attached on adding electric brakes to a trailer. It will walk you through the entire process. You will need a brake controller though installed in your 2017 Subaru Outback.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes.

You will need to start with a 4-way (if you didn't have one). For that you would want the # 118467.

From there you would need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way so that you can install the brake controller. For that you will want the Brake Controller Install Kit and 7-Way Adapter part # ETBC7. I attached installation instructions and an install video for this product as well.