Upgrading 4-Way Harness On a 2020 Subaru Ascent To 7-Way With Trailer Brake Controller

Published 09/27/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector

(34)

$126.92

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(123)

$39.97

Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat

(6097)

$7.94

Universal Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob

(358)

$13.00

Mounting Bracket and Installation Hardware - Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector - Vehicle End

(1181)

$7.79

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(2504)

$190.00

Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers

(420)

$27.00

Question:

Greetings! I need to add a brake controller and 7-pin to my 2020 Subaru Ascent tow hitch that I previously ordered from y’all 76253 Draw-Tite Class 3 Trailer Hitch Receiver - Max-Frame Item # 76253 so that I can tow our new camper that has breaks and a 7-pin hookup. I previously installed y’all’s 4-pin wiring harness T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector Item # 118790 and the mounting plate Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat Item # 18144. All three of those products have done beautifully, but now we’re upping our towing game and I honestly have no idea where to go from here. I know I need a 7-pin hookup for the camper and a brake controller for the camper breaks. I’m open to advice and am excited to order from you all again! Thanks for all your help! P.S. really like the idea of not seeing the break controller, like how redarc I think? just uses a button/knob. Previously/already installed: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector Item # 118790 76253 Draw-Tite Class 3 Trailer Hitch Receiver - Max-Frame Item # 76253 Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat Item # 18144 Picture below is our 2020 Subaru Ascent pulling our golf cart an trailer and next is our our new camper that is prompting the needed upgrade.

asked by: John E

Helpful Expert Reply:

First you will be able keep the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76253 on your 2020 Subaru Ascent. It is rated for up to 750lbs of tongue weight and a trailer weight up to 5,000lbs. Be sure to verify your maximum capacities with your Subaru dealer and do not exceed the lower of the sets of numbers.

You will be able to upgrade your trailer wiring from the 4-Way Tekonsha # 118790 to the 7-Way Tekonsha # 118290. You will need to remove the 4-Way Mounting Bracket # 18144 and replace it with the 7-Way Mounting Bracket # PK12711U.

For a brake controller I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED24FR. This unit is proportional and the main component is hidden behind your dash. The control knob can be mounted directly to the dash or with the Universal Mounting Panel # 331-TPSI-001 for a more factory appearance. To connect this you will need to splice into the factory wiring with the Redarc Wiring # RED69FR.