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. ∨

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Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

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

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