Parts Needed to install a Brake Controller on a 2020 Subaru Ascent

Updated 05/04/2021 | Published 05/01/2021

Products Featured in This Question

EcoHitch Invisi Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(19)

$402.47

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

(123)

$39.97

No-Drill Mount Bracket, Long

(681)

$19.75

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

(3397)

$121.25

Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(1676)

$290.00

Question:

The EcoHitch has a bracket attached. I want to install a brake assist along with a 7and4 way/pin connector wiring harness. I was considering the REDARC Tow-Pro Elite V3 Electric Brake Controller Is there a 7 and 4 way connector harness option that will not require modifying the bracket OEM bracket on the hitch? By the way EcoHitch is perfect for the 2020 Ascent. The install was straight forward and relatively quick, a couple of hours with my six year old grandsons assistance.

asked by: Gary K

Expert Reply:

Definitely glad to hear the EcoHitch # 306-X7381 install went well. This is one of the more difficult installs, so if you were comfortable doing that, installing a brake controller like the Redarc # RED44FR should be pretty straight forward.

To start this process, you will need a 4 Flat wiring harness, like the Tekonsha # 118790. This will supply the power needed for the running lights, tail lights, and blinkers. From here, you will need our Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controllers # ETBC7.

This will provide the rest of the power needed for the trailer. It also have all the parts needed to get the power to the brake controller. This does require running wires up to the battery and then back to the controller, but again is pretty straight forward. Though we do not have an install video on a Subaru Ascent, I did include one we did on a 2015 Subaru Forester, which will end up being much the same.

From what I can see about the 7 Way bracket on the # 306-X7381, the included 7 Way that comes with the # ETBC7 should fit without issue. That being said, this does also have a 4 Flat included on the 7 Way as well. The bracket on the hitch will not have a place for this plug, so it may be better to go with the 7 Way bracket that comes with the # ETBC7 in unison with # 18136. However, this would require the removal of the hitch bracket, or mounting it on the other side of the bracket.