Recommended 7-Way Connector and a Brake Controller for a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek  

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I would be happy to help you clear up the confusion! To control a trailer's brakes with your 2019 Subaru Crosstrek you are going to need to add a 7-way connector and a brake controller. If you do not already have a 4-way harness like item # C56040 you'll need to install one of those as well. There isn't just a 7-way connector available that will work with your Subaru.

You will also want to check what kind of connection the trailer you are towing has. Some small trailers, like the ones from uhaul, have brakes built into the coupler that operate off of the slowing of your vehicle. These only require a 4-way connector.

I recommend the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7 you were looking at. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your Subaru with an included bracket. This kit is designed for use on a vehicle with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it. 

You will then need to connect the blue wire to the blue wire on the brake controller, connect the black wire to the positive post on your Crosstrek's battery, the white wire to ground, and the yellow wire to the vehicle's reverse circuit if applicable. This will provide you with the ability to control your trailer's brakes and also provide you with a 12v power wire for you trailer's accessory lights.

The item # ETBC7 is a universal part that can be used on any vehicle with an existing 4-way connector. We do not have a video on a 2019 Crosstrek, however I have attached a video below of this connector being installed on a 2011 Outback. It will give you a great walk through of how to get this 7-way installed.

If you do not have a 4-way connector you'll need the Curt item # C56040, I referenced earlier. This custom-fit T-connector plugs into your Subaru's wiring harness, which is located behind the interior trim panel in your rear cargo area. We do have a video of this harness being installed on a 2019 Crosstrek which I attached below. The main difference you'll need to change in the process is the 4-way connector will need to be run below your Subaru so it can meet up with the item # ETBC7.

For a brake controller, I highly recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item # RED24FR. This is a proportional brake controller that activates your trailer's brakes when your Subaru decelerates.

The reason the Tow-Pro Liberty is the best option is because of its unique installation method where the only visible portion is the control knob that's about the size of a nickel. The main unit is hidden away inside your dash to be completely out of the way and out of sight.

You will need the Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers item # RED69FR to complete the installation, since your Crosstrek does not a brake controller adapter installed from the factory. There is also an installation video below that will help you get this controller installed an set up.

The rest of the parts you will need to tow a trailer with your 2019 Subaru Crosstrek are listed below:

Trailer Hitch - etrailer Hitch item # e98912

Wiring Harness Mount - No-Drill Mount Bracket item # 18136

Ball Mount - Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches item # C45534

expert reply by: Jerred H

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