Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

by: no name02/18/2013

The instructions for the electrical connector were missing the details for the XV Crosstrek. So after taking off most of the panels at the back of the car, I called the tech support number and he suggested to look under the kick plate at the very back of the car. After removing the back panel, the plug was easily found on the drivers side against the back wall of the car. Since this is a new model for 2013, I assume the instructions will be updated shortly. 66859

Thank you for the additional info.

-- Patrick B - 5/20/2013

There are little retention tabs on the underside of the panel that help to hold it in place. Once you remove the push rivets, gently and firmly pull up on the panel. Check out our install video on the 2013 Crosstrek to see it in action. There are a couple of video links below the main photo.

-- Patrick B - 8/5/2013

The kick plate is right at the threshold, the long piece of plastic covering that goes along the cargo area where the latch is. Check out the link to the video on the Crosstrek to see removal of the kick plate.

-- Patrick B - 8/5/2013

Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek - Video

Send me a photo of the tab if you can. I have a feeling it is just a spring tab that helps hold by tension and firmly pulling on it or slightly squeezing and pulling will get it to release. But to make sure, it would help to see pictures first in case it is something other that what I think it is.

-- Patrick B - 10/10/2013

Thanks for the feedback, glad to know the harness installed with relative ease. Give us a shout if you ever have any questions.

-- Patrick B - 3/27/2014

by: Karen11/18/2017

This is a follow up on my previous review (the one with the cat in the picture). This is an EXTREMELY simple installation in your 2016 Subaru Outback. Except for the part about finding the OEM plug under the side panel. The etrailer video is very accurate, especially the more recent one that's about 7 minutes long. The hard part is getting your hand up in there far enough to reach the plug. This depends on the size of your hand! In my case, it wasn't until I had help to hold the side panel out while I stuck my hand in there was I able to get it done. I also used a putty knife to pry up the little lip of the side panel over the black plastic trim that is located right beneath the tie-down ring. That gave us enough slack to pull the panel out. The side panel did not suffer any damage by this procedure. There are also insulation pieces in the way, so if you get discouraged keep pushing. It's up there. I actually pulled some of the little squares of insulation out just because (frustration while I was waiting for my help to arrive), but they are easy to stuff back in when you're done. You shouldn't have to do that. While you're hunting, keep in mind that it is really close to the tie-down ring, about 3-4 inches, and it is up high, about the same level as the top of the ring enclosure. Once you feel it, you will know it. There's nothing in there to get your fingers confused. Give it a good pull. There's not much slack, it will only come out far enough to plug in and push it back under. It was plug and play and my trailer lights worked perfectly with no problem. I've been a big fan of etrailer for at least 10 years, and once again they did not disappoint. 453108

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by: Charles03/10/2018

5 stars for the wiring harness which works just fine in my 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon. The install took some time though (more than it took to install a Curt hitch) because it was hard to locate and expose the car's wiring connector. Would give the install a 3 star for that. The harness instructions have pictures showing where to find that connector behind a panel covering the left rear wheel well. But you don't know exactly where behind that panel, and it's a tight squeeze getting your hand & forearm in there to find it. A small mirror helped. The harness is looped back on itself so you won't see the connector, look for the loop and maybe some blue tape which holds the loop. It's finding that loop that took the time. I routed the harness out through a rubber plug in the spare tire well. It's easy & much neater than running it under the tailgate when you're towing. Remove the rubber plug, slice it from the center to one edge so you can get the wiring harness into it. Figure out how long a wire you need outside the car, reinstall the plug, and seal around the wire with 100% silicone caulk. I connected the grounding wire to an existing bolt inside the car (just secure with a second nut) rather than drilling a new screw hole. 483150

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by: DJ D07/26/2017

As others have posted, just can't say enough positive about my experience with etrailer. Received everything in one box in about a week after ordering online. While awaiting the shipment, I worked from the storage area inside the car and pre-drilled the access holes and located the wiring harness plug. The online video was spot-on for what to expect in mounting the hitch. I was able to do the install with the car on its wheels, no jacking or stands. For those without a floor jack, slip a piece of 2"x2" into the receiver and let it hang out the front about 6". You can then balance the hitch on your Subaru car jack, carefully slide it under the car, and slowly lift the hitch into place. Yes, a smooth, flat, level surface (garage floor) is needed for this. My only error in the install was forgetting about the tip of not tightening the hitch bolts completely until the heat shield was re-installed. As another commenter stated, the wiring harness' black box slips under the left rear corner trunk panel just fine. I zip tied the wiring harness to some holes at the top left lip of the spare tire well, ran the wire toward that wide, rubber body plug under the spare tire, cut a slit in the body plug and pushed the wiring harness through. I then used the silver metal duct tape (not gray duct/duck tape) to adhere the wire to the left rear wall of the spare well below where I had zip tied the harness and covered the harness with the metal tape until it exited through the rubber body plug (metal taped over the rubber body plug, too, to ensure water tightness). I didn't time my install, but if I'd done everything in sequence it probably would've taken the 2 to 2.5 hrs as previously posted. Thanks to all for your advice/tips and good luck to the new customers on your home install. 410762

by: Michael F.06/01/2017

My recent purchase of a trailer hitch and wiring assembly for my 2017 Subaru Outback arrived yesterday while I was underneath my vehicle prepping it for the install.I have dual exhausts so I removed the muffler hangers on either side to unbolt the mufflers from the exhaust pipe. Once that was done removing the heat shields was easy; drilling/enlarging the access hole for the hitch bolts was also not difficult except for dodging the shower of hot metal shavings.The hitch itself was a perfect fit and installed nicely with the aid of a jack. I tightened it to specs, cut the heat shields, reconnected the mufflers and hangers and viola -install complete. The wiring inside the vehicle was also done with ease-( note) to access the connection itself unbolt the driver side latch located on the trim panel to the left of the rear seat as this will allow you to get easier access to the connection that is bound by blue tape to the main wiring bundle. I chose to route the 4 pole wires underneath the foam shelf and into the spare tire well out to the hitch through the access hole using the existing rubber grommet and sealed both sides with Gorilla tape to ensure a weather proof seal. I checked all connections and was pleased with the ease of the install and its ability to allow me to now tow... Both products arrived quickly, installed as indicated and add a useful enhancement for the vehicle . I will be using erailer.com for future purchases and highly recommend them for a thorough, and enlightening web site and great products that perform and install as indicated - overall GREAT customer service and PRODUCTS!! 389654

by: jd11/21/2013

I installed this on a 2014 Subaru Forester. Does exactly what it is supposed to do and is easily installed. Be sure to remove the threshold trim piece before removing the rear 1/4 panel. I only took the 1/4 panel loose at the back end and the connector is right there behind the very back end of the panel. I left the vehicle's connector where it was and plugged the new connector into it without undoing anything. There is ample room right behind the 1/4 panel on the floor to stick the switching unit down. I used the bolt that holds the left rear tie-down bracket to the frame for the ground lead. The ground terminal will fit this bolt just fine. Sorry, but didn't think to take any photos. Remember to remove the threshold trim piece (the latch hardware piece sticks up through it at the middle). There are videos on their website (for other Subarus) that you can view for further info. The printed instructions included for the Forester doesn't mention the trim piece on the threshold, only says to remove the rear trim piece, so it is somewhat incomplete. 108038

Still going strong. Havent had any issues.

jd - 11/22/2014

by: Jeff C06/28/2018

Here's some pics, rather than drill into the floor I used the larger eyelet and a grounding washer and used the strut nut. Went well ! 528134

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by: Ken A.06/25/2014

No problems with wiring install, it happened as per instructions and pics. I installed on 2014 Subaru Forester. All worked well when tested. 137701

In the installation instructions for your 2014 Subaru Forrester, section 2C corresponds to photos G and H that show the rear trim panel. The removal of this trim panel is what Ken is referring to in his comment. The installation instructions are linked above on the right hand side of the product page.

