How Do I Install a Brake Controller on My 2021 Subaru Outback Wagon?

Published 09/09/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

(342)

$98.31

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

(3415)

$134.90

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

(1683)

$290.00

Question:

Your install video only installs the 4 wire plus 12v. I need to run the brake controller wire and may need to run the backup wire too. Can the brake control wire be ran in my Outback? Do I need to run the backup light wire in my vehicle? Does the brake control wire need to come to the brake controller in the cabin? Is there a wireless brake controller that also does the conversion from 4 flat to 7 pin? Seems expensive to do both. I haven’t bought a brake controller in a few years, but I think they are much cheaper than the wireless. Will the # RED44FR work? Any help is appreciated

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

Yes, a standard manual brake controller wire can be routed in your 2021 Subaru Outback Wagon with a Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7. The wires will need to be in your cabin. While it is not required to run the backup wire on your vehicle, you are able to do that with the purple wire route on the attached 7-way wiring diagram. If you are looking for a manual brake controller, the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles # RED44FR will install with drilling on your 2021 Subaru Outback Wagon

If you are wanting a wireless option like the Curt Echo # C51180, you would still need to install the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation # ETBC7L 7-way wiring to your vehicle. However, with the Echo, you would not have to physically drill anything to your dashboard area or the plastic molding near your steering wheel. The Echo also eliminates the need to route the braking wire (blue wire) into your vehicle's cab. With that being said, the # ETBC7L does not come with blue braking wire that comes with the # ETBC7 for the Redarc.

With these choices, I recommend going the Curt Echo because of its ease of use and installation. It is also easy to remove when not in use on your 2021 Subaru Outback Wagon.

I went ahead and linked install videos of the 7-way, the Curt Echo, and the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite to this answer.