Does Brake Circuit Need to Be Connected at 7-way For Curt Echo C51180 Brake Controller to Function

Question:

I have an older motorhome, 2002. I am upgrading from the round 4 pin to a 7 pin. For the Echo, does the 7 pin blue controller wire have to be hooked up or does the echo get its power from brake light power? Thank you.

asked by: Lynn

Expert Reply:

The blue brake output wire is not needed. In order for the Curt # C51180 Echo Wireless Brake Controller to work properly, the lighting functions (right turn and brake, left turn and brake and running light) circuits must be functional and the pin in the 1:00 position must be receiving constant 12-V from the motorhome battery. The voltage to the brakes is sourced directly from the battery, and the brake lamp signal obtained from the right turn/brake and left turn/brake circuit is what tells the controller to actuate the brakes. The system is very easy to install and control from your smartphone.

The effective wireless range between the controller and phone is 50 feet.

The 12-volt pin on the trailer connector needs to be ran to the positive battery terminal through a 40A circuit breaker like # 9510.

I've linked to a product video explaining more about how the Echo works.

expert reply by: Mike L