bing tracking image
Q & A Icon

Installing a 7-way Trailer Connector on a 2018 Subaru Outback  

Question:

Do you have a 7 blade tailor wiring kit for a 2018 Subaru Outback?

0

Expert Reply:

We do have what you need to add a 7-way trailer connector to your 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon but there isn't a specific custom harness that fits.

If right now the Outback has no trailer wiring at all the easiest way to add a 7-way is to start with a plug and play 4-way and then convert it. I recommend using the Tekonsha, part # 118467, for the 4-way. It plugs in to a connector that's either behind a trim panel in the rear cargo area on the driver's side or in the spare tire compartment. I've linked a video of an install for you.

Once you have a 4-way connector, or if you already have a 4-way connector, use our # ETBC7 kit to convert it to a 7-way. The kit includes the 7-way connector and all the wiring you need to make it fully active. It plugs into the 4-way you have and then the 12 volt power wire is run to your Outback's battery, the reverse light wire splices into its reverse lights, and the brake circuit is ran in the cab of the vehicle to connect to an electric brake controller. Everything you need is included except for the brake controller itself. I've linked a video of this install as well. It's on a 2011 Outback but the kit is universal so the process is very similar.

The video of the # ETBC7 install also shows the Prodigy P3 brake controller, part # 90195. If your trailer has electric brakes and you need a controller this is definitely the one I recommend. It's easier to install and use than most because it can be mounted at any vertical angle and the LCD makes reading the screen a lot better.

expert reply by:
0
Charles S

Mike B.

8/4/2020

I am researching 7 pin harnesses to see if it will work for me. I saw this post about a 2018 Outback. We have this same vehicle with a 4 pin adapter already installed and also a 2010 Nissan Rogue with a 5 pin adapter installed. Would the process be similar with the Nissan Rogue? Thank you.

Etrailer Expert

Jon G.

8/4/2020

If that 5th pin is active on your Rogue then it will actually be easier because you won't have to dig around for the reverse light circuit. Just plug in the 4-Way, connect the 5th wire to the reverse light wire for the # ETBC7 kit, then the rest is the same.

Tom S.

7/27/2020

I am putting a 7-wire connector on a 2018 outback with a factory flat 4 connector. It looks straightforward except I need to use that center wire to activate backup lights. Can you advise on where and how I tap into the right wire in the car and not cause any electrical damage by doing so.

Etrailer Expert

Jon G.

8/4/2020

Finding the reverse light wire on your 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon is just a matter of getting behind your tail light and using the circuit tester to determine which wire carries that function. You can use a diode like part # RM-690 to help keep your trailer from backfeeding into your Outback OEM wiring for peace of mind.

Tom S.

8/4/2020

@JonG Actually after going through the wiring diagrams I discovered that the Outback runs a backup light wire to the trailer connector. The Subaru trailer kit does not include a pin and wire for this. Frustrating as we all would have had that wire available. I used one of the wire taps in the etrailer 7-wire kit to tap the wire at the connector and run it through the wiring loom to the spare tire well where the flat 4 box is affixed. I now have it without having to dig into the backup lights that on this car are on the lift gate.
Etrailer Expert

Chris R.

8/14/2020

@TomS Thanks for this feedback Tom.

Products Referenced in This Question



Product Page this Question was Asked From


Q & A Icon

Continue Researching

See More Q&A Expert Answers >>