Recommended Brake Controller for 2020 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question

Question:

Hi I am looking for a brake control for my 2020 Subaru Outback. I have the factory hitch with 4 wire connector. I am getting a tear trail that weighs 1,300 - 1,700loaded lbs. I watched the detailed video of the RED24FR install. I was also looking at the Autobrake controller. I see that in both cases I need ETBC7. For the RED24FR, it does not seem too bad to add the switch and connection to the brake switch. In both cases I need to run the wire to the battery. Both controllers have +-. With the RED24FR my car can tow other trailers not sure if I would need that. And with the Autobrake, I could loan the trailer to friends and they would not need a controller not sure if I would do that too. I did saw one comment that customer had to get the Autobrake recalibrated for a light load. Will my trailer load have the same problem? I know my trailer weight is on the very low side of other trailers. I think I just need to trailer brakes to just give a little help. Is one controller better than the other for light loads 1700 lbs? Is there any additional comments you can give me about these two controllers to help me decide which one to get? Is there another controller I should be looking at? Thanks

asked by: Bob

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

You are correct, the first thing you will need to do is add the # ETBC7 Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires. This kit will provide you with everything you need to turn your 4-way into a 7-way and power your brake controller.

I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED24FR if you want to install a brake controller inside your 2020 Subaru Outback. This proportional brake controller allows you to mount the main unit out of sight and adjust the brakes with a control knob. The knob allows for easy adjustments and are discreet. This will allow you to tow other trailers as well.

Since you have also considered the # 3430001 Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller, and may possibly loan the trailer to friends, I recommend the Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller # C51180 as the best choice. The Echo will allow you to do everything you mentioned and is simple to install and use. It plugs in line with your 7-way trailer connector and is controlled from your smart phone. This will allow you to tow other trailers as well as loan the trailer to friends. All they would need to do is download the app.

All of these are proportional controllers. Proportional controllers apply the brakes in your trailer with the same force as you apply the brakes in your vehicle. This is thanks to the internal accelerometers that proportional controllers use to monitor your vehicle's speed and braking force. As far as any calibration goes, braking intensity and the speed at which your brakes are applied can be adjusted based on your trailer size, load weight, road conditions, etc. This would be adjusted with the knob if you had the Redarc or with the app if you have the Curt Echo.

I have attached an installation video of the Echo on a 2020 Outback for your reference.

expert reply by: Robin H

1

Answer 1

The best place to find the stoplight circuit on a vehicle like your 2020 Subaru Outback is going to be at the brake pedal switch. You&#39;ll need to use a circuit tester like part #PTW2993 to test all of the wires till you find the circuit…

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Answer 2

Installation of a brake controller on your 2022 Subaru Outback Limited XT will not void the warranty. Hopefully the dealer isn&#39;t on crack, but even if they are you&#39;re protected under the Federal Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act.…

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Answer 3

First you will need the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness #118467 to plug into your factory connector on your 2021 Subaru Outback. This will take care of the trailer tail lights and plug into the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller…

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Answer 4

I do have an option for you Trevor but there is not a custom fit 7-Way harness available for the 2020 Subaru Outback Wagon. You will need to convert Tekonsha 4-Pole flat trailer connector part #118467 to a 7-way connector with part #ETBC7. The…

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Answer 5

You can absolutely use the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller #RED24FR in your 2023 Subaru Outback. But you will need the Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers #RED69FR for installation. There may be a few more…

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Answer 6

So long as you have the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item #ETBC7 installed in your 2022 Subaru Outback then yes you can use the Tekonsha P2 item #90885, P3 item #90195, or the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty #RED24FR. All three of…

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Answer 7

If you use the Curt #C51180 Echo that you'd looked at, you'll use the #ETBC7L brake controller install kit. The kit includes the adapter to convert the 4-pole to a 7-way, as well as all the needed wiring, hardware and circuit breakers…

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Answer 8

Welcome back! Happy to hear you're satisfied with your purchase. To control a trailer with brakes you need a 7-way connector. To get to a 7-way on your 2023 Subaru Outback you're going to need two separate wiring harnesses. The first…

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Answer 9

The Redarc #RED44FR Tow-Pro Elite, the Tekonsha #118467 trailer wiring harness and the #ETBC7 brake controller installation kit would all work together perfectly, they're exactly what you'll need. Can I make a suggestion that would…

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Answer 10

We can get you setup for your adventure. I think a proportional trailer brake controller is the way to go. My brake controller recommendation is the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller, part #RED24FR, and the Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc…

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Answer 11

We've had the chance to install brake controllers on 2016 and 2020 Subaru Outback Wagons and we found that for both vehicles the color of the wire for the stoplight circuit was brown. It's not uncommon for some vehicles to randomly…

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Answer 12

The best brake controller for your Outback is going to be the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item #RED24FR. This is a proportional brake controller that activates your trailer's brakes when your Subaru decelerates. The reason the…

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