Hi everybody,
I'm going to get a brake controller installed on a 2013 Subaru Outback (towing capacity 2750 lb), for a 2016 13' Scamp that has brakes. I don't know when I'm pulling my Scamp to Alaska, but for sure it's going to happen, someday; and I want to do it as safely as possible. Plus, even a trip to Duluth, or to the Wisconsin Dells area, calls for a LOT of up and down. The Outback has managed everything perfectly thus far, no complaints at all. But I do think I would be well-advised to be over-powered than to be operating on the edges, so to speak. So the brake controller is gonna happen.
What should I expect as a quote for installing a brake controller? I've seen some folks say $200-$300, but when I called a nearby Subaru dealer, a guy off the top of his head said about $500. That's a significant difference, and I don't have money to throw around.
I'll call around and ask for quotes. But if you folks can give me a good ballpark, that would help me evaluate what's on offer.
Plus, of course, there's the perennial question of which brand to install. Scamp recommends Tekonsha, and I'm willing to trust those guys, after their 30+ years of experience. Unless anybody can say why they might be wrong.
Would I be better off ordering the controller myself and handing it to the installer and saying, "Here it is. Put it in." Or should I tell the installer what I want and let them order it and install it? As long as they will order what I want. And I think I'd rather trust this community's collective wisdom as to brand, rather than any single dealer/installer person's Favorite Brand.
Thanks to all of you, for your best advice.
"Going Light."
Hi Going Light and Welcome to the clubhouse!
I'd get the Tekonsha Brake Controller, most popular is the P3. As you can see on Amazon they are about $111. At a minimum buy the brake controller and take it to a shop, it will be much less expensive that way. If the Suburu has a pre-wire for brake controller then you just order the appropriate harness and it's a cinch to install, but don't know on the Suburu whether it is pre-wired.
You can take the brake controller to any Uhaul or trailer shop and they can install for you, call around for best price. I'd stay away from the dealer on this type of work.
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You will need to buy a tow wiring harness adapter. You take out the spare tire and all the other stuff back there. On the front of the drivers side of the spare tire access hole there is a plug which you plug your towing wire adapter to. This only supplies your light, signal and brake light to the 7 way plug. You then need to wire the controller. E-trailer sell this kit with everything you need for aux power and brake power. including wires and ckt breakers. (As I recall about $65.) You run these wires from the 7 way plug to the drivers kick panel under the carpet next to the door sill strips. One wire will go directly through the fire wall to the fuse panel under the hood. the other wire goes to where the controller will be mounted and connected to the controller pig tail. The rest of that wire will connect to another pig tail wire and be run through the firewall to the fuse panel under the hood. The kit supplies a ckt breaker for the aux and the brake ckt. Next you will have to connect a wire between the controller and the Brake pedal switch which is very thin. I had to contact E trailer or teknoska to find out which wire to connect to. It took me about 3-4 hours to wire in the controller and the 7 way plug. This was on a 2011 OB.
Eddie
https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Subaru/Outback+Wagon/...
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/etrailer/ETBC7.html
Last year it cost me $200 for labor to install mine at my local shop. 2015 Subaru outback, I didn't have them hook up the back up lights,
In September 2015 at U-Haul I paid $149.95 for a P2 brake controller and $65.00 for installation, total $214.95 plus tax.
Don
2015 Scamp 16'
Tow Vehicle...2013 Lincoln MKX 3.7L V-6
SW Ohio
Thanks, everybody. After getting quotes of "Well, probably about $500?" I just decided to buy my own P3 through Amazon, and trust my local guy to do me right. On account of the local guy in a small town had better not screw you, or his name is known and down the drain. Plus of course he has to stand by his work, because I do all my scheduled maintenance there, and that's where he really makes his living. I picked up my newly-capable 2013 Subaru today, and the damage was $204, which with the purchase of the controller, was totally in the ballpark. I paid fair, and he got fair.
Mustang26, you made out like a bandit, good for you!! :) I checked out U-Haul in my region, and their reviews (and prices) were abysmal. You sure got lucky.
Joan - 2013 Subaru - 2016 Scamp 13'
Sounds like a very fair price to get this installed and through someone you can go back to if anything is amiss.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale