7-Way Trailer Connector Recommendation for 2016 Subaru Outback
Question:
I am looking at the installing the Draw-Tite Class III trailer hitch. Can you advise what I should use in terms of wiring, the dog trailer uses 7 pin North American wiring. I would like the wiring to be permanent i.e. dont want to be moving cables in and out as seen in the 4 pin solutions. The trailer uses a 50mm European hitch can you recommend a hitch ball and ball mount with any security options that exist?
asked by: Alan D
Expert Reply:
I'd be happy to help you with that. You'd need to begin with a trailer taillight converter harness like part # 118467.
How to proceed from there will depend on if your trailer is equipped with electric brakes. If it is not, all you'd need is the 4 pole to 7-way adapter, part # 37185 which would permanently install on the rear of the vehicle. The adapter plugs into the 4-pole provided by the # 118467 and has 3 additional wire leads. The white wire grounds to the vehicle frame or chassis. The remaining wires aren't needed unless your trailer has a battery on it that you'd want to keep topped off, in which case you'd use the # ETBC7L kit.
The # ETBC7L kit includes the # 37185 adapter plus a length of wire that is ran to the positive battery terminal on the vehicle, via the included 40A circuit breaker. If the trailer has brakes, you'll also need a brake controller to actuate them. The Curt Echo, part # C51180 would be an excellent choice, as it operates wirelessly using your smartphone as the controls.
The ball mount needed will depend on whether you have a 1-1/4 inch or a 2 inch receiver. When we installed a hitch on a 2016 Subaru Outback, we found that the hitch sat between 15-16 inches above the ground. Since the average trailer coupler sits about 16-1/2 to 17 inches when the trailer's level, you'll need a ball mount that provides about 2 inches of rise. For a 2 inch receiver, I'd recommend the # C45230 ballmount, the # PC2 hitch pin and the # EH53C-C 50mm ball. For a 1-1/4 inch receiver, use # C45521 with a # PC2 hitch pin and the # 63912 50mm ball.
I've linked to some installation/demonstration videos that you might find helpful.
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Products Referenced in This Question
Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Multi-Function Adapter
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Curt Dual Length Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 2-3/8" Rise, 3-5/8" Drop - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 3 Inch
- Rise - 2 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
Curt Class II Drawbar - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 7-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 3/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 3 Inch
- Rise - 2 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class II
- CURT
more information >
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Smartphone Display
- CURT
more information >
50mm Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 8K
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 50-mm Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 8000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Brophy
more information >
7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Pin and Clip for 1-1/4" Hitches - 1/2" Diameter
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 1/2 Inch Diameter
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 5/8 Inch Diameter
- 4 Inch Span
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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 >
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Instructions
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