Universal Wiring Kit For 2012 Subaru Outback Plus Other Recommendations

Question:

Looking for a lighting solution for Subaru Outback, 2012 that I tow behind RV, Do you have those systems which add bulbs to rear tail light lassembly, thereby bypassing vehicles electrical system?

asked by: Murray M

Expert Reply:

Yes, we have the Roadmaster # RM-155 Tail Light Wiring Kit with bulbs. I reached out to my contact at Roadmaster and he confirmed that this would work with your 2012 Outback to provide rear vehicle lights. I have included a link showing the installation on a Chevy Spark.

Normally, when flat towing a 2012 Subaru Outback behind an RV, I would recommend a tow bar Universal Wiring Kit like the Roadmaster # RM-152-98146-7. This complete kit includes everything you need to connect your RV's tail, brake, and turn signal lights to your towed car. Diodes prevent feedback and wire your car to operate as a combined system. Includes a 7-way to 6-way straight adapter cord. Compared to the bulb system, the normal wiring system provides optional 12 volts for accessories, and braking signals for a supplemental braking system.

Either way, when you do finally get ready to plug your electrical cables in I would put a little Edelmann # 11755 dielectric grease on those connections. This will keep moisture out and help prevent corrosion.

It sounds like you already have some of the other elements needed for flat towing, but just in case I will list out other items needed for flat towing. All recommendations based on manual transmission on the Outback.

If your Outback with manual transmission does not already have base plates you will need the Roadmaster # 920-1 base plates with removable arms. The crossbar-style hidden brackets attach to your Subaru Outback Wagon's frame to provide attachment points for your tow bar. The visible portions of the brackets can be removed when you are not towing. Draw bars are easily removable via 2 pins.

If you do not already have a tow bar I would recommend the Roadmaster # RM-522 Falcon All Terrain non-binding tow bar. A non-binding tow bar will let you easily disconnect your tow bar even if your coach and towed vehicle is not on level ground or at a difficult angle.

When your coach and towed vehicle are hitched together on level ground, the tow bar should be within 3” of level, otherwise you will need to add a High-Low Adapter LIKE the Blue Ox # BLU34TR. I have attached an article explaining how to measure for an adapter, and a link to a page showing all of our adapters.

You will also need safety cables to keep the towed vehicle connected to your coach in case of a tow bar failure. I would recommend the Roadmaster # RM-645 which are 64” long and rated for 8000 pounds. I like that the connectors are made so they can not bounce off the cable hooks. I also prefer the straight cables compared to coiled – it just looks cleaner when they are all tucked away. If you find that your clevis hooks will not fit through the ears on the back of your coach you will need to add Roadmaster # RM-910022 cable connectors rated for 6000 pounds.

Your Outback weighs in about 3500 pounds so you will need a supplemental braking system installed in it. This will improve braking and handling, and extend the life of your coaches braking system. Additionally, most states require supplemental braking if your towed vehicle is over 3000 pounds. If your coach has traditional hydraulic brakes then I recommend the Brake Buddy # HM39524 portable system that has proportional braking and has a wireless display for your cab so you can see your braking system status or change profiles from your driver's seat.

If your coach has air brakes, then instead of the Brake Buddy system, you will need the Demco # DM26VR supplemental braking system for air brakes.