-- Rachael H - 7/7/2014

by: John05/30/2015

Wiring kit installed in minutes. Worked first time I tested it then after putting everything in place, it wouldn't work. It turned out to be a bad connection in the plug in my car, not this harness. The kit has everything needed for installation and includes a long cable on the flat 4 plug end. Very easy to store the flat 4 plug inside the car except when using it, just as described in the video. Thanks etrailer!!!! 198683

The installation was as easy as the on line video suggested. I was very pleasantly surprised it went as well as in the video! This clearly was developed with some thought. Both items were extremely easy to install and have been working fine since installation. Whenever I need anything for my vehicle or camper in the future, I most definitely will go immediately to your webpage.Thank you for quality products at a great price. I have to tell you, this follow-up email just made my day! Thanks for thinking of me............Just another really satisfied customer

John - 06/18/2016

by: david j.06/02/2015

the harness plugged right into the existing terminal. the wiring is plenty long. i followed others' suggestions and ran the wiring under the spare tire and thru the existing grommet in the spare tire well by cutting a slit in the center of the grommet. then covered the wires with a protective sheaf and then working the four-prong connector through. the only small problem i had was getting to the auto's connector as the wires had been folded, taped and tucked up inside the panel out of sight. i was glad for your instructions that assured me it was there. :) will use a rubber adhesive to seal the grommet. 199920

The hitch has worked very nicely. Fit my Subaru to a t . Like a few others, I installed the hitch from inside the cargo area, drilling enlarging a couple of holes that were already there. I would recommend you product to others.

david j - 06/17/2016

by: Bill H.12/10/2016

Ordered late on 12/04/2016 and received 12/08/2016, which was really three days, very good time. Ordering was very easy and the installation videos helped me make my final decision to purchase the Curt Class III hitch and T-Connector for my 2017 Subaru Outback. The installation videos were very helpful and offered several good tricks such as supporting the muffler w/ a tie down, using a step-bit, touch-up paint and lubricating the muffler supports (just use a non-petroleum based lubricant / silicon). I’m somewhat mechanically inclined and it did take every bit of 1 ½ - 2 hours for the hitch and 1 hour for the T-Connector. Did the install alone, which may have been the reaason for the extra time it took me. The Subaru wiring harness connector was a challenge to get to without taking the panel off, but after a few scratches and cuts, I was able to get it and the rest of the installation went just as shown on the installation video. Overall, very satisfied with the price, delivery, installation videos and final installation. Would have included a picture, but it’s the same as shown on the installation video, only difference is mine is a red Outback. I would recommend the Curt hitch and T-connector and eTrailer. 325606

by: Michael K09/08/2017

Installing this powered trailer lighting adapter was pretty easy, the most difficult part being removal of the trim panels. If you haven't done this sort of thing before you'll find that an inexpensive set of trim removal tools will be a significant help. Subaru did the wiring job properly - contrary to what I expected you don't have to run a hot wire to the battery, a hot is already present at the connector - and the actual hookup is pretty easy. The assembler who secured the connector pigtail at the factory was perhaps overly enthusiastic with the electrical tape so a sharp knife and some careful dissection was required to avoid damaging any wires. While the instructions suggest drilling a hole and using the included self-tapping screw for the ground wire, on my 2017 Crosstrek that wasn't necessary as Subaru has thoughtfully provided a tapped hole for an M6 screw in the perfect location. I used an M6-100 hex head bolt with both a flat washer and a lock washer. 430177

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by: Mark F.08/10/2013

After installing a Modulite protector on my Mazda 3, I have to say this install was a BREEZE... Imagine an actual plug that you just plug in... WOW, what a mind blower! He He. The product easily installs under the drivers side, rear kick plate. On our 2013, the trailer wiring plug is right at the back of the car. You just have to pull off the hatch trim panel to get to it. Running the extra ground wire is no big deal. I drilled a hole, sanded off the paint around it. screwed down the round flat connector with the provided machine screw, and put some RTV on top of it to prevent rust. 94363

They both worked great, thank you for the follow up!

Mark F - 02/20/2015

by: Greg N.05/20/2018

First off, it works; I tested it with my boat. Second, it's so good that I no longer have to splice wires to get a good trailer light connection. Third, the instruction video by etrailer was a big help but there's one thing that I really need to elaborate on; finding and fetching the Subaru plug in which to hook up the unit. Subaru puts the plug deeply under a side cover that was nearly impossible to fetch. I strongly recommend that you look at the video and add one more thing; remove the forward hold down ring to expose the wire, tape, and plug. Neither my wife with skinny arms nor I could reach it as shown in the video. By removing the hold down ring, I was able to see the wire, slice the tape with a pocket knife, and push the plug toward the rear of the car to make it reachable. We struggled, got cuts, and cussed a bunch trying to find the plug and this made it easy. Also by removing the hold down ring I was able to pull the side covering out enough to get more arm into the gap. Otherwise I would NEVER have been able to make the connection. Otherwise, everything went just as shown on the video. 510712

Subaru is well-known for varying the location of the connector for the trailer wiring plug, especially on Outback models. On some vehicles, its even located on the passenger side so unfortunately it can take some detective work to locate it!

