Installing Trailer Connector on 2000 Subaru Outback for Trailer with Surge Brakes

Updated 08/29/2012 | Published 08/26/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(42)

$85.59

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

(373)

$42.02

Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole

(659)

$61.47

40 Amp In-Line Circuit Breaker - Perpendicular Mount Bracket

(97)

$9.84

CTEK MULTI US 7002 12-Volt Universal Battery Charger w/ Pulse Maintenance and Backup Power

(94)

$199.99

Pollak Black Plastic, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector - Trailer End

(691)

$6.44

Question:

What specifically do I need to set up wiring for a T&B Trailer on my 2000 Outback? My understanding is that I need to install a 4-pin connector wiring kit for example 33855 and a converter to a 7-pin round connector. I have been told the T&B has surge brakes, not electric brakes. I believe it needs the 7-pin connector so that the cars alternator will charge the trailers battery. Anyway, which converter do I need, and what do the extra connections go to? Thanks-

asked by: James

Expert Reply:

Either the # 33855 you mentioned or the # 118461 would provide a working 4-pole trailer connector for your Outback. From there, you would need an adapter like # 37185 to convert the 4-pole to a 7-way. The adapter provides a 7-way blade-style connector, as opposed to a 7-way round pin connector. If your trailer uses a 7-way connector with the round pins, you can either use an additional adapter like part # 47595 or remove the round pin connector from the trailer and install the much more common 7-way blade connector like part # PK12706.

Once your # 37185 is installed, you would simply ground its white wire, tap its purple wire into the reverse light circuit and run the black wire to the positive battery terminal via a 40 amp inline breaker like part # 9510. Since your trailer uses a hydraulic surge coupler and not electric brakes, you will not need to install a brake controller.

Keep in mind that that 12-volt accessory power circuit can maintain a battery, but will not have the capability to charge a battery once its dead. Once the battery is completely discharged, shore power and a battery charger like the CTEK Universal Battery Charger, part # CTEK56353 would need to be used.