Is etrailer or EcoHitch Better for a 2021 Subaru Ascent

Updated 08/05/2024 | Published 04/15/2024

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(326)

$244.83

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

(34)

$124.43

EcoHitch Invisi Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(19)

$402.47

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In

(83)

$25.05

Redarc Tow-Pro Wiring Adapter for Tekonsha Brake Controller Harness

(96)

$27.00

Curt No-Drill Bracket for 4-, 5-, or 6-Way Trailer Connector Mounting Brackets - Short

(7)

$22.57

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

(1183)

$6.03

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

(2506)

$190.00

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

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

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

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.

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?

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.