Recommended Brake Controller for a 2025 Subaru Outback

Updated 11/20/2025 | Published 11/17/2025

Question:

What additional components are needed to instal this system on my 2025 Subaru Outback XT Onyx edition. The car is already equipped with a 7 plug receptacle at the receiver. Thank You.

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

That is all you will need Brian. The Tekonsha BRAKE-EVN Trailer Brake Controller w/ Plug-In Harness item # TK28BR comes with everything you need to get it installed on your 2025 Subaru Outback Onyx. The included universal harness will allow you to splice into your factory wiring. There is no plug in connector on your Subaru even though it has a 7-way connector.

What kind of trailer do you have?

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

Tekonsha Wiring Harness
(click to enlarge)

Brian

11/19/2025

I have a 2015 RPod 182G. Is this all a diy kit that includes clear instructions?

Brian

11/19/2025

I also need to point out that the 7 pin connector is not factory, and when the dealership installed the hitch they only provided a flat four-way plug. This was my second Subaru outback and when I traded in the other car I removed the seven plug that I had installed but that trailer I had at the time did not require brakes. I guess what I am trying to say is even though I have a seven pin connector it only functions as a flat four-way plug.

Jerred H.

11/20/2025

@Brian Thanks for the additional information! It sounds like you have a 7-Way connector like the Curt item # C57672. To activate the rest of the 7-Way's functions you'll need to install the Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers item # 5506. This kit includes all the circuit breakers, connectors, and wiring you'll need. The power wire is going to go directly to your battery. The other wire will go inside your Subaru to receive the brake controller signal. It will connect to the blue wire on the item # TK28BR harness. You'll want to use the included butt connectors when running the power and brake controller wires.

Jerred H.

11/20/2025

@Brian Nice camper! The Tekonsha BRAKE-EVN item # TK28BR includes instructions but I wouldn't describe them as clear. They will not be vehicle specific. What you'll need to do is get a circuit tester like item # PTW2993 if you don't already have one. This is going to be used to find the cold side of the brake switch. Start your Subaru and locate the wires coming off your brake pedal. You'll want to use the item # PTW2993 to find the wire that only has power running through it when you press the pedal. This will be labeled as the cold side of the brake switch in the instructions. The blue wire is going to connect to the item # 5506, I recommended. The black wire is your 12v power source so you'll need to find a wire to splice into. The white one is a ground. You'll need to attach it to a bare piece of metal.