Installing a Brake Controller on 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon with Set-Up for Towing Pop-Up Camper

Question

Question:

I have a 2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R. Im looking to tow a pop up camper with electric brakes with it. I’m wondering if there is any brake controller plus adapters for my car, or if my only option is to splice wires.

asked by: Alex I

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Expert Reply:

Yes, we can definitely help with this. To tow a pop-up camper or any trailer with electric brakes you will need the 7-way RV style connector for your 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon. If you do not already have one installed we have everything needed to do so and plenty of help articles and install videos too. You will need:

- T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector, # 118467
- Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller, # ETBC7
- No-Drill Mount Bracket, # 18136
- Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller, # 90195

And possibly, the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver, # e98847 if you do not already have a receiver hitch installed.

To begin with you will need a 4-way wiring harness installed for your indicator lights. If this is not already present, select the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector, # 118467. This custom-fit T-One connector plugs directly into your vehicle's wiring harness without need to cut/splice wires. Please note the linked video below of this being installed on a 2016 Outback.

With a 4-way installed you will need the etrailer # ETBC7 adapter to convert your 4-way connector to a 7-way connector and the No-Drill Mount Bracket, # 18136. This includes everything you need to upgrade your 4-way for use with an electric trailer brake controller and 7-way connector. I have included an installation video of this as well.

For a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3, # 90195. This is possibly the most widely used brake controllers and for good reason. This simply works well, it is dependable, easy to use and very cost effective relative most other options available with similar features.

If you do not already have a hitch installed on your 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon, I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver, # e98847. This is a bolt-on installation and comes complete with all needed hardware.

I have included a help article on how to measure for hitch drop. For safe and comfortable towing, your trailer should always be as level as possible. This article will walk you through how to determine what is needed for your vehicle and camper.

expert reply by: Michael R

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Answer 1

To install a 7-way connector on your 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon you will first need a 4-way vehicle wiring harness. I recommend adding the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness #118467 as it is custom made to plug into the factory harness of your…

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Answer 2

If you can't find a sturdy location beneath the bumper to attach a mounting bracket like the Tow Ready #18144 that you referenced, you can simply use the trailer hitch as a mounting surface instead. To do this I recommend adding a no-drill…

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Answer 3

Yes, it is possible to add a 7 way plug and a brake controller to a 2024 Subaru Outback. We would do this by first adding a 4-pin connector #C56040, then adding the Universal Install Kit #ETBC7. This kit would essentially bypass the vehicles wiring…

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Answer 4

To actuate the brakes on your pop-up, you'll want to install a brake controller. The Echo #C51180 would be an excellent choice, as you won't need to do any drilling into the underside of the dash of your new car. It's very easy to install…

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Answer 5

To convert the 4-way of your 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon to a 7-way to install a brake controller will require the install kit part #ETBC7. This comes with everything and uses breakers and not fuses. The advantage to breakers is that they reset…

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Answer 6

The cold side brake switch wire on a 2017 Subaru Outback is brown with a white stripe, as you can see at about the 20:00 mark in the linked video. The video shows a different brake controller being installed on an Outback, but the procedure would be…

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Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 9

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 10

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 11

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 12

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Installing a Brake Controller on 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon with Set-Up for Towing Pop-Up Camper

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