Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver, Wiring, and Brake Controller for 2016 Subaru Outback

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Question:

Hi, Im building a tear camper with brakes and I need you to point me to everything I need to pull it with my 2016 Subaru Outback. Im planning on getting the Draw-Tite Max-Frame trailer hitch receiver from you. Please recommend the products and installation instructions videos especially for a 7 way connector and brake controller. From searching your site it looks like I need to install a 4 way connector and then a conversion kit. Different price point options would be great. Anyway, as much detail as you can give me would be appreciated and then I can make a purchase soon. Thanks much.

asked by: John B

0

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you did your research here. The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76227 would be a great choice for your 2016 Subaru Outback. From there you are correct, you will need to install a 4-way wiring harness before you can add the 7-way.

For the 4-way I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118467. This will plug into the connection point in your rear cargo area for installation and provide you with a 4-way connection that can power a trailer's signal lights. I would choose this wiring harness over any other options since we have found Tekonsha to be the most reliable.

Next, you will want to install the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7. This kit comes with the adapter, wiring, and everything else you need to complete the installation of the 7-way. The included adapter has both a 7-way and 4-way connection so you have the option to use both.

Once you have your 7-way installed, you will be able to add your brake controller. I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED24FR. The main unit of this proportional brake controller mounts out of sight, leaving only the control knob in the cab of your vehicle. The knob controls the braking power and acts as a manual override. It also uses colored LED lights for diagnostics. You will also need the # RED69FR to complete the installation.

I have attached the written instructions as well as installation videos for all of these products for your reference.

expert reply by: Robin H

0

Answer 1

When we had the Curt hitch #C13410 installed on a similar 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon as yours we found that from the top of the hitch opening down to the ground measured 15-1/2 inches. Since most trailer that your vehicle would tow would have a…

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Answer 2

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer hitch part #76227 requires removing the foam bumper support temporarily for installation. The video does show the installer cutting the plastic fascia and then replacing the foam bumper support that comes with the…

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Answer 3

I went out to the warehouse to take the measurements you asked for and found that the hitch measured approximately 2-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the end of the receiver. In terms of the receiver depth of the Draw-Tite #76227…

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Answer 4

The ultimate hitch for your 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon for ground clearance and towing capacity is the Stealth Hitch part #391SUOB15T which comes with wiring and everything needed to tow your vehicle including a ball mount. What makes the ground…

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Answer 5

If a trailer hitch sticks out past the rear bumper of the vehicle it is installed on it you do run the risk of hitting your shin on it as you walk by. The good news is that the Draw Tite hitch part #76227 sits about flush with the rear bumper so that…

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Answer 6

For your 2017 Subaru Outback, the Thule Camber 4-Bike Rack #TH9056 is a really nice option and will work perfectly with the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #76227. The reason for that is, when we installed this hitch on a 2017 Outback, we…

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Answer 7

The lightest trailer hitch for a 2015 Subaru Outback Wagon is the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13410 at around 27 lbs follow by the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part #76227 at about 30 lbs. I think these are both great options…

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Answer 8

We do indeed have a nice selection of Class III trailer hitches available that are confirmed to fit your 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon. The primary difference between the hitch models is their physical appearance and how they will actually mount to the…

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Answer 9

For your 2011 Subaru Outback Wagon the best hitch for ground clearance is the Curt #C13410 which fits very tightly to the rear bumper of the vehicle but also doesn't have a crosstube that hangs below the bumper either which helps with ground…

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Answer 10

For your 2015 Subaru Outback with the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver- 2" #76227 I recommend the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector #118467. This wiring harness will install to your factory wiring…

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Answer 11

For your 2016 Subaru Outback I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #76227. This style of hitch is going to provide the cleanest look because the cross bar sits behind the bumper which also allows for a bit more ground clearance…

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Answer 12

The etrailer hitch part #e98847 that you referenced is a confirmed fit for your 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon and would work well if the Kuat Transfer bike rack you have now. The other option you might consider is the Draw Tite #76227 which has a…

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Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver, Wiring, and Brake Controller for 2016 Subaru Outback

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