Easier to Install Brake Controller Solution for 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon

Published 03/19/2020

Products Featured in This Question

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.64

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

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$39.59

Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers

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$58.96

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1782)

$279.95

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

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7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires

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Question:

I already have the hitch in my car as well as the 7 prong round connector. Seems some of what you are referencing is duplicating what I already have. Please clarify knowing I have the hitch and 7 prong round connector. Thank you

asked by: Debi A

Expert Reply:

Your 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon can have a brake controller installed like the part # 39523 that you referenced but since there isn't factory brake controller wiring on your vehicle you'd have to either hardwire it in with the # ETBC7 or go with something like the Curt Echo part # C51180 which plugs into an active 7-way and once synced to a smart phone is ready to go. This instead needs the # ETBC7L which requires much less wiring than the # ETBC7. Both controllers would work great with a single brake axle trailer like you have.

Either way you will need a 4-way too like the # 118467 which is custom fit and easy to install on your Outback.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Debi A.

3/19/2020

Jameson C.

3/19/2020

So since you have a 7-way already it would be just a matter of hardwiring the controller to it if you wanted to go the # 39523 route or using the Echo as-is. To install the brake controller to the 7-way you would want the Wiring Kit for 2 and 4 Brake Electric Brake Controllers # 5506. This will provide the power source and ground for the wiring for the brake controller. You will need to test the wires from the brake pedal switch of your vehicle to find a circuit that has voltage when the brakes are applied and none when not applied. This will be the circuit you will run the red wire to. Finally you will need to run a length of 10 gauge wire (part # 10-1-1) from the brake output circuit of the controller to the brake output circuit of the 7-way (blue wire). The # 10-1-1 is sold by the foot so you will need to order a quantity of the amount of feet you will need.