$400 to wire a 7-pin cable in an Outback?

[nigeleccleston]

I received a 'ballpark" quote of $400 from a very reputable trailer dealership to wire in a 7-pin cable in a Subaru Outback. I didn't expect it to be that much. Even assuming the Outback does not have a factory-installed tow package.
I intend to install an AuTOWbrake unit on my 1997 Scamp 13 Standard. Evelands recently installed a new axle with brakes and recommends this unit, especially for Subarus.
I haven't bought an Outback yet but I'm activly looking for a good used vehicle, probably 2014 or so.

[Carl Pa]

I think I paid $300 for my rav4 with tow pkg. I installed the Drawtite hitch myself for $65 with $$ off. That was in 2014. So that seems like a fair price.

[Ttocs M]

I had U-haul install my 7-pin on my 2002 Outback plus hitch/receiver. No problem and it sure wasn't $400.

[Eddie Longest]

E Trailer prices: $41.56 T adapter, 7 pin wiring kit $51.40, P-3 controller $195. It took me 3-4 hours. A shop should be able to install it in 2 maybe 3 hours. Finding and connecting to the correct brake switch wire is a real PIA.
Eddie

[Glenn Baglo]

Originally Posted by Eddie Longest

A shop should be able to install it in 2 maybe 3 hours.
Eddie

3 hours X $150 shop rate = $450.

[k corbin]

The etrailer company has videos posted on youtube showing how that installation is done. You might want to watch them so you know how it is done and from that you could get a good idea of how much time and skill is required for the work. You could also find out if it makes sense to turn it into a DIY installation. I am sure you could find other uses for $400.00.

[thrifty bill]

Step one: Find someone OTHER than a dealership. If you want to pay a lower price, then a dealership is the last place to go.

At least where I live, private Subaru repair shops are plentiful.

In the case of my Ford, it seems like anytime the stealer/dealer works on it, the price is at least $1000. I stopped going to them years ago. Similar to a Subaru, finding a private shop that works on F150s is easy around here. Ditto my Honda Element.

Recent dealer shop rates are in the $85 to $100 range per hour. OUCH!!

[steve67]

My 2018 Forester came with pre-wiring for a 4 way. It's using that, a purchased module, and then adding a couple of wires and fuses at the engine is pretty easy. As mentioned above what a couple of YouTube Videos and see if you're confident enough to try it yourself.

[Tillie and Tyler]

U Haul is worth checking out.
Great prices, policies and staff...at least in this part of the world...nova scotia, canada.

[tractors1]

Originally Posted by nigeleccleston

I received a 'ballpark" quote of $400 from a very reputable trailer dealership to wire in a 7-pin cable in a Subaru Outback. I didn't expect it to be that much. Even assuming the Outback does not have a factory-installed tow package.
I intend to install an AuTOWbrake unit on my 1997 Scamp 13 Standard. Evelands recently installed a new axle with brakes and recommends this unit, especially for Subarus.
I haven't bought an Outback yet but I'm activly looking for a good used vehicle, probably 2014 or so.

Make sure the wiring includes a 10 gauge or larger charge wire.

[Uplander]

Did the guy who quoted you $400 have a gun and a mask ?
Did he include a trans cooler and trailer brake controller at that price?

[Rzrbrn]

Don’t screw around w this. Have it installed by pro. Very frustrating and time consuming trying to wire this yourself unless you are very experienced. $ 400 not too much. Dealership tech’s are well trained.

[pedalmike]

Make sure the shop you choose know what they are doing. I wouldn't automatically assume the dealer techs have the most experience doing this job.

Tech competence at Uhaul can vary greatly location to location.

Some cheap splice connectors can give you trouble down the road, especially in areas that are open to the weather. It would be good to know in advance how the shop plans to make the connections.

As another poster said, getting the correct connection for the blue electric brake wire can be difficult on some modern cars...I don't have personal experience with Subaru Outbacks in the model year range you are considering.

[nigeleccleston]

I'll get a quote from Evelands. The guy that delivers their Scamps uses a Subaru Outback. Thanks everyone for the input!

[Rnupnorthbrrr]

Originally Posted by nigeleccleston

I'll get a quote from Evelands. The guy that delivers their Scamps uses a Subaru Outback. Thanks everyone for the input!

Does Scamp do wiring on tow vehicles ??

[Kathi61]

My local Subaru dealer refers customers to a Hitch Installer in the neighboring state (20 minutes from my home. ) Last Friday, I had a 2" class III hitch ($227), 7 way Bargman Car End Plug and Activator Electronic Brake control ($290) and 2" drop ball mount with 5/5" pin and clip ($40) installed on my 2019 Subaru Outback. All total with tax $595.99. Hope this helps.

[Kathi61]

No they do not. They will install the wireless brake controller on the trailer, but nothing on the tow vehicle.

[Kathi61]

Scamp does not install anything onto the tow vehicle.

[Rnupnorthbrrr]

Thanks....I didn’t think they did..... that would be way to easy, haha, I only live 45 min from the factory !!

[Thomcat316]

Originally Posted by tractors1

Make sure the wiring includes a 10 gauge or larger charge wire.

10 ga. Is actually perfect, as it has enough voltage drop at high current to act as its own charge regulator.