What Do I Need To Tow A Pop-up Trailer With My 2022 Subaru Outback Wagon  

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Expert Reply:

If you want to tow a pop up trailer you will need a brake controller. You will also need to wire your 2022 Subaru Outback Wagon for a 7-way plug, which is necessary to power the brakes in your pop-up trailer.

The brake controller I recommend for your vehicle is the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional, part # RED44FR. It is so unobtrusive, if you blink you might miss it. The control knob is the only part of this brake controller that is visible. The control unit has an accelerometer, so you can mount this unit anywhere in the vehicle without having to worry about its orientation. It is a proportional brake controller. This means your pop-up trailers braking is dependent on how much pressure you apply to your brakes in your tow vehicle. If you are coming to a gradual stop, your trailer will brake that way. If it is a sudden stop where you are applying significant force to your brake pedal, your trailer brakes will also respond with that type of force.

In order to make this brake controller work you will need a 7-way connection at the rear of your 2022 Subaru Outback Wagon. But in order to get the 7-way connection, you need to have a 4-way connection. I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector, part # 118467. This installation is very simple and once it is done you can tow a utility trailer with lights. The 4-way connector on the utility trailer will plug into your connector at the rear of your vehicle. Once that is done the trailer will mirror the running lights, turn signals, and brakes on your vehicle. We do have another step if you want to tow the pop up trailer. We will be adding power for the brake controller, the mirroring of the tow vehicle's reverse lights, and a hot lead to the battery.

The final piece you need is the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires, part # ETBC7. Just because you will be towing a pop-up trailer does not mean that you will never need the 4-way connection again. The nice thing about this setup is it provides you with a 7-way connection and a 4-way connection on the same kit. I have provided a picture below to give you a close-up look at the connector.

I have included product description links, installation video links, and a demo video link below.

expert reply by: Mark Smith

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7-way and 4-way connector
(click to enlarge)