Recommendations For Adding A Brake Controller To A 2008 Subaru Outback Wagon

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Question:

We just got a popup camper and were looking at getting a 2008 Subaru Outback to tow it. What would we need to add to the Outback for wiring? The camper has a 7 pin round plug with electric brakes. I think the Outback just has a 4 pin harness but Im not sure about that.

asked by: Kevin M

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Expert Reply:

To get your 2008 Subaru Outback Wagon towing a trailer with a 7 Way and brakes, you will need a few parts. Already having the 4 Flat on your vehicle will help with getting wired up, so lets get started.

First will be the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7. This will piggyback off your existing 4 Flat and will up that to the needed 7 Way. This will include all the wiring that will need to run to the battery and inside of your Outback, as well as all the circuit breakers, brackets, and wire connectors. Once all this is connected and run, it will allow you to connect a controller, like the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR. I highly recommend this controller as it will have one of the cleanest looks once installed due to only the adjustment/manual override knob being visible. It is also very capable and can handle up to 6 brake assemblies (3 axles) and both electric brakes, which is what you will end up having on the pop up camper, and electric over hydraulic brakes. If I were to be setting my truck up with an aftermarket brake controller, this is the way I would go. We do have another option that people are really liking though.

That being the Curt Echo Wireless # C51180. This does still require the 7 Way, but actually needs less wiring and the # ETBC7L will cover you. All you will be doing is connecting a wire to the battery with a circuit breaker in line and then mounting the 7 Way, so it is a lot simpler than the # ETBC7. The # C51180 will then connect to you smartphone via the Curt Echo app, and you are good to go. The only downside is that the manual override will be handled by this app, and even with that, there is a workaround. The Manual Override Button # C83HR can be added and it will work in place of the app. You will still need to keep the app opened, but if you are on a call, handsfree of course, you will not need to try and find the app if it gets buried behind other things. Though I do prefer the hardwired Redarc # RED44FR, that is just personal preference and the Curt Echo # C51180 is a very nice way to go as well.

expert reply by: Lazer S

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Answer 1

Welcome back! Since your 2022 Tucson already has a 4-way connector, you will want the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item #ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of…

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Answer 2

I discussed your issue with a one of the training representatives from Redarc and while they have not before seen this issue with an install, he did have an idea of what might be occurring. The first thought is an insufficient ground for the…

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Answer 3

According to Redarc, when installing the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller part #RED24FR on a 2020 Subaru Outback with AEB you'll want to splice into the stop light circuit at the rear of the vehicle through the tail light harness. If you…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 7

The best brake controller option to go with is one that activates the brakes proportionally instead of time delayed. A proportional brake controller will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as the tow vehicle…

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Answer 8

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Answer 9

The first thing you will need for your 1999 D250 is a 4-way. The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C55317 plugs into the connection points behind your rear bumper and will allow you to power your trailer's signal lights. Once the 4-way is…

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Answer 10

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 11

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 12

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Recommendations For Adding A Brake Controller To A 2008 Subaru Outback Wagon

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