Hitch, Wiring, and Brake Controller for 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Towing Camper

Question

Question:

Wife is wanting to put a trailer hitch and a wiring harness with brake controller on her 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Doing a trip in 2 weeks from south east Texas to north west Michigan and might be buying a new camper on the way back. So wanting to make sure we are ordering the right parts. Have the Etrailer hitch, wiring harness and Redarc brake controller in her cart. Just wanting it see If there is anything we are missing. Camper is an all aluminum small Keystone bumper pull camper.

asked by: John L

0

Expert Reply:

Hey John! In addition to the hitch, wiring, and brake controller you will also need a ball mount. I recommend the following for a complete setup to tow that camper:

-etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e25TR

-Curt Powered Converter with 4-Way Flat Connector # C59236

-Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7

-Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED52VR

-etrailer Adjustable 2-Ball Mount # e66PR

The # e25TR is a Class III hitch with a bolt-on installation and a capacity to match what your Outback Wilderness is capable of. The Curt wiring harness gives you a 4-way, and then the # ETBC7 upgrades that to a 7-way to tow a trailer with brakes.

The Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty # RED52VR is reliable and easy to use. It looks like you're familiar with their brake controllers from past orders.

I added an adjustable ball mount # e66PR since I don't know what that trailer coupler height might be. If you know the coupler height you could choose the right rise/drop for a fixed ball mount. If you already have a ball mount then it isn't something to worry about.

What kind of camper are you thinking about buying? Any big plans in Michigan?

expert reply by: Robin H

0

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty
(click to enlarge)

etrailer Hitch
(click to enlarge)

Rick

8/24/2026

I recommend the hitch and the installation is great. However I only tow a small utility trailer and use the hitch to carry my bike rack. I do not have experience with a camper or heavier trailer.

Robin H.

8/25/2026

@Rick thanks for the feedback! The hitch is definitely a great option for a bike rack or small utility trailer as well.

John L.

8/25/2026

She’s looking at the Keystone Reign model probably just the 13RK. All aluminum and composite floor. Small weekender camper. Michigan is mainly going up towards Pictured Rock to hike and do whatever else we see. Hoping install is fairly straightforward as I’ll be doing this in an evening before we take off. LOL! Greatly appreciate all the recommendations as you all have for past orders.

Robin H.

8/25/2026

@JohnL the hitch I'm sure you can manage, although this design is on the more time consuming side. The wiring will really be pushing it for an evening install, especially with the 7-way and the brake controller. I would check out the install videos below so you're prepared. If it really comes down to it you might be able to get that dealer to help you finish up if you're buying a new camper from them. It is fairly straightforward, but things happen, installations don't always go as planned, and you don't want a bad start to your trip because you stayed up all night chasing a bad ground or loose connection. That Reign 13RK looks like a nice little setup for the Outback. Pictured Rocks should make for a great trip too, especially if you're planning on getting some hiking in. Hope you guys have a safe trip and enjoy Michigan!

Helpful Links

tv-install-etrailer-trailer-hitch-2026-subaru-outback-e25tr.aspx

tv-install-redarc-trailer-brake-controller-2024-subaru-outback-wagon-red52vr.aspx

Answer 1

Hey Thomas, we have the Curt trailer wiring harness part #C56040 that is a fit for your 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness and would be what you'd need to start with for trailer wiring. This is a 4-way so to convert it to a 7-way and wire up a…

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Answer 2

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 3

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 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 5

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 6

To install a Redarc Tow Pro Liberty in your 2023 Toyota Tacoma Sport you will need the following parts: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item #RED24FR Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers item #RED99FR…

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Answer 7

Hey Jonathon thank you so much for all of that additional information! To haul your bikes behind your class C Sprinter motorhome, while flat towing your Mini, I recommend the Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack item #HLY64FR and the Roadmaster Dual…

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Answer 8

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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Answer 9

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 10

The appropriate torque spec for any application will vary depending on the construction of the wheel as well as on the stud size. I suggest checking the wheels you're using to see if their manufacturer has a suggested torque rating. Steel trailer…

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Answer 11

There sure is K.C.. For a shorter weight distribution shank that fits a 2-1/2" hitch, I recommend the Equal-i-zer item #EQ90-02-4700. This shank measures 12" long x 9-1/2" tall. It provides up to a 3" drop and has a 16,000 lbs…

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Answer 12

You're right, the mounting bracket is unique (in a good way) for the Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller #C24VV. The bracket is smaller and all you do is put the included adhesive tape on the bracket and stick it wherever you like under…

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Hitch, Wiring, and Brake Controller for 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Towing Camper

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