-- Mike L - 05/21/2018

by: Bryant C.07/30/2017

Ordered Curt hitch 13147, and wiring kit, for our 2011 Subaru Forester. Lucked out and got it on sale, placed order, and it was delivered within 5 days. The product was as described, packaged well, with no signs of damage. Installed as others on her did, using the top holes inside the car, equity minimal drilling required. Hardest part of the whole job was dropping the exhaust, but liberal application of liquid lubricant eased that. About 1.5 hours for install, but that included the trip to the hardware store to pick up the proper size still bit. Wiring was very simple and easy, no drilling required, just used an existing chassis bolt for the ground wire. Overall, a great transaction, excellent service and product, and saved at least a couple of hundred by doing this myself vs. a local hitch shop. Thanks etrailer.com, I'm happy to pass along your company with the highest regard to any one I know looking for a hitch. Now I'm looking for a hitch for my 1990 Miata, to tow a small motorcycle tent trailer. Will consider you for that purchase as well. Being cheap, hoping that will go on sale as well. 414545

by: Patti S.03/18/2014

Extremely happy with the transaction and eTrailer! I purchased the Hidden Hitch and Curt wiring harness for my new 2014 Subaru Outback. Hitch arrived earlier than anticipated and in great condition. It was boxed well. I haven't had a chance to install it yet but was extremely happy to see eTrailer has video instructions and helpful hints. I've already recommended this company to my friends and will come back if I need anything else. I'll post another review once I install the hitch - when we don't have 5 ft of snow! 121181

The Hidden Hitch works perfectly and Im completely happy with it.

Patti S - 03/19/2015

by: Dennis12/22/2017

The video on You Tube clearly provided all the knowledge required to add a power cord set to my 2016 Subaru. Easy to use, clear instructions and solved my problem. I purchased a new bike cover that blocked my tail lights but it incorporates LED lights to solve that issue. However, I had no cord set to power them and I wanted to use my existing bike rack with my hitch. The dealer would only add a cord set with their rack. Internet search led me to etrailer detailing product needed and how to install. I am always cautious as to whether rating are self driven, however in this case they are accurate as stated. It takes a little patience to retrieve this cord set from under the trim...but it can be done...the trim is quite stiff but will move. Focus your attention on the tie down loop on the trim. The cord set is tightly nestled above and slightly left of it. Look for the black wire as indicated in the video. There are three of them...one mechanical, one for rear lights and one is the connector. Thanks for a solid, inexpensive and simple solution. 462063

by: Darryl03/19/2018

Ordered the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver and Curt T-connector vehicle wiring harness for my Subaru Crosstrek. Everything was received in a timely manner and installation was easy. The videos that are available for both products were spot on and made the installation process extremely easy. Only issue I had was the welding on the frame made the back screws harder to install but other than that everything went well. Great customer service at etrailer.com. 487013

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by: Andy R07/28/2015

Installed this on my Subaru Crosstrek. Watched the video and the install was easy. Used a flat head screw driver to pop off the panels. Plug the harness into the vehicle wiring. Install fuse in wiring and the tape down the system. Hardest part is taking off panels but putting back was easy (just don't lose any parts). Kit comes with everything you need except for a drill to screw in the self taping screw into the frame for grounding. 214873

Still working fine. Was a little worried about slamming trunk on it when I hook it up but it has not been an issue.

Andy R - 07/27/2016

by: Todd07/28/2018

I had a hitch installed last year on my 2017 Outback but didn't have the electrical done because we just haul bikes on a rack. But I needed to rent a trailer to move our son so I called over to ask and was quoted nearly $400 for electrical to be hooked up. After about 2 minutes online, I selected this harness. First, the video was excellent! Too many times the videos for self install products are terribly done and/or inaccurate. This was very well done and shows the entire process from beginning to end. I had no idea Subaru tucks a prewired connector behind a panel for exactly this reason, so after watching video I found it in a matter of minutes. Once the harness arrived, it was the easiest install you could imagine. 5 minutes and it was in. Everything you need is provided (you need your own drill though, lol). Instructions provided are also spot on. Harness appears to be of top quality, the packaging was professional and the order arrived exactly on time. I paid less than $30, had it installed in 5 minutes and it tested perfectly! 547017

