How to Add a 7-Way Connector and Brake Controller to a 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness

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Question:

I have a client with a 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness with factory tow package 4 pin. Could you advise on converting to 7 pin with a brake controller? Thank you, Joseph @ Autorimessa

asked by: Joseph C

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Expert Reply:

Hey Joseph. For your client to add a 7-way connector to their 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness, they'll need our 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 their 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. The Subaru's 4-way is needed for the lighting signals so it's good they already have one.

You will then connect the blue wire to the blue wire on the brake controller, connect the black wire to the positive post on the Outback'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 a trailer's brakes and also provide a 12v power wire for the trailer's battery. All wiring, circuit breakers, and connectors are included.

The best option for a brake controller for a 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness is going to be the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item # RED52VR. This is a proportional brake controller that activates the trailer's brakes when the Subaru decelerates. It uses the same amount of force to slow or stop a trailer as the tow vehicle is braking with.

One of the main reasons the Tow-Pro Liberty item # RED52VR 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 the dash to be completely out of the way and out of sight.

The included universal wiring harness will provide you everything you need to get the Tow-Pro Liberty item # RED52VR installed. There are no plug in adapters available for a 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness with or without the tow package.

Where are you guys located at?

You can add this information and any other questions you have where it says Reply to Jerred H and I'll be happy to answer them.

expert reply by: Jerred H

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Tow-Pro Liberty
(click to enlarge)

ETBC7
(click to enlarge)

Joseph C.

10/13/2025

Thank you for this information, Jerred! We are located in Chambersburg PA.

Jerred H.

10/13/2025

@JosephC You're welcome! Almost right in the middle. Do you cheer for Philly teams or Pittsburgh ones?

Joseph

10/13/2025

@JerredH Ha! Around here, we have Philly, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Washington fans! Do you have a wireless brake controller recommendation for the Crosstrek application?

Jerred H.

10/13/2025

@Joseph Right on! Sounds like a fun time at the bars! I sure do. It's the Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller item # C51180 and these are popular with Subaru owners. This is also a proportional brake controller. It's going to plug directly into the 7-Way connector, then you'll plug your trailer's 7-way into the back of it. There's an app that works for both Android and Apple devices that controls all of the Echo's functions and settings. The app connects by Bluetooth so there's no risk of losing signal when traveling in rural or mountainous areas. I linked a demo video we did on the Echo and a Subaru Outback below.

Helpful Links

tv-install-curt-echo-wireless-trailer-brake-controller-2020-subaru-outback-wagon-c51180.aspx

See All (5) Replies to Joseph C. ∨

Answer 1

To convert your existing 4 pole trailer connector into a 7-way, and to install a brake controller you'll need our Brake Controller Installation Kit, part #ETBC7. The kit includes an adapter which will convert the existing 4 pole into a 7-way…

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Answer 2

Thanks for reaching out, Michael! It looks like historically Subaru uses a brown wire (sometimes with another color stripe) for the cold side of the brake light switch, so it sounds like you've got a good start for your 2022 Subaru Outback Wagon.…

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Answer 3

Hey, Stephen! We got just what you need. Since you don't have a tow package, I'm not sure if you have a hitch on your 2025 Ford Ranger so I'll include one just in case. Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver Part #DT35PR Curt…

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Answer 4

There is a wiring kit for a brake controller Preston but it's not going to be a plug and play one. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma does not have a plug in brake controller port. Toyota stopped putting them in after the 2023 model. For your Tacoma, I…

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Answer 5

Hello Fred, thanks for reaching out. We do have brake controllers that can be used on your 2025 Ford Ranger, but I am sorry to say we do not have anything with a custom pigtail for the factory under dash EBC plug. All of the options we have at this…

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Answer 6

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 7

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 8

Hey Alexander. The Universal Mounting Panel item #331-TPSI-001 is what you'll need to install the control knob of the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty item #RED53CR in your 2024 Nissan Frontier. It measures 1-8/16" tall x 1-1/8" wide. There are…

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Answer 9

Hey David, we can help with a brake controller install in your 2006 Jeep Wrangler that has a factory 7-way but your Jeep does not have brake controller pre-wiring so you would need to hardwire in the controller with a kit like the part #5506 and a…

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Answer 10

I wish I could tell you exactly which wire you will need to splice into on your 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness but with your wiring being different than the wiring on the Outback we had in our shop we have no way to know for sure which wire it is.…

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Answer 11

Hey Craig, Not quite sure which video you're referring to but I'm assuming you're trying to install a trailer brake controller? If this is the case then I wouldn't follow the video on the wire color and I would test each wire with a…

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Answer 12

To mount a 7-way wiring harness on your 2017 Subaru Outback you will want to use the Curt Easy Mount Bracket for 4- or 5-Way Flat and 6- or 7-Way Trailer Connectors - 2" Hitch item #C58000. This will attach to the receiver portion of the Curt…

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How to Add a 7-Way Connector and Brake Controller to a 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness

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