Timberleaf + Subaru Outback

The simple, reliable way to tow, stop, see while backing up, and charge — without drama or dead batteries.

Road trips and forest roads are Outback country — and a whole lot of Timberleaf owners drive one. We hear the same smart questions every week: How do I get a clean 7-way? Will my Outback actually charge the trailer? What about warranty and the car’s battery? Can I add reverse lights?
This guide is our best judgment, drawn from hands-on installs, customer experience, and thousands of towing miles. It keeps things simple: use the factory 4-pin for lights, add a tidy 7-way with a fused battery feed, let the trailer’s DC-DC charger handle charging, and rely on a properly calibrated Au-Tow-Brake for safe, proportional braking. Together, these upgrades make your Outback and Timberleaf tow, stop, back up confidently, and charge like they were built as a pair.

Why Outbacks need this setup

• From the factory, Outbacks are 4-pin only. Great for basic lights—no built-in charge line, brake controller, or reverse-light feed.

• Smart alternators fluctuate voltage. A DC-DC charger in the trailer ensures the lithium battery charges correctly every time.

• Reverse lights improve safety. Not legally required, but they make backing into camp or maneuvering after dark far easier.

• Brake control done right. The Au-Tow-Brake keeps all sensitive wiring on the trailer side, leaving the Outback untouched and under warranty.

What you’ll need

Core towing/charging

• Subaru-specific plug-in 4-pin harness (OEM or quality aftermarket).

• 4-to-7 upgrade kit with bracket and hardware.

• 10–12 AWG charge wire, split loom, clamps, grommets, and a 30–40 A fuse or breaker near the battery.

• Au-Tow-Brake controller installed in the trailer.

Reverse-light add-on

• Small 30/40 A relay with socket.

• Add-a-circuit fuse tap or other safe connection to one tail-lamp’s reverse wire (for relay trigger only).

• 10 A inline fuse from the battery to relay power; 16 AWG wire to the 7-way center pin.

Step-by-Step (installer-friendly)

• Lights – Plug in the Subaru 4-flat harness at the factory connector.

• 7-Way – Mount the new 7-way socket and plug its 4-pin pigtail into the Subaru’s 4-pin harness.

• Charge Line – From the Subaru battery (+), run 10–12 AWG to the 7-way’s 12 V auxiliary stud.

  • Fuse or breaker within 12 inches of the battery.

  • Route neatly in loom, secure every foot, and avoid hot or moving parts.

  • Ground the 7-way white wire to clean bare chassis metal.

• Brakes – Au-Tow-Brake Installation

  • Mount inside the trailer using standard hardware (not magnetic).

  • Connect to the trailer’s 12 V supply, ground, and brake circuit per manufacturer specs.

  • The controller reads the brake and turn signals from the 7-way automatically.

  • We’ll handle the calibration at our shop so it’s dialed in and ready for your first trip.

• Reverse Lights (optional)

  • Use the Outback’s reverse-lamp wire as a relay trigger (pin 86) with pin 85 to ground.

  • Run a fused 12 V line from the battery to pin 30; send pin 87 to the 7-way center pin.

  • When you shift into reverse, the relay energizes the trailer’s backup/work lights with clean battery power.

Upgrade Spotlight: Au-Tow-Brake (Trailer-Mounted Controller)

Why Outback owners love it

• No dash modifications. Nothing to install inside the Subaru’s cabin.

• Tow with confidence. Proportional braking keeps trailer and vehicle in sync on any grade.

• Universal compatibility. Works with any future tow vehicle that has a 7-way connection.

• Factory-friendly. Keeps all wiring on the trailer side—no chance of confusing Subaru’s safety or charging systems.

• Fully calibrated before delivery. We’ll set it up in-shop so you leave knowing it’s ready for the road.

What “good” looks like

• Lights: running, turn, and brake signals pass the walk-around test.

• Brakes: Au-Tow-Brake powered, calibrated, and indicator light on.

• Charging: with the engine running and trailer battery below full, the battery monitor shows a steady positive charge.

• Reverse: shift into “R” and your trailer reverse/work lights illuminate cleanly.

• Engine off: charging drops to zero—no backfeed to the Subaru.

Warranty & Legal — Plain English

• Warranty: Using a quality 7-way kit, fused battery feed, and trailer-mounted Au-Tow-Brake will not void your Subaru warranty. By law, coverage can only be denied if a modification causes a failure.

• Brakes: Trailers equipped with brakes (like the Classic) are required by law in most states to have an operational brake controller. The Au-Tow-Brake fully satisfies this requirement without altering your vehicle.

• Reverse lights: Optional but highly recommended—they improve safety and visibility when backing into camp or hitching after dark.

Need a hand?

We can coordinate with your local hitch shop or handle the trailer-side upgrades right here in Colorado. If your trailer’s due for a wiring refresh or you’d like to add the Au-Tow-Brake and reverse-light package, we’ll make sure everything is calibrated, sealed, and road-ready for your next adventure.