by: DJ D12/02/2017

It was so much fun the first time I did it again! That's right, I'm a repeat off-ender. I traded my 20104 Outback that I had installed the 75673 hitch on back in July. Instead of removing the old hitch, I used it as a bargaining chip to increase my trade-in value on a new 2018 Outback. Since I had done the installation before, I knew what to do. Did the job go any faster? No, because there were a few things a tad different on the 2018 Outback. Foremost, the white connector for the wiring was more difficult to access. Second, there were differences in the way I could route the wire once connected. I also opted to remove the muffler instead of dropping the exhaust and suspending it. Believe it or not, that was just as time consuming, as the rubber supports were new, stiff, and difficult to manipulate. Bottom line, same quality product, excellent customer service, and value. I highly recommend etrailer for your needs and I will come back to them for future purchases. 456725

by: Nicole p.11/12/2014

this was exactly what I needed! great part, super easy to hook up, outstanding customer service! I got this for my 2014 Subaru Forester, the hook up plug is inside of the rear driver side cargo panel, you have to remove the foamy cargo organizer tray- use trim remover tool so you don't rip it, then make sure you take off the little cargo net hook thingy-there's a screw behind the plastic piece in the middle of it you have to pry it open then unscrew and voila there's the hook up with blue tape on it. I just kinda tucked the black box in there and I fed the ground wire thru where the cargo net hook thing is and screwed the ground wire with that same screw that holds it on! i fed the wire under the panel and store it in the cargo tray! so easy peesy! way better than the universal wiring kit uhaul was selling me not to mention the almost$150 install fee! I got exactly what I needed and wanted quick and for a great price! thank you etrailer! your videos are super helpful too 160663

by: Joel h.07/30/2014

Great product with easy to follow instructions. Did not take long to get it installed. Only one thing of note for other interested buyers. If your subaru has the back up assist sensors your wiring is going to look slightly different than the photo. It took me a couple extra minims to find the connector under the rear floor. You will see a different connector already plugged into the connector shown in the photos. Gently pull on the wire bundles connected to that connector and a different open connector should pull free from behind the plastic covering the fender well. After that plug and play your done. All I ran my trailer connection wires through one of the rubber plugs under the spare tire Nd out to the hitch. All you need to do is make a 1 inch cut in the plug and push the trailer plugin through. I sealed off any gaps in the rubber plug with some electrical tape to keep critters from getting in my car. Best of luck. 143700

by: Alicia08/09/2018

This is my second purchase from etrailer and as with the first, everything was super easy. I love the videos because it explains everything you need to do. From start to finish installing the wiring harness took about an hour with all the proper tools. There are 2 things I did different than the video. First, I mounted the box to the top of the inside of the plastic side panel, not to the metal frame. The double sided tape piece just wouldn't hold the box to the metal so I just stuck it on top of the inside plastic piece. When you remove the side panel, you'll understand what I'm saying. Second, I took out my spare tire and ran the wiring through the bottom of the spare tire well. There is a round rubber piece that pops out and I ran the wiring through there and wrapped it around the hitch. I didn't like the idea of the wires hanging out of my back lift gate and this way, they are out of the way. 551940

by: Mark From Duluth05/27/2015

Now here is a solution to a problem that has plagued trailer hauling-kind for decades. No more splicing wires and screwing up both the trailer harness and your vehicle's lights, it just works great! Easy install, everything fit and works as promised, and I expect it will work as long as I have this vehicle. Well done! 198311

Everything has worked perfectly so far, so I have no complaints.Thanks for asking!

