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

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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

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Answer 1

The trailer hitch for your Outback that has the highest receiver is the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #76227. This will have a measurement of 15-1/4 inches from the ground to the inside top of the…

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Answer 2

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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Answer 3

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 4

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 5

That is an excellent question, and I believe you were referring to the trailer hitches for your 2017 Subaru Outback that have concealed cross tubes, the Curt #C13410 and the Draw-Tite #76227. The Curt and Draw-Tite are both cost-effective and they…

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Answer 6

Hi John; I'd definitely get a frame-mounted hitch for your 2017 Subaru Outback to tow a small camper. I'm not aware of a bumper-mounted hitch for your Outback, but if there were one I definitely wouldn't trust it for towing purposes.…

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Answer 7

There is very little difference in bumper clearances between the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver #76227 and Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13410 that fit your 2015 Subaru Outback. You aren't going to hit a knee on either, as the face of the hitch…

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Answer 8

The foam panel is in the bumper to help support the bumper panel as well as provide a cushion for the cover if there is a minor collision. Without the cushion the cover will tend to break or crack easier as it does not have the support needed. I have…

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Answer 9

Hey Adrian, you are on the right track for a hitch for your 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon. I would recommend the Curt part #C13410 as it has plenty of towing capacity, is mostly hidden, and the advantage it has over the Draw Tite is that we just have…

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Answer 10

The Curt hitch receiver item #C13410 and the Draw-Tite hitch receiver item #76227 are identical hitches in almost every way. They both have the same capacities and installation methods and are hard to identify once they're installed on a Subaru.…

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Answer 11

For a Class III hitch, I'll typically recommend the Curt product because they do a slightly nicer job on their powder coat finish than Draw-Tite does. Curt offers both a traditionally styled Class III hitch, part #C13206 which would have the…

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Answer 12

For your 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon the Draw Tite hitch part #76227 is superior over all of the other hitches available. It has a 2 inch opening which is the most popular hitch size (more accessories are made to fit it), and has higher capacities at…

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

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