7-Way Mounting Bracket and Towing Setup for a 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

I plan to intstall a hitch to tow a small pop up camper with 7 way connection. I plan to also install the 4 way wiring harness and then a 7 way converter with brake controller. The cross bar of this hitch will be hidden up behind the bumber fascia on my 2017 outback. Where would I mount the 7 way harness in this case?

asked by: Jeff W

Expert Reply:

To mount a 7-way wiring harness on your 2017 Subaru Outback you will want to use the Curt Easy Mount Bracket for 4- or 5-Way Flat and 6- or 7-Way Trailer Connectors - 2" Hitch item # C58000. This will attach to the receiver portion of the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver item # C13410 you were looking at. It will leave a large enough access point that the bracket will not interfere with the safety chain hooks. I have linked an installation video and a picture below so you can see what this bracket will look like once installed.

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver item # C13410 you were looking at is confirmed to fit your 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon. It is custom fit and bolts directly to your Subaru's frame with included hardware. I have linked an installation video below.

For your 4-way wiring harness you will want the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector item # 118467. This custom-fit T-One connector plugs into your vehicle's wiring harness, which is located in your rear cargo area. We had a 2017 Outback in the shop recently and installed this exact wiring harness. I have attached another installation video and also a picture that will help you find the connector.

The second harness you will need is the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires item # ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your vehicle with an included bracket. This kit is designed for use on a vehicle with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it.

To control your trailer's brakes you will also need a brake controller. I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Proportional item # RED24FR. This brake controller has a unique installation method where you can mount the control knob on your dash or console and hide the main unit out of sight. This is a proportional brake controller that automatically adjusts your trailer's braking based on the deceleration of your Subaru. You will need the Universal Wiring Harness item # RED69FR to complete your installation.

We have a couple of other mounting options for the control knob that can go inside inserts in your dash. The Universal Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob item # 331-TPSI-001 which measures 1-1/4 by 1 inch. There is also the option of using the Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob item # 331-TPSI-002 for the more standard knock-out measuring 1-1/4 by 7/8 inch. I have linked a couple diagrams to show you the dimensions of these mounts, along with a picture we have of this brake controller installed on a Subaru Outback.