Mark F - 06/17/2016

by: George08/18/2015

C56040 is a wiring harness for trailer design for 2014 Subaru Forester. The short instructional video demonstrates step by step instructions how to install the wiring harness into the 2014 Subaru Forester. I am not mechanically inclined, but I have installed the C56040 in about 25 minutes. Highly satisfied with the product, especially with the video instructions. 220198

Working well, very satisfied

George - 08/18/2016

by: Norm Sailor11/25/2016

VERY IMPORTANT: Watch the installation video on the eTrailer website. The written installation instructions (that come with the product) show the connector on the vehicle's wiring harness in the wrong place and you will spend a lot of time removing interior trim and carpet and not find the connector where they say it is. The video shows the connector in the right place, and much easier to get at. Installation still involves peeling off some of the interior trim and carpet. All my previous cars I had to splice a trailer light pigtail into the tail light wiring. It worked, but involves some fooling around to find the right wires, and sometimes disturbs flashing circuit and makes the lights flash faster or slower when a trailer is connected. Having a vehicle that comes pre-wired for a trailer is a nice improvement. So far after 1 year of use, all is working fine. 319558

by: Woodsong Alpacas01/22/2015

The item was a perfect fit and e-trailer made sure it was sent that day since I had a trip the next week and it was holiday time. We actually received it a day ahead of schedule so I did not have to install it the evening before leaving. Will definitely order from etrailer again! 170784

After a year of use, my harness is still working great ! Have had no trouble with it at all.

Woodsong A - 01/22/2016

by: Matt Z04/24/2017

Needed a trailer wiring harness for my 2014 Subaru Outback. Etrailer has made a number of videos with step-by-step directions on how to DIY install the harness, including on Outbacks. This allowed me to see how it was done, and everything worked like a charm. Just rented 5x8 box trailer yesterday from a famous rental company that empowers "you" to "haul" things around, and everything worked fine. Some of the other harnesses seem to not have a ground lead like this one, which has to be screwed into the body of the car. Not sure how they configure them, but out of curiosity, we disconnected the grounding wire from the car, and the trailer's brake light function became erratic. The turn indicators worked find though. Once we reattached the grounding wire, everything worked again. Moral: the ground on this harness is definitely necessary. Worked great. 371570

After 1 year of ownership and use, this harness still works perfectly. After my initial review, I now own my own trailer, and use it regularly. I also live in a place that doesnt rain socal so theres never much water corrosion. I also keep the harness lead stowed inside the spare tire compartment. It isnt exposed to the elements when not in use.

Matt Z - 05/16/2018

by: Herk K.06/02/2014

This was purchased for a new car but it not yet installed. The dealer where the car was purchased refused to install the w9ring or harness because it was not original Subaru equipment. Price was the same from etrailer as it was on hitchfinder. Bought it from etrailer along with the hitch because the hitch was a better (lower) price. 133785

working out well

Herk K - 06/02/2015

by: Tom10/08/2015

Installation went great. It was helpful to have a reference video available for knowing fInd the connection. This is my second harness from etrailer. Thanks for speedy shipping and great support! 229529

I havent actually used the trailer connection yet. Im sure if and when I do, it will work as specified.

Tom - 10/07/2016

by: Jon Zak06/25/2016

Thanks to subaru for providing a plug for wiring harness. I like that I could watch an install video on my type vehicle before purchase. Wiring harness is all ready to go. I do not have a panel trim removal tool but I had luck pulling panels with my hands. You could use a long screwdriver and pry where the video shows. I grounded the unit at the subaru tie down point. I took the four flat connector out through a hole I found under the spare tire. I removed the black plug , cut a slit in it and pushed the four flat through. I then put it back in and caulked the slit. Thanks. 264997

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by: BT05/31/2017

The harness is great. It fit perfectly. I have a 4-wire cap/tester. When I tested each circuit individually, the LED lit brightly. When I tested the turn signal while the tail lights were on (to verify the grounding), the LED for the tail lights flickered with the blinking of the turn signal. I have not connected the harness to real light bulbs yet. I assume the flicker is because the tester is a very small load on the circuit. I found the Outback's trailer connector and knew it was anchored with tape, but I assumed it was taped to the sheet metal or the trim panel. After struggling a bit, I got a mirror and saw that it was taped to itself. When removing the trim buttons, I found it easier if I wriggled the trim side to side while I pried the button up. 386846

by: Zach E.05/15/2014

With the factory connector installation was a breeze! The hole and plug that the wires exit the vehicle to go to the hitch was on top of a heat shield that had sharp edges, so I used 3/8" plastic split-loom to protect the wiring all the way from the hole to the 4-pin connector. In order to keep the factory rubber plug, I used a utility knife to cut a slit from the center of the plug straight out to the edge of the plug, and then cut a tiny area out of the center of the plug. This let me slide the plug onto the wires and place it right back into its hole. 130770

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by: Bill W.08/21/2014

The product is installed and works great. Very pleased with the product and your company. If I need anything else, I will be sure and check with your company first. 147976

The product is great. It does what it is suppose to do and the instructions are easy to follow.

