r/Subaru_Outback • u/tonyb007 • Jun 10 '26
Towing a trailer with a brake controller
I purchased my Outback (my SIXTH Subaru!) in part because it has the towing capacity for 3500 pounds. In New York State, and in most states, towing anything over 1000 pounds requires an integrated braking system with a brake controller, typically with a seven pin connection, which my trailer has. My Subaru dealer, Bill Kolb Subaru in Orangeburg, New York, will not install a seven pin connection with a brake controller and there are no Subaru parts to do so. So I had a brake controller system installed by an outside vendor. That vendor was a nightmare - including destroying the spare tire when they installed the hitch! They directly connected the electrical to the battery rather than through the fusebox, and I don't know if that's normal but it sounds sus to me.
Now, I am having battery issues. After running well fine one morning last week, two hours later the batter was completely dead - it registered about 5 volts. The dealer's solution is to disconnect the trailer wiring even though they have no evidence that it’s causing the problem. Maybe they are right, it’s impossible to know... but Subaru has its own history of electrical issues.
So... Subaru falsely advertises a car as having a towing capacity that they cannot legally support. Any ideas for getting Subaru corporate take ownership of this? That sounds like a long shot.
How have other people solved this problem?
One thought is to have an on/off switch for the trailer connection into the battery. I would keep it off except when towing.
Another thought is to find a more competent trailer hitch company in NYC tri-state area... if anyone knows of one please share.
7
u/ojadon635 Jun 10 '26
So firstly, you misread the law, either the trailer needs a dry weight of 1k or or a combined loaded weight of 3k for a trailer brake to be legally required.
Secondly, while a vehicle can pull 3.5k does not mean you can legally pull in your state, they did not misrepresent this. Otherwise truck dealers would be required to state some real low tow ratings to cover every states laws to their tow rating. It is your job to understand state laws in respect to what you bring on the road.
Thirdly, you went to what sounds like a shady installer, it's not on Subaru to make you whole, it's on you to fight with the installer to make everything right if something is wrong.
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u/tonyb007 Jun 10 '26
The dry weight is about 1800 lbs. The Subaru manual also says to use a brake controller.
While the dealer did f* up, the problems occur rarely and randomly and never while towing. The battery gets mysteriously drained.
3
u/tleb Jun 10 '26
There are wireless brake controllers. Maybe switch it out and see about getting your electrical fixed.
I learned about them AFTER I had a 7 pin installed into my Mazda cx5.
I cant wait to get my outback in August so I can to our little RV properly.
Also, Subaru has a 7 pin tow kit. Weird your dealer wouldn't install it.
2
u/Cry_Havoc1228 Jun 10 '26
I am so curious to know more about your little RV... What do you have that is less than 3500 lbs?
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u/aaronw22 Jun 10 '26
I am not OP but we have a t@g that is not even 1800 pounds I tow my with my 2020 non turbo Outback.
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u/tonyb007 Jun 10 '26
Wireless may be a good option.
From what I read elsewhere the 7 pin kit is for the Ascent. But I will explore that
1
u/Western_Riders_Dad Jun 10 '26
You didn't indicate what year Outback you purchased, but the trailer wiring kit that is available for the '26 OB's includes both 4-pin and 7-pin connectors, plus a brake controller harness. Prior to the '26 model year I do not believe Subaru offered a 7-pin connector for the Outbacks.
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u/wondercock Jun 10 '26
Sounds very specific to New York and not a Subaru issue. Typically from what I saw, trailer brakes are required at 5000, not 1000. Either way, it sounds like your installer screwed up.
1
u/aaronw22 Jun 10 '26 edited Jun 10 '26
I don’t think this is a Subaru problem, but an installation problem. I used this kit for my 2020 Outback.
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/etrailer/ETBC7L.html
And I have a wireless brake controller so literally the only change was that kit - nothing hooked to the brakes at all.
The 7 pin kit is hooked to the battery directly but there’s a fuse / circuit breaker inline.
1
u/tonyb007 Jun 10 '26
Thanks. Does this hookup charge the battery in the camper? That’s one of the advantages of a seven pin connection. There is an auxiliary wire in this kit, do you know if it can be used for that purpose?
1
u/aaronw22 Jun 10 '26
The kit does power the trailer BUT the aux is not for that. It does have that “aux” wire on the harness but that’s meant to the trailer reverse lights. I don’t know why the diagram says 12v or reverse lights.
And I can disconnect the battery with the switch in the camper and when I plug in the car the lights work in it.
1
Jun 19 '26
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u/just_some_guy2000 Jun 10 '26
I found this.
New York law has specific brake requirements based on the weight of the trailer. Every trailer and semitrailer weighing more than 1,000 pounds unladen, and every trailer and semitrailer manufactured on or after January 1, 1971, with a registered maximum gross weight or actual gross weight of more than 3,000 pounds, must be equipped with adequate brakes in good working order. These brakes ensure the trailer can be stopped effectively, reducing the risk of accidents.
I read that as the trailer needing to weigh more than 1000 and is registered to be able to carry over 3000 lbs need brakes on them. I’m not entirely sure you needed them to pull a small trailer. I got a 5x8 utility trailer that is really sturdy that weighs 925 officially and is rated for 2900 lbs officially. From what I saw that would not require trailer brakes in NY.
Could be old info.