Troubleshooting Older Curt Triflex Brake Controller Draining Vehicle Battery

Question

Question:

I just bought a new 2017 pilot. I installed my old triflex brake controller on it. My battery drains to a point my car will not start when the car sits for a week. The dealer tells me the controller is drawing 133 mly amps when not in use which is draining the battery. The dealer says 11-21 mly amps drain is ok. What does the controller draw when not in use. Can i install an on and off switch to the harness to solve the problem if indeed the controller is supposed to draw 133 mly amps. Hope you can help. Thankyou

asked by: Ken M

0

Expert Reply:

Trailer brake controllers need to be connected to a constant power source so that its settings are not lost. With this in mind, your older Curt Triflex controller will have a power-saving mode built-in that should minimize the power draw to a point that it should take months on end of the vehicle sitting for it to drain its battery. The power draw you are getting from your Triflex controller is not normal, and indicates that the unit may need to be replaced.

It is likely that the controller has an internal short, which is causing the extensive draw even with the vehicle turned off and no trailer connected. You can try disconnecting the controller to see if the battery drain stops, which would confirm that the controller itself is the issue.

For a replacement brake controller, I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885. This is an excellent, proportional controller that features an easy-to-read digital display, 3 boost levels, and continuous diagnostics that will alert you to any potential issues. If your Pilot came with the factory 7-Way connector, you can use the Plug-In Adapter # 3070-P for a simple, "plug-and-play" installation.

expert reply by: Chris R

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Answer 1

Since your Suburban has the factory 7-way trailer connector, installing the Redarc #RED44FR Tow Pro Elite will be a 100% plug and play installation. The #331-TPH-010 harness plugs into a socket located in the junction box located behind the…

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Answer 2

The 12V power circuit in an aftermarket 7-way connector like #37185 will usually be connected to the vehicle battery through a 40-amp circuit breaker like #PK54540. This installation provides for 12V power at the connector contact at all times, even…

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Answer 3

I spoke with the folks at Curt regarding the issue you're experiencing. The vehicle battery wouldn't drain unless there's a power draw or a short in the wiring somewhere on the trailer. In order for both the vehicle and trailer batteries…

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Answer 4

The Curt Echo Under-Dash Trailer Brake Controller part #C27JR as with most any electric trailer brake controller will draw a very small amount of power even when the vehicle is off so it can save all your settings. That said, the power draw is…

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Answer 5

With the Curt Echo app telling you that there is low battery voltage you may have an issue with the wiring in your 7-way from the vehicle battery. Depending on the age of your battery you will likely want to have it tested if the battery is more than…

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Answer 6

The correct install harness for installing the Curt Echo part #C27JR in your 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 is the part #C51451. It would be pretty cool if the display would integrate into the dash of your truck! Hopefully that happens at some point.

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Answer 7

Nope, definitely not; brake controllers, including the Curt TriFlex NEXT #C24VV will go into sleep mode after a period of time. While technically it still draws power, it is such a low amount that your battery would die from inactivity before it…

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 9

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 10

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 11

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 12

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Troubleshooting Older Curt Triflex Brake Controller Draining Vehicle Battery

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