2008 Outback Trailer Wire Harness Install

[theta_116]

Hello

Thought I would share my installation of a trailer wiring harness install. This harness was purchased from www.etrailer.com Part #118461.

First Pull out the rear drivers side floor panel and side door. I had to use a mirror to see the factory harness tucked in behind the panel. Pull this cable out.



This adapter was very easy to install, simply plug into the factory harness and tuck inside the cavity. I looped the rest of the harness through the hole.




After reinstalling the panels back, the harness can be stored in the pocket for safe keeping. Have to see if a rubber grommet can be added in to fill in the space, although the wire is protected by the plastic loom.

[jerky1280]

As an alternative, you can run the wiring between the foam on the left-rear bottom of the trunk and into the rear tire well. There's a rubber plug down there you can cut a slit into and run the wires through there. Then I just zip-tied the wiring to the trailer hitch.

[Moose05]

Has anyone used the Vally Hitch connector http://www.autoanything.com/towing/69A4158A0A0.aspx ? It looks like it might need to be tapped / spliced in as opposed to the Hidden Hitch plug in connector... but it's $9 cheaper with the optional circuit protection.

Also I found a site (http://www.redtrailers.com/ShowItem.asp?id=87446)that has the Hidden Hitch class 3 hitch for $155.70 and free shipping. Much cheaper than etrailer.com.

[Moose05]

Allright, so I'm cheap...

I went ahead and bought the Valley connector...and it works just fine. Instead of using wire taps that came in the package, I just cut the whole dang connector off the car and did a straight splice. Makes it much cleaner looking and takes up minimal space under the carpet.

If you're decent with splicing I would definitely recommend getting this cheaper connector. The hardest part was getting under the plastic to get to the connector in the first place (mine was taped up on itself which made it even more difficult to get at).

[bgrif]

Many thanks for this post and the pictures. I'd found the wire bundle in the back, but it was so tight, I didn't think it was the connector and was afraid to pull. A little manipulation did the trick.