I negotiated the OEM hitch when I purchased my 08 Outlander as one of the perks to seal the deal. I have finally purchased a travel trailer (2007 Fun Finder x160 - 16' and approximatively 1800'ish pounds dry).

I now need to explore trailer brakes - anyone completed this task yet? In many SUVs there is a "ready, set, go" hook up for the trailer brake switch under the dash, however I haven't found anything online or in any forums relating to this in the Outie.

Also, when the dealer installed the hitch and wiring, I have the four pin basic lights hook up. Does anyone know if I have to modify the wiring to make the 7 work (including the trailer brakes and the power), or just use the 4 to 7 pin adapter that I found in the garage :-)

Sorry if my posts are rather "newbie" - This is my first trailer and this gal could use some friendly pointers and advice.

Thanks!!

CanadianGalAB

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS

 

Look here
http://www.etrailer.com/bc-2008_Mits..._Outlander.htm

 

everything i have read and seen requires a full install of the 7 pin harness and brake controller. nothing was run for 7 pin, only for the basic 4 pin.

unless you understand electrical braking very well. this is not a novice job.

also have you pulled the trailer? 2000 pounds although definitely benefits from brakes, its certainly not crazy to try without them to see if its comfortable for you


also you need to have the 4 pin installed before the 7 pin can be installed

 

Thanks Little Bill and Rastel69.

I have the 4 pin installed, so I guess it's off to Hitch depot to get that tweaked to 7 and I'll get them to run the electrical for the trailer brake. I can certainly hook up the brake, but running the electrical from scratch is beyond my skill set.

Although the trailer is light, and I probably could get away without trailer brakes, I am just not comfortable with that. I live close to the Rocky's so it's only a matter of time before I end up on those inclines on the way to the lake. I think the trailer brakes would give me more control and confidence out in the West Country.

Any other pointers for me are greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much
Theresa

 

Hi, i was just wondering. I found two kind of wiring harness for the Mitsubishi Outlander. One is MZ313815 and the other is MZ314365. What's the difference?

 

I always install these kind of things my self, but just had to ask the dealer how much it would be for the hitch + harness + install, haha… they wanted $900CDN !!!

So I bought a curt hitch of ebay - $150CDN incl. shipping (came straight from a local warehouse within 2 days) plus a OEM Mitsubishi plug & play harness for around $90 from US. The curt hitch is a class III, rated much more than the Outlander can handle. The hitch itself doesn't hide as well, but it doesn't look bad at all!


Install took me about 20-25min. - Did NOT have to loosen or take off exhaust. I used my array of tools and extensions, to get between the exhaust and the hitch! (I was by myself, so it took a bit longer, as I had to balance the hitch while under the car!!!)

NOTE: I left the harness inside the tire jack compartment, and simply used an elastic to keep the harness organized and tugged away in the compartment. When I use the trailer, I just run it on the right hand side and under the tailgate. This way the cable doesn't get pinched, nor will it scratch the paint. - Why do I keep it inside the Outlander? Well this way the connector doesn't rod/corrode. It will work still work in 15 years, and every time I need to use it. (I am in Ontario, and salty winters here are a bit$%, and destroy everything)

 

Hi all. I ordered the Curt Class III on Ebay on Friday and I just received the package today. Fast shipping. There's already a handful of information in this thread, but I will try to contribute also. Thanks guys! I will post pics and info as soon as I get a chance.

 

Thanks to all on this thread for the great info and pictures.

Total install time for Curt hitch and OEM harness working alone was about 3 to 3 1/2 hours. The last hole in the frame on the passenger side was very rusted and took a long time to clean out and get the bolt in on my '08 Outie. How some people did it without dropping the muffler I will never figure out and there was no way it could have been done on my vehicle. The OEM harness was a snap to do, was very plug and play and works very well. Worth all of the 76 bucks I paid and then some!

Total cost,

Hitch at etrailer.com 176
OEM harness at Autopartscheaper.com 76

Well worth my time and effort

Thanks to all.
Donnie

 

Hope all went well...just ordered Curt hitch and OEM harness for my new 2010 Outie xls.

 

Quick question: What Reese receiver (length and rise) will work the best to avoid tailgate strikes under ALL conditions? A 10" long with 4" rise was recommended earlier...but there was some question of tailgate contact unloaded. I just want to make sure since this is a new vehicle and I don't need DS damage. Also, my Curt hitch installation went flawlessly without removing muffler and working under car on my back...installing Mits OEM wiring harness is next. Any advice will be appreciated. George