How to Wire a Trailer to a Subaru

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Things You'll Need

  • Trailer wiring kit

  • Double-sided tape

A wiring harness controls the lights on the trailer behind the Subaru.

Wiring a trailer for use behind a Subaru must be done correctly so that the brake lights and the brakes (if installed) on the trailer will work. The Subaru, with its four-wheel drive and excellent handling and power, will tow any trailer within its capacity without a problem.

Installing the Wiring Harness

Step 1

Buy a trailer wiring kit designed for your model of Subaru. Some will come with adapter plugs.

Step 2

Find the towing electrical plug-in in the utility well on the side of the Subaru's trunk. The utility well is located to the side of the spare tire. Some Subarus will have the electrical plug-in inside a wheel well. Remove the panel covering the utility well and find the electrical plug-in. It will have eight pins.

Step 3

Plug the wiring harness into the plug-in. The wiring harness can stay inside the utility well out of sight when not in use. Attach the wiring harness to the inside of the utility well with double-sided tape or the adhesive on the side of the coupling if your wiring harness comes with it.

Step 4

Lead the wiring harness out of the utility well through the fifth door or the trunk lid. The insulation between the trunk lid or fifth door and the body of the car will close over the wiring harness with no problem. Replace the panels covering the spare tire and the utility well.

Step 5

Plug the wiring harness into the trailer adapter.

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