How Do I Install a Brake Controller on My 2021 Subaru Outback Wagon?

Question

Question:

Your install video only installs the 4 wire plus 12v. I need to run the brake controller wire and may need to run the backup wire too. Can the brake control wire be ran in my Outback? Do I need to run the backup light wire in my vehicle? Does the brake control wire need to come to the brake controller in the cabin? Is there a wireless brake controller that also does the conversion from 4 flat to 7 pin? Seems expensive to do both. I haven’t bought a brake controller in a few years, but I think they are much cheaper than the wireless. Will the # RED44FR work? Any help is appreciated

asked by: Mike

0

Expert Reply:

Yes, a standard manual brake controller wire can be routed in your 2021 Subaru Outback Wagon with a Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7. The wires will need to be in your cabin. While it is not required to run the backup wire on your vehicle, you are able to do that with the purple wire route on the attached 7-way wiring diagram. If you are looking for a manual brake controller, the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles # RED44FR will install with drilling on your 2021 Subaru Outback Wagon

If you are wanting a wireless option like the Curt Echo # C51180, you would still need to install the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation # ETBC7L 7-way wiring to your vehicle. However, with the Echo, you would not have to physically drill anything to your dashboard area or the plastic molding near your steering wheel. The Echo also eliminates the need to route the braking wire (blue wire) into your vehicle's cab. With that being said, the # ETBC7L does not come with blue braking wire that comes with the # ETBC7 for the Redarc.

With these choices, I recommend going the Curt Echo because of its ease of use and installation. It is also easy to remove when not in use on your 2021 Subaru Outback Wagon.

I went ahead and linked install videos of the 7-way, the Curt Echo, and the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite to this answer.

expert reply by: Bob C

0

7-Way Wiring Diagram
(click to enlarge)

Answer 1

Hey Erik, thanks for reaching out! We can definitely get you to the #ETBC7 kit building off of your Curt Trailer Connector Adapter #C57672. What you need is the Wiring Kit #5506 which has everything else in it aside from the circuit tester. If you…

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Answer 2

Since your 2021 Subaru Outback Wagon does not have factory trailer wiring you'd need to first install a 4-way with part #118467 and then convert it to a 7-way with a 7-way adapter like the part #37185 to give you the 7-way. But since you are…

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Answer 3

In order to add a brake controller to a 2021 Subaru Outback you'll first need to start with a 4-way trailer connector, the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part #118467 is what I recommend. It's plug and play.…

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Answer 4

I spoke with my contact at Curt regarding the Echo Brake Controller #C51180 and he said he is not certain if the controller is recognized by the MTO simply because this is not a certification they sought when testing the unit. He did say though that…

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Answer 5

Thank you for purchasing from etrailer the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller #C51180. Normally if the Echo will not power on, the issue is with the 12 volt circuit on the 7-way and we'd have you test that. However, in your case, since…

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Answer 6

The 1:00 pin of the 7-way trailer wiring connector is the circuit for the 12 volt charge circuit that Curt Echo Mobile #C51180 draws power from. The ground circuit of the 7-way is the pin in the 7:00 position. I attached a diagram that shows all of…

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Answer 7

The Curt #C51180 Echo requires a minimum of 12-volts at 15 amps to operate. The 12-volt accessory circuit off the 7-way puts off up to 40 amps, so it will have no problem powering the Echo. I've linked you to a product description video featuring…

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Answer 8

The correct replacements we offer for the Glo Brite Marker Lights 118A and 117R is the Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light part #MC44AB for amber and part #MC44RB for red.

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Answer 9

For your Glo-Brite 118A amber light the replacement lens that will fit is the Optronics #A44AB; the lights themselves are the Optronics #MC44AB. The Glo-Brite 117R can use replacement lens #A44RB while the light is #MC44RB. I've added links to…

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Answer 10

To install a 7-Way harness on your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek you will need two separate wiring harnesses because they don't make just one that'll do the job. The first harness you'll need is the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness item…

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Answer 11

To install a 7-Way harness on your 2023 Subaru Outback you will need two separate wiring harnesses because they don't make just one that'll do the job. The first harness you'll need is the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness item…

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Answer 12

There is indeed a trailer hitch receiver that fits your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, from Curt, with the correct part number being the following: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 I verified this fit with the manufacturer for you, and it…

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How Do I Install a Brake Controller on My 2021 Subaru Outback Wagon?

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