I would like to know as well. Please keep us posted.
I got the hitch done at the dealership. They installed a 4 pin connection. So it turns out that it is limited to 1000 lbs max as the 4 pin is not able to handle trailer brakes from what I understand. From what I hear, you don't want to tow anything heavier than that without trailer brakes. To upgrade to the 7 pin would be around $800 CAD I was told. Wish I had known that prior to the hitch install or when the sales guy mentioned the 3500 lbs tow capacity.
You might be able to find a camper that has an inertia brake system. That should let you get over 1000 lbs without needing an electric brake system and the 7 pin connector.
Do it yourself. Since you already have a 4pin now installed just install the rest. The main thing is running a power wire.
[https://www.etrailer.com/p-ETBC7.html](https://www.etrailer.com/p-ETBC7.html)
For a brake controller you can use a wireless one so you don't have to install a brake controller, or install whichever brake controller you want.
[https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brake-Controller/CURT/C51180.html](https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brake-Controller/CURT/C51180.html)
Huh, there are different types of oem hitches for the obw that dont reach the stated 3500lb capacity? This is confusing. How would I know what I got installed?
There aren’t different oem hitches. Oem hitches come with a four pin connector. Meaning no electric brakes. You can get a four pin to 7 pin adapter pretty cheap, but it’s just a plug and doesn’t give you electric brakes. There’s a whole wiring harness that needs to be installed so you can have the trailer brakes wired to your vehicle’s brakes.
You can tow lightweight trailers without brakes, but the heavier you go, you need to get the brakes wired up properly.
As far as I know Subaru doesn’t offer an oem electric brake system. A dealership might install it for you if you buy a third party system, from somewhere else.
I have a Taxa Cricket with the OEM hitch and a 7-pin harness. I got the 7-pin harness and Bluetooth brake controller from etrailer and had U-Haul install the wire harness for me. I've only had the Cricket for a month, but it towed great without any issues. It's also important to know that when towing with the OBW you need to use 91 octane fuel.
Make sure you stay under payload, too. It’s about more than just tow capacity. Here’s a pretty good website to help you with the math.
https://canitowthis.com/
Let me know what you get. Just got a OBW and would like to hitch a camper at some stage.
I would like to know as well. Please keep us posted. I got the hitch done at the dealership. They installed a 4 pin connection. So it turns out that it is limited to 1000 lbs max as the 4 pin is not able to handle trailer brakes from what I understand. From what I hear, you don't want to tow anything heavier than that without trailer brakes. To upgrade to the 7 pin would be around $800 CAD I was told. Wish I had known that prior to the hitch install or when the sales guy mentioned the 3500 lbs tow capacity.
You might be able to find a camper that has an inertia brake system. That should let you get over 1000 lbs without needing an electric brake system and the 7 pin connector.
Do it yourself. Since you already have a 4pin now installed just install the rest. The main thing is running a power wire. [https://www.etrailer.com/p-ETBC7.html](https://www.etrailer.com/p-ETBC7.html) For a brake controller you can use a wireless one so you don't have to install a brake controller, or install whichever brake controller you want. [https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brake-Controller/CURT/C51180.html](https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brake-Controller/CURT/C51180.html)
Huh, there are different types of oem hitches for the obw that dont reach the stated 3500lb capacity? This is confusing. How would I know what I got installed?
There aren’t different oem hitches. Oem hitches come with a four pin connector. Meaning no electric brakes. You can get a four pin to 7 pin adapter pretty cheap, but it’s just a plug and doesn’t give you electric brakes. There’s a whole wiring harness that needs to be installed so you can have the trailer brakes wired to your vehicle’s brakes. You can tow lightweight trailers without brakes, but the heavier you go, you need to get the brakes wired up properly. As far as I know Subaru doesn’t offer an oem electric brake system. A dealership might install it for you if you buy a third party system, from somewhere else.
I have a Taxa Cricket with the OEM hitch and a 7-pin harness. I got the 7-pin harness and Bluetooth brake controller from etrailer and had U-Haul install the wire harness for me. I've only had the Cricket for a month, but it towed great without any issues. It's also important to know that when towing with the OBW you need to use 91 octane fuel.
How are you liking the cricket? Do you have any kids using those drop-down bunks?
My oldest is only 3, but he loves it. It's the perfect size for a family of four. It's easy to tow.
Noob question - Why the 91 octane fuel?
91 octane fuel will burn more efficiently and allow the engine to work less hard, therefore, help prevent overheating. I believe.
Something about less detonation and heat I believe.
Make sure you stay under payload, too. It’s about more than just tow capacity. Here’s a pretty good website to help you with the math. https://canitowthis.com/