Comparing the Curt Spectrum Brake Controller to Redarc Tow-Pro Elite

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Question:

I’m interested in purchasing the Curtis spectrum controller for my 2015 Toyota Tundra. I know it’s a new product however I can’t find any reviews on this product no where. How is this product compared to other controllers

asked by: Nick

0

Expert Reply:

By all accounts the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller # C51170 works well and is easy to use and install on most vehicles. It is a brand new item so not a lot of feedback has come in on it. I did learn a few things though after speaking with our install team about this controller.

First, compared to the Redarc controller # RED44FR, the Curt Spectrum is easier to install. It can be surface mounted meaning that drilling is not necessarily required (depends on how you run the wiring). The Redarc controller has a knob that is fairly deep and drilling is required to properly install it.

However, the Curt knob is really big in comparison and you may have some difficulty locating a good place for it compared to the much smaller (in diameter) Redarc knob. The Redarc controller is more aesthetically pleasing in my opinion. There are numerous reviews on it if you wish to check it out.

If you decide to go with the Curt controller then for installation you will also need pigtail # C51455. If you go with the Redarc controller you will need pigtail # 3031-S. These harnesses allow you to plug in the controllers directly to your 2015 Tundra.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

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Don K.

5/16/2020

I was considering the Curt Spectrum or the Redarc Tow Pro Elite for my 2014 Ford Escape. My question is, does the dash-mount knob need to be installed in a location where it can be observed and manipulated while driving? There are few good locations for the knob on the Escape, but the better locations are where it can be reached but would be completely obscured visually by the steering wheel “spokes”.

Reply

Chris R.

5/19/2020

As long as you know where it is and can accurately reach for it in a pinch to push down the manual override, seeing the knob for the Redarc Tow Pro Elite # 331-EBRH-ACCV2 isn't absolutely vital for everyday towing. It does display different light colors for various settings and when troubleshooting issues come up, and the knob can be adjusted for power - but those can also be handled when you're parked and in a better position to actually look at it, etc. If space is really limited, another good option is the Curt Echo # C51180, which just connects to your smart phone so you don't have to mount anything int he cab.

Reply

Answer 1

Hey Donald, the best Blue Ox weight distribution would be the pat #BXW0550 as it has a perfect tongue weight range for your 450 lb tongue weight trailer.

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Answer 2

The Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller #RED44FR you were looking at is a very reliable controller, and is a favorite with our customers due to it being so low-profile once installed with only the knob visible making it look like a…

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Answer 3

If you want to add a brake controller to your 2024 Santa Cruz you have to start by adding a 7-way. Since you have the factory tow package you can use the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package #C68JR. This plugs into the…

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Answer 4

Between the Curt Echo #C51180 and Redarc Tow Pro Elite #RED44FR for your 2019 Nissan Titan I recommend the Redarc as it is a one time install, and very out of the way unlike traditional trailer brake controllers. To install the #RED44FR in your…

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Answer 5

When we installed the Curt hitch part #C13386 on a 2013 Ford Explorer like yours we found the distance from the top of the hitch opening down to the ground to be 16-1/4 inches. So since your trailer has a distance from the bottom of the coupler lip…

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Answer 6

Ideally you want your loaded tongue weight to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of a weight distribution system. Since trailer tongue weight is typically 10-15 percent of the total trailer weight the Blue Ox Sway Pro part #BXW0550…

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Answer 7

So long as your 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee has the factory-installed 7-way trailer connector, the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller #C51180 is exactly what you need, with no other parts necessary; The Echo is the easiest brake controller on…

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Answer 8

We have the best luck with the Prodigy P3 #90195 and P2 part #90885. There isn't a controller out there more reliable and better performing that these. The Curt Triflex part #C24VV isn't a bad controller but it's just not quite the same.…

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Answer 9

I would be happy to recommend the correct wiring harness and mounting panel for installing the Redarc Tow Pro Elite #RED44FR in your 2021 Toyota 4Runner. Starting with the wiring harness you will need the Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness #RED49FR which…

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Answer 10

It sounds like you would like to add a trailer brake controller to your 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz to use along with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C23WR. The first thing you will want to add, in addition to the trailer hitch, is wiring. You are going…

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Answer 11

It is very, very likely that the issue with no power to the 12 volt pin of the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector #C68JR is due to a fuse either having been blown or not inserted, so definitely…

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Answer 12

The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller #90195 will come with a 12" Universal Wire Harness #20127 for connecting to your 2022 Tesla Model Y. There is not a plug and play harness made for any Tesla vehicle. A 34" Universal Wiring…

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Comparing the Curt Spectrum Brake Controller to Redarc Tow-Pro Elite

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