How To Tow A Trailer That Has Brakes With A 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness

Published 09/03/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(735)

$184.38

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1378)

$92.62

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

(3445)

$42.20

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(201)

$206.53

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

(3416)

$134.95

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

(1683)

$290.00

Tekonsha BRAKE-EVN Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(168)

$80.69

Question:

Thanks for the quick response. I do have a few questions though. First let me say that I will NOT be installing it myself. If etrailer has recommendations in our area that would be great. 1. On the etrailer website the Curt hitch seems to be the one preferred due to how it rides. Ground clearance is a big deal. 2. The Red-Arc Tow-Pro Elite is the one that I have been looking at. Your thoughts?

asked by: John H

Helpful Expert Reply:

I can certainly help you out with using your 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness to tow a trailer. You will want to use a trailer hitch receiver like Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver 2" # C67JR which offers a simple no-drill installation. A ball-mount will also be needed so that your trailer can connect to the receiver and for this you can use etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs # 989900.

Then for the trailer wiring you will want to first install a 4 way setup like Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C56040. Next you will need to convert it to 7 way so that it is compatible with trailer brakes and brake controllers. For this you need to install Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7. Now you are ready to install a brake controller; I recommend the Tekonsha BRAKE-EVN Trailer Brake Controller # TK63VR which is a very popular and easy to use model.

This completes the list of items you need for towing a trailer that has brakes. I attached several demonstration videos to help out with the install process, but I recommend taking your vehicle to a professional to get everything installed if you are not extra handy with this type of thing.

expert reply by: Andrew N

John H.

9/3/2021

Andrew N.

9/3/2021

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver 2" # C67JR and Draw-Tite # DT73RR both offer about the same amount of ground clearance but I prefer Curt due to superior paint and rust prevention. The Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional # RED44FR is a popular option that would work well for you. This unit uses a small knob that gets mounted to the dash which provides a factory appearance. A nice feature that would benefit you is the user-controlled mode for off-roading. We do not currently make recommendations on shops. You will want to find a local reputable shop to help you with the installation.