Recommended 7-Way Connector and a Brake Controller for a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
Question:
Hello, I am researching installing a hitch on my 2019 subaru crosstrek and would like to know what would be required for the brake system and if you offer video support for that install. I think I can manage installing the hitch myself, but Im a little nervous about installing the electrical component correctly. Thank you,
asked by: Casey E
Expert Reply:
I would be happy to help you clear up the confusion! To control a trailer's brakes with your 2019 Subaru Crosstrek you are going to need to add a 7-way connector and a brake controller. If you do not already have a 4-way harness like item # C56040 you'll need to install one of those as well. There isn't just a 7-way connector available that will work with your Subaru.
You will also want to check what kind of connection the trailer you are towing has. Some small trailers, like the ones from uhaul, have brakes built into the coupler that operate off of the slowing of your vehicle. These only require a 4-way connector.
I recommend the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7 you were looking at. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your Subaru 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.
You will then need to connect the blue wire to the blue wire on the brake controller, connect the black wire to the positive post on your Crosstrek's battery, the white wire to ground, and the yellow wire to the vehicle's reverse circuit if applicable. This will provide you with the ability to control your trailer's brakes and also provide you with a 12v power wire for you trailer's accessory lights.
The item # ETBC7 is a universal part that can be used on any vehicle with an existing 4-way connector. We do not have a video on a 2019 Crosstrek, however I have attached a video below of this connector being installed on a 2011 Outback. It will give you a great walk through of how to get this 7-way installed.
If you do not have a 4-way connector you'll need the Curt item # C56040, I referenced earlier. This custom-fit T-connector plugs into your Subaru's wiring harness, which is located behind the interior trim panel in your rear cargo area. We do have a video of this harness being installed on a 2019 Crosstrek which I attached below. The main difference you'll need to change in the process is the 4-way connector will need to be run below your Subaru so it can meet up with the item # ETBC7.
For a brake controller, I highly recommend 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 Tow-Pro Liberty is the best option is because of its unique installation method where the only visible portion is the control knob that's about the size of a nickel. The main unit is hidden away inside your dash to be completely out of the way and out of sight.
You will need the Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers item # RED69FR to complete the installation, since your Crosstrek does not a brake controller adapter installed from the factory. There is also an installation video below that will help you get this controller installed an set up.
The rest of the parts you will need to tow a trailer with your 2019 Subaru Crosstrek are listed below:
Trailer Hitch - etrailer Hitch item # e98912
Wiring Harness Mount - No-Drill Mount Bracket item # 18136
Ball Mount - Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches item # C45534
Products Referenced in This Question
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- 4 Round
- 5 Round
- 6 Round
- Tow Ready
more information >
Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 2 Inch Ball
- One Ball
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 0 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- CURT
more information >
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Redarc
more information >
Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Redarc
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
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