Bill W - 08/21/2015

by: Ken D.07/04/2015

Fast shipping from vendor. Not impressed with the manufacturers intended routing of the harness lead out rear door opening & then shutting the harness in the door. Not a clean option of storing the lead inside when not is use or dangling out through the door weather stripping & across the rear bumper when trailering something. Luckily, I had a factory harness from an earlier Subaru model that I could plug into the end of the new Curt harness & route out cleanly through the factory plug in the spare tire pan area directly above the receiver. I do like the separate inline fuse protection that was not part of the Subaru lighting adapters, which isolates the factory wiring from the added tow wiring circuit. Everything is currently working. 209330

by: Matt S.07/22/2017

I was not able to just reach under the side panel like the video show to grab the factory plug to plug this harness into for fear of bending and damaging the side panel. I had to remove some side panels but that was not a big deal. Took like 10 minutes additional. I attached the ground wire to an existing screw so I would not be drilling into the body anywhere that might rust down the road as I plan on keeping this car for 10+ years. I like how it fits in the spare tire well as I will only be pulling a trailer maybe 5 times a year. Great product and glad Subaru put a plug back there for this as it make the install easier and I don't have to run a power wire all the way to the battery like I had to on my previous car. 409079

We strongly recommend running the 12 volt power wire directly to the vehicle battery. The 12 volt accessory circuit was not designed to support the additional load of a trailer wiring harness. A wiring harness must have its own dedicated circuit directly to the battery. We have seen many instances where customers have tapped into a 12 volt accessory circuit, like a car lighter socket, and the harness failed. We have also seen instances where the accessory circuit on the car failed in addition to the trailer wiring harness. Also, this will typically void warranties both with the wiring harness and on the vehicle. For more help with routing the wire, see this helpful article found at:

-- Laura E - 07/25/2017

Helpful Link

by: Bob C.07/08/2015

I installed the trailer light kit into my 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek. The product was easy to install. I had reviewed the videos ahead of the installation. During the install, I discovered that one need not remove all the panels as shown on the video. I did not have to touch the left side panel at all. I the cable harness end with connector is mounted on a small plastic tab that pulls out from the vehicle. Once out, the connector can be reached and mated with the product's connector. There was no need to cut the tape holding the connector in place. The wire routing worked out exactly as on the video. I did hook it up to the trailer before putting back the panels to test the lighting, all worked perfectly. 210318

by: Michael T08/01/2013

The installation video made this install really easy. Everything went smoothly. However, I am not comfortable with running the wire out the rear door to the trailer as stated in the install video. I'm planning to reroute the wires down by the hitch and tie it off with a zip tie. However, to do that I'll have to cut, solder, and shrink tube all four wires, as I see no way to route this harness with the plug on the end. This harness should come with an additional plug that would allow a better system for routing. 92707

by: KPA11/16/2016

This got installed on my wife's Forester and we have used it several times for pulling a utility trailer and also for pulling our dock and raft at our camp. Very happy with the options it offers for moving more than fits in the car. Since the Forester had the dual exhaust, i did cheat and have my mechanic do the install. He did it within the hour that is advertised, but did say it would have been a bit of a challenge working at ground level. I think I still ended up paying less in total than going to a hitch installer overall, very happy with the hitch, wiring harness, and drawbar. It's especially nice to have the harness tucked away, as it doesn't get used that often. 320092

by: bcblues10/07/2017

This harness is really easy to install - once you find the plug that Subaru has hidden (and taped) to the least accessible place the the car. Everything in this harness looks to be high quality and it plugs right in to the vehicle harness so you don't need to cut anything. You DO need to drill a small hole in the chassis for the ground screw, but the screw is self-tapping so no big deal. I found a spot that was out of the way and which did not penetrate to the outside of the vehicle (to make sure it was not exposed to the weather). The wires are long enough to reach the hitch area, and they fold up and stash in the spare tire area so they are out of the way until needed. 440273

by: Shawn J.07/27/2015

The video for the install was spot on and the actual install was very easy. An upholstery clip removal tool makes the job even easier! 214728

Everything is still working great a year later!

