Recommended Brake Controller and 7-Way Connector for a 2023 Subaru Forester
Updated 07/31/2025 | Published 07/17/2025
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness. It can tow 3,000lbs. I would like to tow my 1,380lb Jayco 806 pop up trailer. I have the 4way connector installed. I need a 7-pin connector and a brake controller. I was looking to install the RED52VR Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller and the ETBC7 Universal Installation Kit. Do you suggest these products or have other parts?
asked by: Charles S
Expert Reply:
Charles, those are the exact parts I would recommend. I am a big fan of the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item # RED52VR. Not only is this a proportional brake controller that activates your trailer's brakes when your Subaru decelerates, it has a 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.
The Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7. 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, like yours with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it.
You will then connect the blue wire to the blue wire on the brake controller, connect the black wire to the positive post on your Forester's battery, the white wire to a suitable ground, and the yellow wire to the accessory circuit. 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 battery.
What year is your Jayco pop-up trailer?
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: My Vehicle has a 4-Pin Trailer Plug, but Trailer has 7-Pin Trailer Plug
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Comparing the Universal Installation Kit # ETBC7 and the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit # ETBC7L
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 and the P3 Brake Controllers
- Q&A: What Hitch Will Fit My 2012 GMC Savana 3500 4.8L V8 Built on a Cutaway Chassis?
- Q&A: Hitch, Weight Distribution and Brake Controller Recommendations for a 2017 Toyota Sienna XLE
Chuck S.
7/31/2025
Thanks for your reply. Subaru finally replied and in Buffalo N.Y. They an add a brake controller. Thanks your site is great,