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Towing with a Forester

151 messages,  Last post on Sep 07, 2010 at 5:28 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Towing, Wagon

Messages Page 1 of 15

#1 of 151 Towing with a Forester by kayakingsue

Aug 01, 2007 (7:34 pm)

How do I connect a trailer with trailer brakes to my 2007 Forester? I bought the tow package with the 07, but it only has a four-prong connector for brake lights and turn signals. The people selling me a pop-up tent trailer say I must have a 7-prong connector to connect the trailer's brakes to the Forester, but that Subaru must install it. When I went to Subaru, they said that the Forester was rated for 1000 pounds without trailer brakes and 2400 pounds with trailer brakes, but that they didn't sell or add the connectors to allow the car to tow the larger amount. What sort of "Catch 22" is this? They say it will tow 2400 pounds, but won't equip the car to do so. Now what should I do?

#2 of 151 Re: Towing with a Forester [kayakingsue] by rsholland

Aug 01, 2007 (7:47 pm)

Replying to: kayakingsue (Aug 01, 2007 7:34 pm)
Unfortunately the dealer is correct. This a problem common to virtually every vehicle that tows. There is a braked trailer rating and an unbraked trailer rating. Subaru is not alone here.
 
The simple fact is the Forester can "pull" 2400 pounds, it just can't "stop" 2400 pounds safely or quickly, hence the need for trailer brakes for anything over 1000 pounds.
 
What I would do is go to a trailer dealer—one that specializes in all sorts of trailers—not a camping center, which may sell pop-up trailers. Trailer dealers do this all the time.
 
You will also need a dash-mounted or console-mounted electronic trailer brake controller, so that you can adjust the amount of braking needed for the trailer. That's what the extra wires on the 7-pin connector are for.
 
Bob

#3 of 151 Re: Towing with a Forester [rsholland] by kayakingsue

Aug 01, 2007 (8:27 pm)

Replying to: rsholland (Aug 01, 2007 7:47 pm)
Thanks for your answer! I guess I was just naive when I thought that buying a towing hitch meant that they were selling me everything I needed to tow (and, of course, stop). I'm still pretty cranky that the guy at Subaru Parts acted like he didn't have a clue what I needed.
 
I wonder what the new wiring and trailer brake controller will cost?

#4 of 151 Re: Towing with a Forester [kayakingsue] by kayakingsue

Aug 01, 2007 (8:29 pm)

Replying to: kayakingsue (Aug 01, 2007 8:27 pm)
Bob,
 
Is there going to be any problem with the rest of my Forester's electrical systems if I retro-fit a 7-prong plug and brake controller into the car?

#5 of 151 Re: Towing with a Forester [kayakingsue] by kavoom

Aug 02, 2007 (4:29 am)

Replying to: kayakingsue (Aug 01, 2007 8:29 pm)
"Is there going to be any problem with the rest of my Forester's electrical systems if I retro-fit a 7-prong plug and brake controller into the car?"
 
Man they sold you a bill of goods. I got a retrofitted Class II Hidden Hitch for less then the Subaru Class I hitch. And NO, if it is done right, you will have NO problem with the electrical. They will run a wire down from the battery then put a converter (little black box) in line and connect up with the four pin under the tire and run it all back to a preset 7 pin box connector next to your hitch. No problem, but around 150 bucks. And let a hitch installer do it. They generally will say it is very easy on a Subaru as it is already set up for a four pin and that makes it easier for them.
 
Show them up front how it is set up and that might lower the estimate since it is easier for them.

#6 of 151 Re: Towing with a Forester [kavoom] by kayakingsue

Aug 02, 2007 (6:52 am)

Replying to: kavoom (Aug 02, 2007 4:29 am)
Thanks for that quick info! I'll check it out.

#7 of 151 Re: Towing with a Forester [kavoom] by paisan

Aug 02, 2007 (7:11 pm)

Replying to: kavoom (Aug 02, 2007 4:29 am)
"Is there going to be any problem with the rest of my Forester's electrical systems if I retro-fit a 7-prong plug and brake controller into the car?"
  
Man they sold you a bill of goods. I got a retrofitted Class II Hidden Hitch for less then the Subaru Class I hitch. And NO, if it is done right, you will have NO problem with the electrical. They will run a wire down from the battery then put a converter (little black box) in line and connect up with the four pin under the tire and run it all back to a preset 7 pin box connector next to your hitch. No problem, but around 150 bucks. And let a hitch installer do it. They generally will say it is very easy on a Subaru as it is already set up for a four pin and that makes it easier for them.
 
This is not entirely true.
 
What has to happen is that a brake controller needs to be installed, not just a 7pin connector.
 
The best brake controllers to get are the Teckonisha (sp?) and run about $120-150 depending on where you buy it. Then you need to connect it up yourself or have a trailer place wire it up. Since the Subarus IIRC are not pre-wired for the brake controller you'll need to run a power wire from the battery to the controller, then the controller connects up to your brake light switch and a few other connectors, then runs back to the 7-pin connector in the rear. What this does is provide 12 volt power and amperage to actually engage your brakes on the trailer. Simply putting a 4 to 7 pin adapter will not yield any braking action on the trailer.
 
Cost runs about $200-300 to get the install done, so you are looking at roughly about $500 overall to get a good controller and have it installed. Don't get a cheap controller that only works off your brake lights as they will kill your brakes on the trailer as they are not inertially controlled as the more expensive ones are. The inertially controlled ones provide braking based on how quickly you are braking rather than on how long your foot is on the brake pedal.
 
-mike

#8 of 151 Re: Towing with a Forester [paisan] by kayakingsue

Aug 02, 2007 (8:47 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Aug 02, 2007 7:11 pm)
This is getting more and more complicated, and I REALLY appreciate everyone who has taken the time to help me understand all the aspects of this issue. I've made notes of all the suggestions, and I'll post what the feedback I get from the Trailer Guys in the next couple of days.

#9 of 151 Re: Towing with a Forester [paisan] by kavoom

Aug 03, 2007 (3:56 am)

Replying to: paisan (Aug 02, 2007 7:11 pm)
I thought we had already dealt with that and that brakes were "assumed." But yes, the Prodigy is the best brake controller out there for the money and worth any extra few bucks you might pay.
 
That is the reason for having a 7 pin hitch. It's the brakes... And that is failing of Subaru. Why install electrical for towing that isn't up to the brakes that you (as a manufacturer) require for anything over 1,000 lbs. All that does is tempt people to not put them on...

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