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Recommended To Tow Aliner Scout Lite With 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X  

Question:

I need advice on what to order as my neighbor offered to help install a hitch and necessary wiring for an Aliner Scout Lite that will be towed by my 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X. To learn about all of this, I am doing the parts order. The Aliner Scout Lite is apprx 1300lbs w/ apprx 130 hitch weight. I think the Draw-Tite w/ 2x2 receiver requires no drilling would work. I opt for the 2x2 vs the 1 1/4 receiver. Also a 2 in ball. What kind of wiring harness do I need for the turn signal, brake, etc. lights ? How do I know how many prongsfoot on the plug? Also, the Aliner has electric brakes so I understand I need something called a Break Controller...? A little research I see there is a Time-based or Inertia based brake control - which do I need? What parts? The Aliner also has a small refrigerator is there something I can purchase that will connect to the RV battery to charge and run it while moving? Thank you very much.

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Expert Reply:

Yes you are correct, the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75650 would work the best for the 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X. Having the 2 inch receiver opening would allow more options to choose from when it comes to connecting your trailer and choosing accessories.

I also recommend the etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches # 989900, it includes everything needed to tow trailers, even of different heights. It includes ball mounts, hitch balls, and pin and clip.

When it comes to wiring if your Subaru does not already have a 4-way connection, you will need the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118467. this connection will allow you to have a 4-way flat trailer connector at the back of your Subaru Forester to power your trailer's signal lights.

This custom-fit T-One connector plugs into your Subaru Forester's wiring harness, which is located in your rear cargo area, either behind the driver's-side trim panel or in the spare tire compartment. You will need to remove some interior paneling to access this harness. Once you've plugged in the connector, insert the provided fuse into the in-line fuse holder.

In order to control the brakes on your trailer you will need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7. Along with your 4-way connection, this kit includes everything you need to install an electric trailer brake controller and 7-way connector. This product also includes a aux connection that will enable you to plug in your small refrigerator if needed.

The two types of brake controller types are proportional and time-delayed.

A proportional brake controller senses how the tow vehicle is slowing or stopping and applies the trailer's brakes with the same intensity. So if you slam on the brakes in your tow vehicle, the controller will activate your trailer's brakes just as forcefully. With a proportional controller, you can adjust the initial braking power and aggressiveness based on your trailer's weight and your braking preferences.

A time-delayed brake controller activates the trailer's brakes with a preset intensity (power output) and rate of application (sync), both of which are determined by you. With this type of controller, there is a delay between the time that you initially apply the brakes in your tow vehicle and the time that the controller reaches maximum power output to the trailer's brakes. However, this delay can be adjusted with the sync setting.

At etrailer, we recommend the proportional brake controllers because they are safer for our customer, vehicle, trailer and overall wear and tear. These controllers will help you protect your investment in the long run. The recommended brake controller is the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195.

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Timothy G

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