How to Route the Trailer Connector to the Trailer Hitch on a 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon
Question:
Hi, i am considering the hitch in the subject line have watched videos and am confident in installation, but do not want the wiring harness to hang out of the rear hatch door when in use. any instructions/video on how to run the wiring outside and have a plug attached directly to the hitch? Recommendations on a harness and holder that can be attached to the side of the receiver? Also seems to be some confusion about the foam pad. Early videos show not replacing the pad, but it says to replace it on the Drawtite. Current video recommends bending up the tab on the rear bumper that holds one clip near the center of the bumper. Several people have said that is not necessary, and careful trimming can be done to retain the clip. Any comments?
asked by: Mike
Expert Reply:
The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 76227 that you referenced is an excellent choice for your 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon. It has a 2" receiver tube opening and a class III rating. The hitch is a custom fit so no drilling is required. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
For a trailer wiring harness, I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 118467 because it offers a plug and play installation. We also find that Tekonsha brand wiring products tend to be the most reliable. In regards to installation, you can route the trailer connector under the vehicle and attach it to the trailer hitch with part # 18144. Then if you want to make it a no-drill application, you could add either a short # 18140 or long # 18136 bracket depending on where you decide to mount it.
In order to route the trailer connector to the trailer hitch I recommend using the rubber plug in the trunk under the spare tire which you can see in the attached review. We don't have any videos of this unfortunately.
Per the installation instructions, the foam pad behind the rear bumper fascia will be re-installed with the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 76227. It fits on the Draw-tite where it did not on others. In regards to the rear tab, the installation instructions state to "Bend center fascia tab flat against the end panel." therefore, this is what I must recommend you do. However, if you prefer to trim instead then I do not see any issue with this.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- 4 Round
- 5 Round
- 6 Round
- Tow Ready
more information >
No-Drill Mount for Electrical Mounting Bracket - Short
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- 4 Flat
- 5 Flat
- 4 Round
- 5 Round
- Tow Ready
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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