Is etrailer or EcoHitch Better for a 2021 Subaru Ascent

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Question:

What is the difference between Item 306-X7381 And Item e55ZR? Both seem rated for the same weight and are class III but the difference in price is massive… I have a 2021 ascent and I would like the hitch to tow a small camper trailer which is the only thing you can tow with an ascent anyway What is the difference? What are the set ups that could be used to also install a 7 pin connector? Thanks

asked by: Sergi

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Hey Sergi, thanks for reaching out!

Go with the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e55ZR. There are some subtle differences in design but really what the price difference amounts to is the EcoHitch Invisi Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7381 was really the first of it's kind on the market, but then other companies started coming out with their own designs like it and TorkLift/EcoHitch still thinks that their design is much more superior to everything else on the market...which it isn't.

Then to get you setup with a whole towing rig I recommend the following:

- Tekonsha OEM Wiring Harness # 118290
- Mounting Brackets # C83DR and # PK12711U
- Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Controller # RED24FR
- Wiring for Brake Controller parts # 331-TPH-017 and # 3062-P
- Ball Mount (see attached article)

expert reply by: Jon G

1

etrailer Hitch Receiver Installed on a 2021 Subaru Ascent
(click to enlarge)

Sergi

7/16/2024

Thank you Jon G, this was very helpful. I ended up buying all this set, but I am stuck installing the Tekonsha OEM Wiring Harness # 118290. Is there a video/or more detailed instructions that show how to plug and run through the black cable that is supposed to go to the car battery? Or Would the 7 pin connector work without that? I have done all the other connections but the one above

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Jon G.

7/21/2024

@Sergi We unfortunately don't have any videos up of this installation at this point in time, but once you get the plug connected to the OEM port on your vehicle you'll want to route the black cable under your vehicle along the frame. Be sure to avoid any hot or moving parts under your vehicle to avoid damaging the wiring. You'll want to look for a grommet that you can use to route the wiring under your vehicle at the back a little easier.

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Sergi

7/24/2024

@JonG is there another set of cables that wouldnt require to go all the way to the battery? And would work just plugging it to the port in the trunk?

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Jon G.

7/24/2024

@Sergi If you don't need the 7-Way you can use the T-One Wiring # 118790 instead. This just has the standard 4-Way for the basic trailer light functions but it plugs into an OEM plug and only requires you to find a good grounding surface.

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See All (9) Replies to Sergi ∨

Answer 1

For your 2021 Subaru Ascent there are four trailer hitch receivers that will be all be hidden behind the center bumper cover, the EcoHitch #306-X7381, the Curt #C25VR, the Draw-Tite #76253, and the etrailer #e55ZR. These hitches are all pretty…

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Answer 2

Yes, it can. To add a 7-Way to your 2021 Subaru Ascent you will need the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness item #118290. This will provide you a 7-way connector and all the wiring and hardware you will need to install it and connect the…

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Answer 3

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 4

Actually, the P3 now has the upgraded axis accelerometer like the P2. The Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller #90195, will work with both electric over hydraulic brakes on the trailer as well as electric brakes. It has a menu option on the display…

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Answer 5

The best brake controller option to go with is one that activates the brakes proportionally instead of time delayed. A proportional brake controller will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as the tow vehicle…

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Answer 6

We can definitely get you set up. For a 7-way wiring harness for your 2024 Honda Pilot trailsport I recommend the Curt T-Connector #C35ZV which will plug in to the existing tow package connector at the rear your vehicle. I do also recommend getting…

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Answer 7

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 8

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 9

To add a hitch to your 2024 Subaru Outback, I recommend the etrailer Hitch item #e25TR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Subaru with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 3,500 lbs towing capacity…

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Answer 10

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 11

Hey Jeremy, Typically with boat trailers the manufacturer will install hydraulic surge brakes because you don't have to worry about the water damaging wires like you would with electric brakes. That being said, if you use a heat shrink butt…

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Answer 12

Hey Antoine, so the two kits you mentioned are actually really similar and honestly I would go with the part #ETBC7 if I were you. The #ETBC7L is basically the same thing minus a couple wires and breakers so you may as well get the kit that has…

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Is etrailer or EcoHitch Better for a 2021 Subaru Ascent

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