Recommended Brake Controller for 2020 Subaru Outback Wagon

Updated 06/03/2021 | Published 06/01/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller - Trailer Mount w/ Remote Fob - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(105)

$479.99

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

(1769)

$279.95

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

(3398)

$119.84

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(2507)

$190.00

Question:

Hi I am looking for a brake control for my 2020 Subaru Outback. I have the factory hitch with 4 wire connector. I am getting a tear trail that weighs 1,300 - 1,700loaded lbs. I watched the detailed video of the RED24FR install. I was also looking at the Autobrake controller. I see that in both cases I need ETBC7. For the RED24FR, it does not seem too bad to add the switch and connection to the brake switch. In both cases I need to run the wire to the battery. Both controllers have +-. With the RED24FR my car can tow other trailers not sure if I would need that. And with the Autobrake, I could loan the trailer to friends and they would not need a controller not sure if I would do that too. I did saw one comment that customer had to get the Autobrake recalibrated for a light load. Will my trailer load have the same problem? I know my trailer weight is on the very low side of other trailers. I think I just need to trailer brakes to just give a little help. Is one controller better than the other for light loads 1700 lbs? Is there any additional comments you can give me about these two controllers to help me decide which one to get? Is there another controller I should be looking at? Thanks

asked by: Bob

Helpful Expert Reply:

You are correct, the first thing you will need to do is add the # ETBC7 Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires. This kit will provide you with everything you need to turn your 4-way into a 7-way and power your brake controller.

I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED24FR if you want to install a brake controller inside your 2020 Subaru Outback. This proportional brake controller allows you to mount the main unit out of sight and adjust the brakes with a control knob. The knob allows for easy adjustments and are discreet. This will allow you to tow other trailers as well.

Since you have also considered the # 3430001 Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller, and may possibly loan the trailer to friends, I recommend the Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller # C51180 as the best choice. The Echo will allow you to do everything you mentioned and is simple to install and use. It plugs in line with your 7-way trailer connector and is controlled from your smart phone. This will allow you to tow other trailers as well as loan the trailer to friends. All they would need to do is download the app.

All of these are proportional controllers. Proportional controllers apply the brakes in your trailer with the same force as you apply the brakes in your vehicle. This is thanks to the internal accelerometers that proportional controllers use to monitor your vehicle's speed and braking force. As far as any calibration goes, braking intensity and the speed at which your brakes are applied can be adjusted based on your trailer size, load weight, road conditions, etc. This would be adjusted with the knob if you had the Redarc or with the app if you have the Curt Echo.

I have attached an installation video of the Echo on a 2020 Outback for your reference.