Shawn J - 08/05/2016

by: Fortsand11/17/2017

I just finished installing the trailer wiring harness in my '18 Subaru Outback. The instructions were accurate and detailed, took less than 30 minutes to do the job. The instructions say to stow the 4 pin connector in the cargo compartment and pull out as the need arises. I have always had my connector located near the hitch so that it would be ready to connect when needed. Also, if it is routed as the instructions say, the hatch door will be slammed on it each time it is used. There was a plug in the bottom of the spare tire well and that is where I ran it out. I applied the corrugated shielding around it to protect it. I think it will last for the duration. 452993

by: Shelby09/05/2016

I purchased this kit to add a plug in for my utility trailer. It went in just like they said it would. I had to look at a few U Tube videos to find where my hook ups were located in the car. Most of the work was finding these, Taking off the side plates in the back, removing the spare tire cover etc. After that, the wiring kit fit perfectly. The plug ins on the kit were securely fastened and sturdy. The wires on the extension to the trailer are still in good shape after closing the back door of the car on it numerous times. I would recommend this to anybody that needs a trailer hook up. It saved me several hundred dollars by doing it myself. Subaru wanted a bundle. 291354

After a year of use, I have no problems with this installation. The flat wire is pretty much formed into an S shape from being closed in the tailgate a hundred times, It helps to locate the right spot when I hook it up. This is a good set up. If I change cars, I will have to but it again.

Shelby - 09/08/2017

by: Dicky Z03/01/2015

Super easy and contains everything you need in the box. Anyone can do this with the resources provided by etrailer. I was going to pay 3 times the cost for someone to install the hitch and wiring until I discovered the how to videos. Huge confidence booster! Thanks! Additionally, I installed the bolts for the hitch from the top instead of from the bottom. A bit more tricky but you're not drilling out the frame where it would be exposed to the elements. Even if you prime and seal the holes from the bottom, you take less chance of the seal failing and causing frame rot. Thanks to the individual who suggested this method. I believe it is the best route. 176540

by: Robin09/17/2014

Etrailer was great to work with and the wiring harness arrived on time. The video simplified the whole operation. 151701

Its been working great for a year now with no problems.

Robin - 09/21/2015

by: Bob F01/23/2017

I was 2/3 thru the process of ordering online my hitch, wires and ball mount when I needed a question answered about shipping. A call to customer service brought me to Carmel, a wonderfully helpful rep. After answering my question, she placed the order directly, followed up with a personal order confirmation. What surprised me was another personal mail after etrailer received confirmation of the on time delivery. I don't buy a lot of trailer hitches...but if I did they would all be bought thru Carmel at etrailer.com. Lol, the hitch, wiring and ball mount are great quality. Their videos will make the installation easy as soon as I finish this review. 337637

by: Ken C.12/26/2016

We bought a hitch to mount onto a 2016 Subaru Forester. It was quick and easy to install. The total cost was less than half of what the dealer wanted (bonus is that I know everything is tight, square, and done exactly the way it is supposed to be). The hitch was delivered very quickly. The only issue I had was that the wiring harness connector was not where the instructions/video said it would be. It was routed the same way as the Outback I think. No big deal, when I couldn't find the plug where I expected it to be i just checked the instructions for other installations and the problem was solved. Very pleased with the product and etrailer. 329582

by: Jacob W08/13/2017

Good hitch, works well, installation was fairly simple. I've pulled a few loaded trailers and use it for a bike rack, no major issues found. Pressed to find something to critique, I'd say there are two possible downsides- it's noisy from the interior and it doesn't come with a plug for the receiver opening. The noise might be solved by a rubber grommet between the rear mounts and the hitch bolt plate, but it really isn't that bad overall. The plug for the opening would just be a nice touch. I don't know why the manufacturers don't just include one with the hitch. Rust isn't generally a good selling point for a product you put your name on. 423319

by: Richard C.07/28/2016

Watch the short video, and simply install it. It's that easy! For my installation, I opted to Velcro the converter box to the inside of the rear trim panel, instead of using the two-sided adhesive that came with this product. It is highly recommended that you spend the money to purchase a trim panel removal tool, which I found to be pretty inexpensive -$10.00. It really makes the job totally easy and professional looking. 277330

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Running strong!

Richard C - 07/28/2017